Mātai Research Institute awards 17 school leaver scholarships

The students, front row from left: Josef McGrath, James Hamblyn, Maxwell Kennedy, Malsha Mahabalage, Ana Jones, Carys Holmes, Nina Botting. Back row from left: Noah Wright, Leo Sung, Yannick Coombe, Louis Wylie, Angus Clarke, Aiden Mill, Thom Caughley. Absent: Shelley Rangihuna, Holli MacDonald and Jaimil Ravla. The Mātai team with them are Dr Samantha Holdsworth, Dr Josh McGeown, Davidson Taylor and Leigh Potter, along with supporters Gwen Lemaire and Barry Foster, Reweti Ropiha and Anne Pardoe. Photo / Supplied

Gisborne-based Mātai Medical Research Institute has awarded 17 school leaver scholarships to help in the tertiary study stage of “future innovators” in medical research and technology.

Chief executive Dr Samantha Holdsworth thanked all individuals, groups and organisations who had supported the students.

“They’re wonderful students who have already worked hard and given back to their communities,” Holdsworth said.

“The [selection] panel was blown away by their energy and passion. It’s clear they’ve got a bright future ahead – one that’s sure to uplift the whole community."

The 2025 supporters of the scholarship programme were Turanga Health, Dawson Building Co, QUEST Enterprise Trust, Gisborne Host Lions Club, Pinnacle Health, Pultron Composites Ltd, Dr Katharine Holdsworth, the Holdsworth-Tilghman Family, Dame Bronwen Holdsworth, Paringahau Station, an anonymous community donor and Mangatawa Beale Williams Memorial Trust.