A new building at Mātai Medical Research Institute will expand medical research, specialist healthcare and education opportunities in Tairāwhiti, supported by a $20 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.
“In its short history, Mātai has put Tairāwhiti on the map with what it has achieved in advanced medical imaging and neuroscience research. They are true pioneers in translating preventative and predictive healthcare research into real-world health solutions,” Mr Jones says.
“This RIF investment will give Mātai the opportunity to bring more research, technology and health-related activity into Gisborne, and create opportunities for Tairāwhiti people to develop the skills needed to take part in that growth.”
Mr Jones announced the funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) at a visit to Mātai today.
The $28.4 million project involves the construction and fit-out of a new three-storey Mātai Innovation Centre adjacent to the Institute’s existing Mātai Imaging Research Centre building. It will include primary healthcare research facilities, specialist clinics, a day procedure unit, education spaces, and supporting infrastructure and parking.
Once the new building is operational, it is expected Mātai will support more than 150 full- and part-time roles. It will also increase the Tairāwhiti region’s access to advanced medical research, diagnostic services and specialist healthcare services currently only available in larger centres.
The ongoing development at Mātai continues to strengthen Tairāwhiti’s health science and innovation ecosystem, helping the region build a more diverse economy based on knowledge and innovation. Education and research placements at the centre are projected to double to more than 100 a year by 2035.
“Mātai is creating pathways into education, research and high-skilled employment that would typically only be available in our big cities or overseas. It shows that cutting-edge research and innovation do not need to be concentrated in our biggest cities – our regions can and should be the drivers of innovation,” Mr Jones says.
Construction of the new building will create approximately 70 jobs and is expected to be completed by April 2029, dependent on design milestones and consents being secured. Mātai is working closely with Trust Tairāwhiti and Gisborne Holdings Limited, the commercial arm of Gisborne District Council, as regional partners on the project.