Government lends $20m for Mātai Research Institute expansion

The $28.4m project includes constructing and fitting out a new three-storey Mātai Innovation Centre next to the institute’s existing imaging research building.

Once operational, the institute as a whole is expected to support more than 150 full- and part-time roles.

The institute says it currently has a team of around 40 people, including PhD students and researchers. It collaborates with more than 100 researchers worldwide.

Construction is forecast to be completed by April 2029, depending on consenting and meeting design milestones. The construction process itself is expected to create about 70 jobs.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones announced the funding on a visit to Mātai on Thursday.

Jones said the loan from the fund would allow the institute to bring more research, technology and health-related activity into Gisborne.

It would also create opportunities for people in the Tairāwhiti region to gain the skills needed to take part.

“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,” he said.

The new facility will include primary healthcare research facilities, specialist clinics, a day procedure unit and education spaces.

It will increase the region’s access to advanced medical research, diagnostic services and specialist healthcare now only available in larger centres.

The Mātai Institute has projected it will double education and research placements to more than 100 a year by 2035.

Jones said the institute showed that cutting-edge research and innovation did not need to be concentrated in New Zealand’s biggest cities.

“Our regions can and should be the drivers of innovation.”