Our People

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, ēngari he toa takitini    

“Success is not the work of one, but the work of many” 

Naiya Powley

2025 Intern

Gisborne Girls’ High School
Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)

Naiya was born and raised here in Tairāwhiti and has just completed her first year studying Physiotherapy at AUT. She is passionate about making an impact and improving the quality of life for people, which led her to study Physiotherapy. From her own personal experience with concussion, she is interested in neurological rehabilitation and learning how research plays a part in improving health outcomes. This summer, Naiya is excited to join the Mātai team as a summer intern. She looks forward to gaining practical research experience, learning from the expertise of the Mātai team, and building meaningful community connections. She is excited to be home for the summer and is ready to embrace every opportunity that the Mātai internship brings.