Cutting-Edge Healthcare Technology To Showcase In Heart Of South Auckland
New Zealand's medical technology innovation hub, Medtech-iQ Aotearoa will hold an inaugural showcase in the heart of South Auckland this month.
NZ's medical technology innovation hub, Medtech-iQ Aotearoa holding showcase in heart of South Auckland.
New Zealand's medical technology innovation hub, Medtech-iQ Aotearoa will hold an inaugural showcase in the heart of South Auckland this month.
MedTech Explorer will be an interactive showcase of MedTech innovations – from life-saving medical devices and AI-powered diagnostics, to wearable health tech and digital solutions shaping the future of healthcare. The event will bring researchers, innovators and experts together with cutting-edge healthcare technology alongside South Auckland communities.
Open to the public with free admission, the event will be held at the Fale in Māngere on 28 August.
University of Auckland's Strategic Partnership Lead of Auckland Bioengineering Institute Dr Diana Siew, co-leads the national Te Titoki Mataora | Medtech Research Translator programme, the foundation of Medtech-iQ Aotearoa. She also chairs the national stewardship group of Medtech-iQ Aotearoa.
Her vision is to develop capability in NZ to create new medical technologies with a focus on health and equity. She aims for the Fale showcase to inspire young Pacific people and entrepreneurs to participate in the sector, highlighting opportunities for high-value jobs, supporting Pacific community health and encouraging the start of their own tech businesses.
'It's important to meet the Pacific community in the heart of their neighbourhood. This is a such a wonderful opportunity to introduce Pacific youth to the wonders of the latest technology meeting the urgent demands of the health sector.
'This event offers the community a unique look up-close, to not only learn the latest techniques and equipment available, but also to showcase to our young people possible career pathways about making a real difference to the lives of whānau and friends in their communities.'
Moana Connect, a Pacific-led organisation based in Mangere, South Auckland is one of several partners delivering the inaugural showcase.
Dr Amio Matenga-Ikihele a general manager at Moana Connect, co-leads the Pacific module within Te Titoki Mataora | Medtech Research. She's also an Honorary Lecturer in Pacific Health with the University's Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.
'We're excited to welcome our Pacific communities to this inaugural MedTech showcase. This event is about connection – bringing together Pacific communities, health providers, clinicians and innovators to experience first-hand the innovations shaping medical technology.
'We're also delighted students from local high schools will be attending, as it's a chance to inspire them with potential career pathways in medical technology and to highlight the many possibilities this field offers.'
Soteria Ieremia is also a co-lead Pacific for Te Titoki Mataora | Medtech Research, and a sponsor and collaborator with her roles in Pacific-i and Pūtahi Manawa. She says the event was a powerful initiative for the community and the showcase will leave a lasting impression on Pacific youth.
'This is a great opportunity to meet the Pacific community where they are and introduce our Pacific youth to the many possibilities of where technology meets health.
'Our Pacific people are natural innovators, their ability to navigate the Moana with technology over the past millennia is evidence of this.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NZ Herald
8 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Bowel screening uptake in Bay of Plenty appalling
It is a similar story in the Lakes health district, covering Taupō and Rotorua, where 27,694 were sent between August 1, 2022, and May 26, 2025. Of those, only 15,039 were returned. These figures are alarming because New Zealand has one of the world's highest bowel cancer rates, and it is the second-highest cause of cancer. That means an average of about eight people a day are being told they have it. It's not just an older person's cancer either, because more than 350 people under 50 are diagnosed annually. Many people know someone who has survived bowel cancer or died from it, and much has been done over the past eight years to try to get in front of the problem. The National Bowel Screening Programme started in July 2017 and has been introduced by all the former 20 district health boards, with Bay of Plenty being the last. People are invited to join the programme at 60, and are then sent a free home-test kit every two years until the age of 74. The Government is lowering the eligibility age to 58 nationwide from March. It has, however, been criticised for axing plans to lower the age for Māori and Pacific people to 50. The national charity Bowel Cancer New Zealand wants the screening age lowered to match Australia, where it is 45. It is, understandably, unhappy with the Government's slow progress. The media and advertising also play important roles in raising awareness. There are countless news articles in the media, and the national bowel screening multimedia campaign launched in July 2022 encourages people to take part in screening, emphasising it is free, quick and simple, 'and you can do it at home'. The good news is that Health NZ credits the campaign with raising awareness. But perhaps among the most powerful weapons for raising awareness are the individual patient stories. Kiwis such as Tauranga survivor Rachael Ferguson, who was 32 when she was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in December 2020. She has been 'clear' since surgery in February 2021. Then there's Rotorua father Matthew Keogan, who was 49 when he was diagnosed in 2021. He was told to get his affairs in order and say goodbye to his family as he might live only another three to six months. He has made a miraculous recovery after chemotherapy and immunotherapy with pembrolizumab (Keytruda). Last month, Northland's Cheryl Waaka, a former Black Fern and mother of two teenagers, talked about facing her toughest opponent yet: stage 4 bowel cancer. There are plenty of other personal stories on Bowel Cancer NZ's website, each offering an insight into that person's journey, each offering hope and each helping drive a greater understanding. All these people are brave and inspirational. So, given there's been a national screening campaign, heightened awareness, personal stories, and a lowering of the screening age, a reasonable question remains: Why would people fail to do something simple that costs them nothing but could save their lives? Reasons could include fear, stigma and people simply not wanting to go through what they perceive as the unpleasant procedure of having to collect samples and send them off. However, it would be fair to say some people probably can't be bothered, are ignorant or believe it won't happen to them. Whatever the reasons, the Bay of Plenty and Lakes figures are appalling. As survivor Rachael Ferguson rightly says, there are 'so many people under the age of 60 that are screaming out to have those kits' that eligible people not returning them is simply 'wasted resources'. The Government needs to lower the screening age further. At the same time, everyone eligible needs to take up the offer. It could save their lives. Bowel Cancer NZ chief executive Peter Huskinson has the final word. 'That free test in your mailbox doesn't just detect cancer – it can stop it before it starts,' he says. 'Don't leave it in a drawer. Put it by the loo and get it done.' Wise words indeed. Sign up to the Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
18 hours ago
- Scoop
Cutting-Edge Healthcare Technology To Showcase In Heart Of South Auckland
Press Release – University of Auckland NZ's medical technology innovation hub, Medtech-iQ Aotearoa holding showcase in heart of South Auckland. New Zealand's medical technology innovation hub, Medtech-iQ Aotearoa will hold an inaugural showcase in the heart of South Auckland this month. MedTech Explorer will be an interactive showcase of MedTech innovations – from life-saving medical devices and AI-powered diagnostics, to wearable health tech and digital solutions shaping the future of healthcare. The event will bring researchers, innovators and experts together with cutting-edge healthcare technology alongside South Auckland communities. Open to the public with free admission, the event will be held at the Fale in Māngere on 28 August. University of Auckland's Strategic Partnership Lead of Auckland Bioengineering Institute Dr Diana Siew, co-leads the national Te Titoki Mataora | Medtech Research Translator programme, the foundation of Medtech-iQ Aotearoa. She also chairs the national stewardship group of Medtech-iQ Aotearoa. Her vision is to develop capability in NZ to create new medical technologies with a focus on health and equity. She aims for the Fale showcase to inspire young Pacific people and entrepreneurs to participate in the sector, highlighting opportunities for high-value jobs, supporting Pacific community health and encouraging the start of their own tech businesses. 'It's important to meet the Pacific community in the heart of their neighbourhood. This is a such a wonderful opportunity to introduce Pacific youth to the wonders of the latest technology meeting the urgent demands of the health sector. 'This event offers the community a unique look up-close, to not only learn the latest techniques and equipment available, but also to showcase to our young people possible career pathways about making a real difference to the lives of whānau and friends in their communities.' Moana Connect, a Pacific-led organisation based in Mangere, South Auckland is one of several partners delivering the inaugural showcase. Dr Amio Matenga-Ikihele a general manager at Moana Connect, co-leads the Pacific module within Te Titoki Mataora | Medtech Research. She's also an Honorary Lecturer in Pacific Health with the University's Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. 'We're excited to welcome our Pacific communities to this inaugural MedTech showcase. This event is about connection – bringing together Pacific communities, health providers, clinicians and innovators to experience first-hand the innovations shaping medical technology. 'We're also delighted students from local high schools will be attending, as it's a chance to inspire them with potential career pathways in medical technology and to highlight the many possibilities this field offers.' Soteria Ieremia is also a co-lead Pacific for Te Titoki Mataora | Medtech Research, and a sponsor and collaborator with her roles in Pacific-i and Pūtahi Manawa. She says the event was a powerful initiative for the community and the showcase will leave a lasting impression on Pacific youth. 'This is a great opportunity to meet the Pacific community where they are and introduce our Pacific youth to the many possibilities of where technology meets health. 'Our Pacific people are natural innovators, their ability to navigate the Moana with technology over the past millennia is evidence of this.'
Scoop
19 hours ago
- Scoop
Cutting-Edge Healthcare Technology To Showcase In Heart Of South Auckland
Press Release – University of Auckland New Zealand's medical technology innovation hub, Medtech-iQ Aotearoa will hold an inaugural showcase in the heart of South Auckland this month. NZ's medical technology innovation hub, Medtech-iQ Aotearoa holding showcase in heart of South Auckland. New Zealand's medical technology innovation hub, Medtech-iQ Aotearoa will hold an inaugural showcase in the heart of South Auckland this month. MedTech Explorer will be an interactive showcase of MedTech innovations – from life-saving medical devices and AI-powered diagnostics, to wearable health tech and digital solutions shaping the future of healthcare. The event will bring researchers, innovators and experts together with cutting-edge healthcare technology alongside South Auckland communities. Open to the public with free admission, the event will be held at the Fale in Māngere on 28 August. University of Auckland's Strategic Partnership Lead of Auckland Bioengineering Institute Dr Diana Siew, co-leads the national Te Titoki Mataora | Medtech Research Translator programme, the foundation of Medtech-iQ Aotearoa. She also chairs the national stewardship group of Medtech-iQ Aotearoa. Her vision is to develop capability in NZ to create new medical technologies with a focus on health and equity. She aims for the Fale showcase to inspire young Pacific people and entrepreneurs to participate in the sector, highlighting opportunities for high-value jobs, supporting Pacific community health and encouraging the start of their own tech businesses. 'It's important to meet the Pacific community in the heart of their neighbourhood. This is a such a wonderful opportunity to introduce Pacific youth to the wonders of the latest technology meeting the urgent demands of the health sector. 'This event offers the community a unique look up-close, to not only learn the latest techniques and equipment available, but also to showcase to our young people possible career pathways about making a real difference to the lives of whānau and friends in their communities.' Moana Connect, a Pacific-led organisation based in Mangere, South Auckland is one of several partners delivering the inaugural showcase. Dr Amio Matenga-Ikihele a general manager at Moana Connect, co-leads the Pacific module within Te Titoki Mataora | Medtech Research. She's also an Honorary Lecturer in Pacific Health with the University's Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. 'We're excited to welcome our Pacific communities to this inaugural MedTech showcase. This event is about connection – bringing together Pacific communities, health providers, clinicians and innovators to experience first-hand the innovations shaping medical technology. 'We're also delighted students from local high schools will be attending, as it's a chance to inspire them with potential career pathways in medical technology and to highlight the many possibilities this field offers.' Soteria Ieremia is also a co-lead Pacific for Te Titoki Mataora | Medtech Research, and a sponsor and collaborator with her roles in Pacific-i and Pūtahi Manawa. She says the event was a powerful initiative for the community and the showcase will leave a lasting impression on Pacific youth. 'This is a great opportunity to meet the Pacific community where they are and introduce our Pacific youth to the many possibilities of where technology meets health. 'Our Pacific people are natural innovators, their ability to navigate the Moana with technology over the past millennia is evidence of this.'
