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Featured: Winter
As part of the Taranaki Medical Foundation's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, our Summer Research Programme was showcased in the Winter 2026 edition of Live Magazine, highlighting one of the Foundation's longest-standing investments in the future of healthcare in our region.
For nearly two decades, the Foundation has supported medical education by connecting normally resident Taranaki medical students with experienced local clinicians to undertake clinically relevant summer research. These projects provide students with valuable research experience while contributing to audits, quality improvement initiatives and research that strengthens healthcare for our community.
The feature also celebrates the journey of Dr Emily Davenport, whose story reflects the enduring impact of the programme. Growing up in New Plymouth, Emily was awarded two TMF Summer Research Scholarships while studying medicine at the University of Auckland. Those opportunities helped develop her research skills and strengthen her connection with Taranaki.
Emily has since completed her Fellowship in General Surgery and advanced subspecialty training in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Today, she continues to give back to the community as a General Surgeon, researcher and educator, and now serves as Treasurer of the Taranaki Medical Foundation—helping guide the organisation that invested in her as a medical student.
Her journey is a wonderful example of the Foundation's vision: investing in today's students to build tomorrow's clinical leaders.
Summer Research Programme Applications
Applications for the 2026–2027 Taranaki Medical Foundation Summer Research Programme are now closed.
The programme welcomes:
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Normally resident Taranaki medical students seeking an eight-week summer research scholarship.
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Primary and secondary care clinicians wishing to supervise a research, audit or quality improvement project.
Applications closed on Friday 31 July.
Learn more about the Summer Research Programme →
2026 EVENTS
- Impetigo Intertrigo & InfestationsWed, 12 AugZoom
- Analgesic StewardshipThu, 10 SeptZoom
- TMF 60th Birthday PartyWed, 01 JulBowlarama Family Entertainment Centre
- TMF 60th: Digital Tools in Assessing ADHDThu, 18 JunZoom
- TMF 60th: Men’s Health PanelThu, 21 MayYarrows Stadium Suite 2 - Access GATE 4
- Wāhine Toa – Stories of Strength in HealthSat, 18 AprNovotel New Plymouth Taranaki
- TMF 60th Anniversary - Visiting Professor Series - Prof Yvonne AndersonThu, 16 AprTaranaki Base Hospital - Lecture Theatre
- TMF 60th Anniversary - Visiting Professor Series - Prof Yvonne AndersonWed, 15 AprYarrows Stadium Suite 2 - Access GATE 4
- TMF 60th: Treasurers in Research - Optimising Surgical Outcomes: Referral, Risk & ReadinessWed, 18 MarYarrows Stadium Suite 2 - Access GATE 4
- TMF 60ᵗʰ ANNIVERSARY AMBROSE INVITATIONAL Charity Golf TournamentMon, 09 MarKaitake
- TMF 60ᵗʰ Presidents' Practice PearlsThu, 19 FebYarrows Stadium Suites - Access GATE 4
- TMF 60th: Summer Student Research SpotlightWed, 28 JanZoom
Celebrating 60 Years of Legacy, Learning & Leadership
In April, we welcomed Professor Yvonne Anderson to
Taranaki for our 60th Anniversary Visiting Professor Series.
A week of connection across clinical care, research, and community, bringing together clinicians, students, and the wider Taranaki community.
Since 1966, the Taranaki Medical Foundation has supported innovation, education, and research in healthcare across the region.
This year we mark 60 years of this enduring legacy.
Explore our history, meet the founders, get involved in the celebrations, and be inspired to help shape the future of Taranaki healthcare.
TMF Ambassador Reflection: Toiora 2026
Taranaki medical student Oliver Salisbury, currently studying at the University of Otago, proudly represented the Taranaki Medical Foundation as the TMF Ambassador at the New Zealand Medical Students' Association Conference, Toiora, in Auckland. In his reflection, Oliver shares the people, ideas, and experiences that strengthened his understanding of equity, innovation, advocacy, and holistic healthcare, and how these lessons will help shape his future career in medicine.
In the Media:
Autumn 2026
This autumn edition features Dr Matthew Dalman and his grandmother Jean, reflecting on family, community, and the connections that shape our lives in Taranaki.
Summer 2026
We were pleased to share the story of the Taranaki Medical Foundation’s 60th Anniversary in Live Magazine. The article reflects on our history and looks ahead to a year of connection, learning, and celebration across Taranaki.
60th ANNIVERSARY LOGO DESIGN FOR 2026
The TMF 60th Anniversary Logo Competition held from May to July 2025 brought together an incredible range of creative entries from our community. Votes from current members, a proxy vote from residents of Jean Sandel Retirement Village, and input from life members, past Executive Committee members, and our current Executive Committee selected the winning design from four outstanding finalists.
Congratulations to the Winner - George Ballard
Taranaki Medical Foundation: An open book for 60 years
“When researching logo design concepts for Taranaki Medical Foundation, I came across a simple and stunning image: a book laid open on a simple black surface. What struck me was the way the pages of the book cradled the silhouette of Taranaki in the centre of the image. I believe this speaks to the way TMF and the education it fosters supports and surrounds the Taranaki community.
I have adapted the image into an elegant logo that both represents TMF’s lasting legacy and the role it will embody in the years to come. The logo modernises and rationalises TMF's existing brand and colours, creating a powerful opportunity to adopt the logo not only in celebration of the 60-year legacy, but in all future applications of the brand.”
– George Ballard
George's connection to Taranaki's healthcare community runs deep. His brother is a junior doctor (trainee intern) at Taranaki Base Hospital and an associate member of the Foundation. His sister-in-law is a midwife at the hospital. This personal link to the region's medical whanau adds another layer of meaning to his design and reflects both TMF's legacy and its living ties to those working in health today.
This logo will now feature across all our Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2026 on event materials, memorabilia, and across all TMF communications.
We are deeply grateful to all 20+ entrants who submitted their creative legacy logos for this special milestone. Each design reflected though, passion and a connection to TMF's story, and together they showcased the price and support for TMF as we make our 60th Anniversary celebrations.
From Society to Foundation
Now in our 60th Anniversary year, we celebrate the pioneering spirit of our founders and the generations of medical professionals who have contributed to this legacy
Over the decades, the Society evolved into what is now the Taranaki Medical Foundation, supporting countless research projects, scholarships, and educational initiatives.
Our mission remains unchanged: to empower medical professionals with the knowledge and resources they need to enhance healthcare for our community.
Meet the Founders
The Birth of a Vision
On the evening of July 7, 1966, a group of dedicated medical professionals gathered at New Plymouth Hospital with a clear goal—to establish a society that would foster ongoing medical education and research for the betterment of healthcare in Taranaki.
What began as a discussion within the North Taranaki Clinical Society swiftly took form. Led by Dr. Stone and Dr. Hayton, the inaugural meeting saw the election of officers and an Executive Committee representing general practitioners, hospital staff, and specialists from across the region.
The founding members recognised the importance of continuous learning, research, and professional collaboration—principles that remain at the heart of our work today.
Get Involved
There are many ways to be part of the Taranaki Medical Foundation’s 60th Anniversary celebrations.
These include attending events, contributing to our shared history, supporting future medical education and research, or simply helping us spread the word.
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