Dr Kyla Matenga, Carving a Path in Medicine
We love celebrating the journeys and achievements of our iwi members, the hard work, determination, and success stories that uplift us all. This week, we’re proud to feature Dr Michaela “Kyla” Matenga, a dedicated wāhine Māori who is making her mark in the world of medicine.
Born in Porirua and raised between Porirua and Nelson, Kyla’s journey into medicine began with a strong sense of purpose and a passion for helping others. Supported by a Māori Tūkahika scholarship, she started her studies with a foundation year before completing a Bachelor of Health Science and Medical School, a seven-year journey through the University of Otago.
After graduating, Kyla began her career as a junior doctor in Tauranga, before moving to Nelson and eventually returning to Tauranga. She’s now part of the Orthopaedic Training Programme, travelling around Aotearoa with the goal of becoming a fully qualified orthopaedic surgeon within the next five years, a significant milestone for one of the few wāhine Māori and Pasifika in this specialist pathway.
Kyla’s whakapapa connects her to Ngāti Toa Rangatira (Takapūwāhia Marae) and to Ngāti Porou (Te Kara Marae). She is the daughter of Timothy Matenga and Joan Samuela, and the granddaughter of Kaka and Bill Matenga, who are fondly remembered and have been strong influences in shaping her life and values.
Outside of the hospital, Kyla leads an active life. She’s passionate about sport and fitness, playing competitive netball, training in CrossFit, and taking on endurance challenges like triathlon training. But beyond her personal pursuits, she’s deeply committed to mentoring young Māori and Pasifika students into health careers.
For rangatahi interested in following a similar path, Kyla encourages taking science subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics at school.
Kyla’s journey reflects the impact of hard work, determination, and pride in whakapapa. Through her mahi and leadership, she’s helping open doors for the next generation of Māori in medicine. We wish Kyla all the best in her future endeavours.