Leigh Potter
PgDip HSC, NDMDI
Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungungu, Rongomaiwahine, Rongowhakaata
Leigh Potter is the Chief Operations Officer and co-founder of Mātai, a not-for-profit medical research institute based in Tairāwhiti-Gisborne. With a background spanning over two decades in radiology clinical practice, Leigh brings expertise in medical imaging technology, operations management, and research administration. She was instrumental in establishing Mātai Institute’s MRI clinical service and research operations, and continues to lead key functions across the institute.
One of the few Māori imaging technologists globally, Leigh is driven by a passion for her people. She is committed to advancing equitable health outcomes through innovative, translational research, and to creating opportunities that support future generations — particularly by attracting, developing, and retaining Māori talent in health and science.
Collaboration sits at the heart of Mātai Institute’s work, and Leigh plays a central role in building meaningful partnerships across clinical, academic, and community settings to ensure research has real-world impact.
Leigh serves on several national advisory boards, including the Mātai Māori Advisory Board, the Malaghan Māori Advisory Board, and the University of Auckland Medical Imaging Advisory Board.