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EIT’s foundation skills, and sport courses pave new pathways for rangatahi | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 minutes ago

Students taking part in EIT’s Level 3 Sport, Recreation and Exercise at the Maraenui Learning Centre have had a successful year.

EIT’s Foundation Skills and Sport, Recreation and Exercise courses are creating meaningful opportunities for rangatahi in Hawke’s Bay, helping them reconnect with education and discover their potential.

The courses—Level 2 Foundation Skills (Exercise and Wellbeing), Level 3 Sport, Recreation and Exercise, and Level 4 Exercise—operate out of EIT’s Maraenui Learning Centre and have become a hub of growth and transformation.

Delivered in partnership with EIT graduate and lecturer Levi Armstrong’s Meki Foundation, the programmes focus on holistic education, blending physical activity, personal development, and strong pastoral care to ensure students thrive.

“These are students who left school early and thought education wasn’t for them,” said Sport and Exercise Lecturer Coven Ratima (Ngāti Kahungunu), an EIT graduate who now tutors the same course he once completed. “But once they step into this space, they see what’s possible. It’s fun, it’s engaging, and it’s designed to build their confidence and skills.”

Hope Truman, 17, is one of those students. After leaving school at 16, she was hesitant to join the programme, even with encouragement from her mum. “At first, I didn’t want to do it. I told her, ‘I’m not going,’ but then she said she’d come with me because I didn’t want to go by myself,” Hope shared. Her mum joined her on the first day, sitting alongside her in the classroom.

That initial support was all Hope needed to embrace the programme. “After the first day, I wanted to keep coming because everyone was just so welcoming,” she said. “Even though it was their first time meeting me, they were like, ‘you’re our daughter now,’ so I thought, okay, I’m coming.”

Now thriving in the Level 3 course, Hope plans to continue her studies in 2025. She’s not alone—100 per cent of this year’s Level 3 students in Maraenui have enrolled in Level 4 for next year.

Students take part in diverse activities, from planning events to designing fitness programmes, all while developing critical skills like teamwork, time management, and leadership. Highlights of 2024 included the “Longest Day” fitness challenge and a decathlon sports day in November, which brought students from across the region together to celebrate their achievements.

This year, the courses also expanded into Gisborne for the first time, marking a significant milestone. Record numbers of students are now preparing to continue their studies in 2025, building on their successes at Level 2 and Level 3 to progress into higher qualifications.

Next year, the level 2 and 3 courses will be offered in Maraenui, Tairāwhiti, Central Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa.

Levi (Ngāti Kahungunu) said having the courses in the community breaks down barriers.

“In places like Maraenui, we’re creating safe, supportive spaces where whānau feel welcome and students can focus on their education.”

He also highlighted the importance of addressing challenges outside the classroom. “We’re removing barriers like transport and food insecurity so students can concentrate on their learning. It’s about creating a space where education feels possible and exciting.”

Coven echoed the sentiment, saying, “The growth has been phenomenal. It’s not just about education; it’s about giving them the tools to build better lives for themselves and their whānau. Seeing them succeed is the ultimate reward.”

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International student who chose EIT for her postgraduate studies in New Zealand completes journey with PhD | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

4 minutes ago

Priyanka Antil, who came from India to do a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology (GradDipIT) and the Master of Information Technology at EIT, has continued her journey and recently completed a PhD at AUT in Auckland.

An international student chose EIT for her postgraduate studies in New Zealand and is now reaping the rewards having recently completed her journey with a PhD.

Priyanka Antil, 38, has always had a passion for IT, having completed her Bachelor of Computer Science and Masters in Computer Application in her home country of India.

She spent a number of years working in India before marrying her husband Vinod and having a son, Priyansh.

It was then that Priyanka started looking for opportunities to study abroad.

“I did my research and I really liked the look of New Zealand. We chose EIT because I wanted to go to a polytechnic rather than going to a university. When I saw EIT, I knew that it was a good institute so I applied.”

It was a decision she does not regret, even though it meant moving her young family halfway across the world to pursue her studies in 2015.

She enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology (GradDipIT) at EIT in Auckland, which was a one-year programme.

“We had a couple of admission offers from institutes, but we chose EIT because I had some specific criteria. I wanted to go to a government institute and I wanted to be with students from different countries.

She loved the Postgraduate Diploma, and it whet her appetite to go forward with her studies. It was a natural progression to do a second Masters. She chose the Master of Information Technology and she is glad she did.

“After I finished my Graduate Diploma, I got a job here in Auckland as a part-time lecturer at AWI, Institute”

“Working part-time also motivated me to continue my higher education journey. I want to grow in the field more, so that I can be a part of the education system here in New Zealand.”

The next phase was her PhD, but unfortunately EIT does not offer that programme so she completed it through AUT in Auckland. However, her association with EIT did not end as she has received guidance from EIT Adjunct Associate Professor Alison Clear.

The PhD in software engineering has taken her four years to complete, something she says she could not have done without her husband, who has been the family’s sole income earner as a manager at a local supermarket.

However, that has changed and Priyanka now has a job of her own, working as a senior test engineer at GenTrack Global Limited.

EIT Auckland Campus Director Cherie Freeman says: “EIT is immensely proud of Priyanka and her outstanding accomplishments as she graduates with a PhD. Her dedication and perseverance exemplify the excellence we strive to cultivate in all our students.”

“Although EIT does not currently offer PhD programmes, we are delighted to see how our Master’s qualifications serve as a strong foundation for graduates aspiring to pursue further research and academic success.”

“Priyanka’s achievements highlight the value of an EIT education in supporting students to achieve their goals and make significant contributions to their chosen fields. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Priyanka and her family, and we wish them continued success and happiness as they continue their journey here in New Zealand.”

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New Zealand wharfies join international day of action against Qube Ports

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

New Zealand maritime workers will be rallying in support of Australian workers at Qube Ports on Monday 16 December 2024.

Australian wharfies at Qube are stopping work at ten ports in an International Day of Action to expose Qube Ports’ refusal to take safety, fatigue and work-life balance concerns seriously during bargaining for a new employment agreement covering more than 1000 workers.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says New Zealand wharfies will be supporting the Maritime Union of Australia in their struggle, with delegates heading across the Tasman in both directions, an international video link, and protest events to be held in two New Zealand ports.

TAURANGA informational picket Monday 16 December (1pm–3pm)
Hull Road, Mt. Maunganui (Port gates)

GISBORNE informational picket Monday 16 December (Morning)
Corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Hirini Street

Maritime Union of Australia delegates and MUNZ officials will be attending these pickets and available to talk to media.

Mr Findlay says Qube management need to be aware their actions in Australia will have consequences for their brand and credibility internationally unless they change their attitude towards their workforce.

He says the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and the Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) will be “acting as one.”

Qube Ports in Australia is an ASX listed behemoth which has extracted mega-profits in recent years from the productivity delivered by their hard working employees, and has doggedly refused to sit down and negotiate a new agreement with their workforce. 

The MUA says Qube has repeatedly dismissed safety and fatigue concerns and declared it unprofitable to operate a business which takes safety seriously. 

While wharfies’ pay has gone backwards against inflation, executive bonuses and shareholder dividends have soared. Over the last four years, Qube profits have jumped by 148%.

The MUA has repeatedly called on the company to return to the bargaining table and engage meaningfully with the safety, fatigue and work-life balance concerns that Qube employees are raising.

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Reappointment of Tony Gibson to maritime industry board role a travesty

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union says the reappointment of disgraced former Ports of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson to a director position at Marsden Maritime Holdings (MMH) is a travesty and an insult to the memory of workers killed and injured on the job.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says workers are in disbelief at the absolute lack of judgement shown by MMH.

Mr Gibson was found guilty in November 2024 of a health and safety charge stemming from his former role as CEO of Port of Auckland Limited.

Maritime NZ laid charges against Mr Gibson under the Health and Safety at Work Act after the death of a stevedore, Pala’amo Kalati, in 2020.

Marsden Maritime Holdings is a New Zealand Exchange-listed (NZX) company, which has a 50% stake in Northport, a marina, and significant industrial land holdings.

Mr Findlay says the news shocked workers who lived through the Gibson years at Port of Auckland, which saw deaths and serious injuries, sustained attacks on the workforce, and a failed automation project that cost Aucklanders hundreds of millions of dollars before Mr Gibson’s resignation.

Mr Findlay says there is a culture of impunity for directors and senior managers.

“What more does it take for a public company to say time to go?”

Mr Findlay says it’s a case of “jobs for the boys” and a glaring example of the double standard applied, as workers would be sacked for far less serious offences and find it hard to get back into work.

“The corporate elite need to get the message that the working-class majority are getting sick and tired of seeing this entitled self-serving attitude.”

He says the Maritime Union congratulates Port of Auckland, a minority shareholder in MMH, for its principled decision voting against Mr Gibson’s reappointment.

Mr Findlay says the stance of the New Zealand Shareholders Association who directed proxy votes against the reappointment was also a responsible course of action.

He says MMH CEO Rosie Mercer should retract her praise of Mr Gibson.

“Let’s be absolutely clear – there are families who will be missing someone this Christmas because of avoidable workplace deaths. Marsden Maritime Holdings should be ashamed at this insult to the memories of workers who lost their lives.”

He says the Maritime Union would be following the issue up with Northland Regional Council and would be seeking the removal of Mr Gibson from the MMH Board.

The Maritime Union would continue to campaign for corporate manslaughter laws.

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Move to New Zealand for a better life sees EIT student follow her architectural dream | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

6 minutes ago

Juanett Broadhurst is currently in her first year going into the second year of the NZ Diploma in Architectural Technology (Level 6) at EIT.

After six years of working in the finance industry, a move from South Africa for a better life for her family has seen an EIT student follow her Architectural Technology dream.

Juanett Broadhurst, 39, moved from school straight into the fast-paced finance industry in Johannesburg, South Africa, but she always yearned for more. Six years ago she and her husband Angelo made the difficult decision to move the family to New Zealand for a better life.

Juanett has three children ranging from 20-years-old to ten years-old. Her husband is a motor vehicle dealership owner in Ahuriri, but Juanett always felt that she needed to carve her own niche.

“Architecture has always been something I wanted to do since high school. My interests have always been in civil engineering or architecture. And when my son went to university last year, I realised that it’s been 25 years in the making. Up until now I’ve always been in an industry where I never felt fulfilled.”

She initially tried her hand in real estate in Hawke’s Bay, but found that she was not suited for sales.

“I soon realised that I had more interest in how the properties were put together than actually selling them.”

“We were doing research for my son on what he wanted to study when we came across architecture online. It just clicked for me. It was actually what I’ve wanted to do my whole life. I didn’t know EIT does architectural technology or even architecture for that matter.”

Juanett is currently in her first year going into the second year of the NZ Diploma in Architectural Technology (Level 6) at EIT. Even thought she was not at EIT when Cyclone Gabrielle hit, Juanett has seen the progress the rebuild has made in the last year.

She has loved the Architectural Technology programme at EIT and has enjoyed that the tutors are qualified industry professionals.

“I love the fact that the tutors are involved.  I am a person of structure, so I like that their programme is structured very logically and they make it fun as well. Everything is very technical and can become overwhelming, but they break it down very simply so that you get just the right amount of knowledge to progress you and make sure that you know what you are doing.”

Juanett is looking forward to getting out into the job market and she credits EIT for preparing her for this.

“They make you job ready, so that you can go work in any type of environment. You can become an interior designer or you might want to gain a little bit more experience in the industry and you can go do inspections for different companies.”

“I would love to gain some work experience in an architectural firm.”

“The designing of houses are great and that’s also something I really do love, but what I find fascinating is the design of the services.”

EIT Architectural Technology tutor Courtney Vuicakau said: “Juanett is testimony that it is never too late to follow your dreams.  Our course attracts people from all stages of life.  It requires no previous experience in architecture, we will give you the knowledge and skills required to be a participating member of an architectural practice.  We look forward to seeing Juanett continue to grow during her second year of study.”

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Government ferry announcement fails to launch

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Union representing Cook Strait ferry workers has expressed amazement at the Government’s announcement today on the Cook Strait ferries.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says the Government has just kicked the can down the road on hard decisions once again.

“The only real announcement today was Nicola Willis announcing she will soon be sacked from the Finance portfolio.”

The appointment of Winston Peters as Minister for Rail and the setting up of a Schedule 4 entity to procure ferries were widely expected, he says.

He says no costs were provided by the Finance Minister and the Government was using commercial confidentiality as a fig leaf to conceal how its decisions had led New Zealand into a very expensive dead end.

Mr Findlay says the Finance Minister’s claims that her ferry deal would be cheaper than the iRex project had no credibility.

“How can she make such bold assurances when she hasn’t got a deal or even a confirmed plan?”

He says the only clear information available was that the ferries would be smaller and less capable, with no information about port side infrastructure.

The suggestion of private operators being involved created more confusion, he says.

“What New Zealand wanted today was certainty and a path forward, and what we got was an admission of failure from the Minister of Finance.”

Mr Findlay says the appointment of Winston Peters as Minister of Rail was an interesting situation, as Mr Peters understood the New Zealand rail network requires rail enabled ferries, unlike the Minister of Finance.

He says there is still an opportunity for New Zealanders to insist the Government procure fit for purpose rail enabled ferries.

“In the meantime, the future of this essential infrastructure hangs in the balance.”

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Experienced nurse who rose through the ranks is appointed EIT’s Head of Nursing | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

5 minutes ago

Kat Williams has been appointed Head of the School of Nursing at EIT.

An experienced nurse who has risen through the academic ranks at EIT, has been appointed Head of the School of Nursing.

Katherine (Kat) Williams, who was until her new appointment, programme co-ordinator for the Bachelor of Nursing, began working at EIT in 2017,

“I started off as a casual practicum lecturer, so I was supporting students out on clinical, and then from there I just got more and more involved. I worked my way up to a full-time position and spent most of my time in the first year team.”

After returning from maternity leave for the birth of her first son, Kiwa, Kat took on the role of programme co-ordinator for the Bachelor of Nursing. She was in the role for 14 months before she went on maternity leave for her second son, Te Ariki. She returned in April to assist with Nursing Accreditation- and fulfilled the role of Acting Assistant Head of School until the end of October this year.

Kat says that having the support of her partner,  whānau , friends and colleagues has made fulfilling her roles at EIT possible.

“Although this position is for me, it’s for my whānau too- they are the ones that keep me grounded, motivated, and undoubtably support me.”

It has been a journey for Kat to get to this position, with COVID-19, Cyclone Gabrielle, changes to EIT and Te Pūkenga, as well as changes in the leadership of the School of Nursing all having to be navigated.

One thing is for certain, Kat brings a vast array of experience in all facets of nursing overseas and in New Zealand. Born in Rotorua and schooled in Tokoroa, Kat studied for her nursing degree at Massey University and her Master’s degree at the University of Auckland.

She started off the new graduate programme at Tauranga Hospital, working in Kaupapa Māori and a surgical ward. After 18 months there she decided to apply for a role at Camp America and ended up  being the summer camp nurse, before jumping in a campervan with friends to see the United States.

After another stint in a surgical ward at a hospital in Darwin, Australia, Kat tried her luck in Saudia Arabia. While she enjoyed her time there, she then followed her yearnings to return to Alice Springs, Australia  . She soon became a nurse educator filling in as maternity cover, which ended up being a two-and-a-half year stint.

Kat’s final adventure took a different direction – working in the emergency department in Tennant Creek. Although it was exciting and there was lots of learning, she then had a desire to return home to Aotearoa.

She then worked for TriEX in Auckland and WOHC in Hamilton. Her endeavour at that stage was to continue nursing within an Occupational Health and safety space- however, her now husband lived in  Hawke’s Bay so this changed the plan somewhat.

“This led to my interest in working at EIT within nursing education- and I’ve been here ever since.”

Now that she is Head of School, Kat is focussing on building her leadership team, as well as the wider academic team in the School. She is also focussed on strengthening the relationships  with key stakeholders and gaining an understanding of their needs and the reality of the current workforce demands.

Kat also believes that research is an important part of the School of Nursing and says that in consultation with EIT’s Research team and the Faculty Dean exciting opportunities for this space to grow and develop are on the cards “however, not overnight.”

Dr Helen Ryan-Stewart, EIT’s Executive Dean, Education, Humanities and Health Science, says: “We’re thrilled to have Kat step up into the Head of School, Nursing role. With her extensive experience in nursing in Aotearoa and worldwide, and her proven track record of educational delivery, we’re confident that she will bring a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to our Faculty.”

“It is fantastic to be able to promote from within the organisation, and Kat has consistently demonstrated her commitment to EIT’s values. Kat’s energy is infectious, and we’re excited to see how she’ll inspire and motivate the nursing team.”

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Former EIT student now learning a trade in Army so that he can provide plumbing service back home on the East Coast | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

5 days ago

Sapper Brooking Poi is now in the NZ Army having studied the NZ Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Services Pathway) (Level 3) at EIT Tairāwhiti.

A former EIT student, who used the services pathway programme to prepare for a career in the NZ Army, is now learning a trade that he can take back home to the East Coast after he leaves the Army.

Sapper Brooking Poi’s (Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Tūmatuenga) journey to success is  a positive one and is helping to promote the benefits of study to potential students in his East Coast community.

Brooking, 19, was born in Gisborne but spent his childhood in Ruatoria before finishing his schooling at Lytton’ High School. He was always keen to join the NZ Army and was told by Zac Te Maro, a tutor at EIT, that he should go to the Army and the best way to prepare for it was to do a programme at EIT. It was worth the effort as he completed the NZ Certificate in Study and Employment Preparation (Services Pathway) (Level 3) at EIT Tairāwhiti.

He says that he enjoyed the programme due to the working environments and with their high quality of standards.

He says being fit helped as well, which he had done by weight lifting and touch rugby. Brooking is currently on sick leave, having dislocated his shoulder. He is based at Linton Army Base in Palmerston North, where he is doing a plumbing trade.

“I would like to go back home, especially back in Tairāwhiti, where we don’t have many plumbers and help out the Kaumatua.”

He says the apprenticeship he is doing in the Army is teaching him plumbing, gas fitting and drain laying. Having signed up to the Army, Brooking has to stay there for eight years, but he believes that he will stay on a bit longer and get all his licences. He even has ideas to trade change after his apprenticeship to gain more knowledge.

He says that studying further after school was always something he wanted to do.

“It was just the way I was raised. Put your head down and do the mahi and you get the treats later.. Not only did I have mates at EIT , but tutors were nice and they were very respectful to us.”

EIT Trades and Technology Head of School, Todd Rogers, says: “It is great to see Brooking pathway through to the NZ Army following the path carved by other members of his whānau.”

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EIT Associate Professor appointed co-chair of academic advisory board of award-winning climate action non-profit | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

16 minutes ago

Associate Professor Pii-Tuulia NIkula

Pii-Tuulia Nikula, an Associate Professor in EIT’s School of Business, has been appointed Co-chair of  the Academic Advisory Board of the Climate Action Network for International Educators (CANIE).

CANIE is a volunteer grassroots initiative formed by international education practitioners from around the world who see the need for the sector to step up and act on climate. CANIE serves as a platform to bring the sector together to act as a catalyst for action.

CANIE has recently won a number of awards, including the 2024 Catalyst Award from the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), 2024 Membership organisation of the year and 2024 Sustainability international impact award by PIEoneer, and the 2022 President’s Award by European Association for International Education (EAIE).

CANIE announced the academic advisory board appointments in its latest newsletter, saying: “Their expertise and commitment to sustainability in international education will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission.” Associate Professor Nikula will be co-chair of CANIE’s Academic Advisory Board along with Dr Anne Campbell who is based in the United States

The Academic Advisory Board provides advice on climate change and international education related matters or, when appropriate, responds to requests from the CANIE Global Board in relation to wider issues raised by stakeholders.

Associate Professor Nikula says that she is honoured by the appointment as CANIE plays an important advisory role on sustainability and climate change in international education.

“I am committed to the work CANIE does in the sustainability field in international education. I am looking forward to working with Anne Campbell and our interdisciplinary academic advisory board with expertise in international education, climate science, energy systems/aviation decarbonisation, climate justice, and business/management.”

Associate Professor Nikula is an internationally recognised researcher and innovative educator with extensive industry, teaching and research experience in the fields of management, policy, sustainability and higher education. She teaches courses in sustainable organisations, global strategies and research methods and supervises undergraduate and postgraduate level students. She also has extensive experience in course and curriculum design and programme and course coordination roles

Pii-Tuulia’s work has been published in leading international journals and she has co-edited two books: Sustainable Education Abroad: Striving for Change and Student Recruitment Agents in International Higher Education: A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective on Challenges and Best Practices.

EIT Head of the School of Business, Dr Gareth Allison, said: “Associate Professor Nikula’s appointment as Co-chair of CANIE’s Academic Advisory Board is a testament to her exceptional expertise and commitment to sustainability. Her appointment showcases the alignment at EIT between high quality research and real-world impact. We are proud to see her play a pivotal role in this important global initiative.”

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New Port Code could save lives on the waterfront

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union of New Zealand says the new Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for loading and unloading cargo at ports and on ships could save lives and prevent serious harm on the waterfront.

The ACOP was launched this morning at Port of Auckland as the result of work by the Port Health and Safety Leadership Group made up of port unions, ports and stevedoring companies, the Port Industry Association, and regulator Maritime NZ.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says the Union has been campaigning for a national industry code of practice for years.

He says the ACOP provides clear guidelines to ensure the safety and health of workers involved in loading and unloading cargo at ports. 

“There has been a terrible history of death and injuries over the years in New Zealand ports, and the ACOP will play a major role in prioritizing the health and safety of port workers.”

Mr Findlay says including the workers on the job perspective has been an essential part of developing the ACOP.

He says the task now is to ensure the ACOP is adhered to by employers and understood by port workers.

“The key is making sure the ACOP is having an impact on the day to day practices at ports where Unions are the worker’s voice on the job.”

Mr Findlay says there has been further progress in the industry with the development of fatigue risk management systems and the extension of Maritime NZ’s designation to cover the entire port.