Category: Blog

Auto Added by WPeMatico

Posted on

School students begin journey to chosen career through EIT’s Trades Academy | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

15 mins ago

Eight hundred and forty secondary students from across Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti have signed up for the Trades Academy at EIT | Te Pūkenga this year.

Eight hundred and forty secondary students from across Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti have signed up for the successful Trades Academy at EIT | Te Pūkenga this year.

The Trades Academy, at EIT’s Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay campuses, works with secondary schools to provide year-long trades programmes to help students achieve NCEA Level 2 or 3 and prepare for higher-level study. The Trades Academy offers programmes that include automotive, trade skills, hair and beauty, hospitality, agriculture, and health and fitness. Students attend Trades Academy each week, gaining  vocational skills and getting hands on experience. Some schools have extended this to Year 11 and Year 13.

This year’s cohort of students will participate in 22 programmes in Hawke’s Bay and 19 in Tairāwhiti. In addition to the regular offering, a new programme in Tairāwhiti – Agriculture Equine – will be taught in Tolaga Bay.

Paul Hursthouse, the EIT | Te Pūkenga Director of Business Relationships and Transitions, says EIT has a strong focus on supporting students as they transition from high school into the workforce.

Paul said he is pleased to see the number of students wanting to follow their passion while still at secondary school.

“The Trades Academy allows students to kickstart their vocational pathway while at school. We enjoy seeing the students come to our campuses every week, knowing that they are gaining valuable knowledge and hands-on experience in their chosen vocation.”

“We hear many stories of people who have gone on to be successful in a particular trade or vocation thanks to getting that early start through our Trades Academy programme.

Posted on

Big strides being made in reopening EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay Campus after devastating Cyclone Gabrielle | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

18 mins ago

One year on after being damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle, the Hawke’s Bay Campus of EIT | Te Pūkenga is about 65 per cent open with about 85% of all learners back on campus.

One year on from when Cyclone Gabrielle ravaged the Hawke’s Bay Campus of EIT | Te Pūkenga, great strides are being to fully reopen the campus.

Normal academic service came to an abrupt halt at the Taradale campus on 14 February 2023 when flood water swept through the buildings. The cyclone caused extensive damage with up to 90 per cent of the ground-floor buildings – more than 500 rooms – being damaged by flood water and contaminated silt. Fortunately neither the EIT | Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti campus nor the Regional Learning Centres suffered any significant damage and service delivery was able to resume.

EIT | Te Pūkenga management and kaimahi (staff) moved quickly to ensure that programme delivery at the Hawke’s Bay campus got back on track as quickly as possible, first online and then in up to 45 temporary sites across Napier and Hastings. This became known as “the  EIT | Te Pūkenga extended campus”.

EIT | Te Pūkenga Executive Director Partnership and Projects Glen Harkness thanked the community for opening its doors and hearts in the institute’s hour of need.

“We have always been closely connected to our community, but this showed the depth of this bond. Whether it was council buildings or classrooms at local schools, we were made to feel welcome and our students were able to continue their education.”

While programmes were continuing, a big job of repair and rebuilding began on the campus with a dedicated team of kaimahi, volunteers and contractors pitching in.

Mr Harkness says the rebuild became an opportunity to enhance the campus for the future.

“We have been able to assess what our future needs will be and rebuild the campus accordingly.”

A big priority was to get specialist spaces, which accounted for about about 30 per cent of the campus, reopened. They include vet nursing, nursing, viticulture & wine science, some creative disciplines, plumbing, automotive and mechanical engineering. This was achieved in time for the second semester in July last year.

“Fortunately, most of the buildings used for specialist programmes had limited damage and were easier to repair. It was also hard to find specialist facilities to accommodate these programmes in the community, so it was a priority to get them back on campus,” says Mr Harkness.

A significant step was taken last month when three blocks – G, M and A – were blessed at a karakia and have since been reopened.

G block is home to the Hawke’s Bay Trades Academy as well as Hair and Beauty. M Block houses the School of Business, but will be accommodating programmes from across the institution while other buildings are repaired. A Block has departments including  the International Centre, The Education Development Centre that support staff teaching practice, and Te Kura Awarua Rangahau Māori Research Centre. The block will accommodate a range of staff and teaching delivery temporarily.

This development means that about 65 per cent of the campus is now open with about 85% of all learners back on campus.

“The goal is to have all planned works completed by the start on the 2025 academic year. Buildings will continue to reopen during 2024.”

Mr Harkness says the main goal is to provide learners with an opportunity to achieve certificates, diplomas and degrees in their chosen field.

“We are confident that we will be able to continue to provide a learning platform at our new brighter and better campus.”

Posted on

Cook Strait connection in limbo

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union of New Zealand says pressure is mounting on the Government to provide leadership on the Cook Strait ferries.

One year ago, then National Party opposition Transport Spokesperson Simeon Brown described the Cook Strait ferries as the “the biggest pothole on State Highway 1” after multiple technical problems with ageing ships.

In August 2023, he then described the current ferries as causing “significant safety concerns.”

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Craig Harrison says the future of Cook Strait has now become a “black hole not a pot hole” in our transport network, due to the Government’s demolition of the iRex project.

“Despite his strong criticisms prior to being elected, we have not heard a peep out of Transport Minister Simeon Brown recently about the future of the Cook Strait as a key transport link.”

He says the new Government’s iRex decision in late 2023 has left the future of the interisland ferries in limbo.

Mr Harrison says many industry figures and commentators from across the political spectrum have expressed concerns about the future of the Cook Strait connection and the logic of the Government decision.

He says there is a danger that New Zealand will end up with a cheap, sub-optimal ferry option that will see ongoing disruption and safety issues.

“The long term cost may end up a lot higher.”

Mr Harrison says the Government may still have to walk back its hasty call to can the new ferries and terminals.

KiwiRail will appear before the Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee at Parliament on Thursday 15 February.

Posted on

Successful resolution for Australian port workers at DP World 

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union of New Zealand has offered its congratulations to the Maritime Union of Australia for the successful resolution of the industrial dispute at DP World terminals.

The Maritime Union of Australia and Dubai Ports reached an in-principle agreement last week, subject to endorsement by the MUA membership employed at Dubai Ports in Australia.

The agreement, which replaces an earlier agreement that expired in September 2023, is for a four-year term and delivers fair pay, safety and fatigue management measures, and provides job security and a fair work-life balance for Australian wharfies.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Craig Harrison says Australian port workers at DP World had the full support of New Zealand maritime workers and had persevered to achieve a good outcome.

Mr Harrison says it is concerning that a proposed port privatization at Port of Auckland features DP World as a potential terminal operator. 

He says DP World has come under increasing scrutiny in Australia and elsewhere for its business practices.

According to recent polling carried out on behalf of the Union, the great majority of Aucklanders support keeping the Port of Auckland in public ownership.

Posted on

New Zealand maritime workers support Australian workers at DP World

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union of New Zealand says it is backing the Maritime Union of Australia in their dispute with DP World 100%.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Craig Harrison says Australian port workers at DP World have the full support of New Zealand maritime workers.

Industrial action has occurred at DP World terminals in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle as port workers press for wage increases to counter cost of living hikes. 

Mr Harrison says it is hypocrisy for employers to be attacking workers seeking reasonable wage increases, while companies like DP World ratchet up giant profits for their owners – in this case the Royal Family of Dubai.

He says there are strong ties between maritime unions in Australia and New Zealand.

Mr Harrison says DP World has come under increasing scrutiny in Australia and elsewhere for its business practices.

Although one of Australia’s two largest port operators, a recent report found DP World has paid no tax in Australia despite generating revenue of more than AU$4.5 billion over eight years.

Mr Harrison says it is very concerning that the proposed port privatization at Port of Auckland features DP World as a potential operator. 

He says the behaviour of DP World in Australia by pushing up massive container surcharges, tax practices, and poor workplace relations, were all red flags. 

“Is this the kind of corporate operator we want to give monopoly control of Port of Auckland to?”

Posted on

Port strike in Bluff called off

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union of New Zealand says a strike in the port of Bluff has been called off.

Workers at port company Southport were planning to walk off the job this morning for 48 hours, but last minute negotiations yesterday resulted in a positive outcome.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Craig Harrison says a compromise was reached with the employer around wage increases and other outstanding issues, and will be taken back to the union membership for ratification.

Mr Harrison says the result is a good one.

Posted on

Karakia marks another step in reopening of EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay Campus | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

39 seconds ago

A dawn karakia was held this morning to mark the opening of three blocks – G, M and A at the EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay Campus.

A dawn karakia this morning marked a significant step in the reopening of the Hawke’s Bay campus of  EIT | Te Pūkenga.

Nearly a year after Cyclone Gabrielle caused extensive damage to the campus in Taradale, the blessing marked the opening of three blocks – G, M and A. The cyclone caused extensive damage to the Taradale site in February with up to 90 per cent of the ground-floor buildings – more than 500 rooms – being damaged by flood water and contaminated silt.

About 30 per cent of the Hawke’s Bay campus was able to be reopened for delivery in time for the start of Semester 2 in July.

The kaikarakia at this morning’s ceremony were Mana Hazel, Wirihana Raihania, Te Kaha Hawaikirangi, Piripi Smith and Chad Tareha. In attendance were EIT | Te Pukenga Staff and Management, Chris Olsen and Steve Price from Gemco Construction and Dylan Rodger from RCP.

EIT | Te Pūkenga Executive Director Glen Harkness said the opening of the three blocks was an exciting development on the road to full reopening of the campus.

“The buildings A, M and G will enable significantly more delivery and student facing services to return to campus. Of note, G block is home to the Hawke’s Bay Secondary Schools Trades Academy, which will see secondary school students return to campus shortly.”

“We are very grateful to our staff, and our contractors and consultants who have worked hard to rebuild our campus. While we have appreciated the way the community has allowed us to deliver our programmes throughout Hawke’s Bay, it is good to be coming home and resuming normal services.”

“We are part of this community and it is important that people are able to see what we have to offer. We offer a full range of qualifications from certificates to postgraduate level, with full-time, part-time and online study options available.”

Posted on

Maritime Union opposes Red Sea military involvement 

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union is opposing the decision by the coalition Government to send a detachment of New Zealand military to the Red Sea, after a request from the United States of America.

Shipping in the Red Sea has recently been disrupted by Yemen based Houthi forces carrying out attacks in support of Palestine.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Craig Harrison says if the New Zealand Government is concerned about shipping security, there are better places to start.

“The Government just cancelled replacement ferries for the Cook Strait, which is a major threat to New Zealand transport links, so they should try dealing with problems a bit closer to home.”

He says if the Government is serious about protecting New Zealand trade it must rebuild New Zealand shipping to provide resilience and redundancy in the supply chain.

Mr Harrison says the Red Sea maritime conflict had one solution, which was an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and negotiation of a political solution for Palestine.

He says the military involvement by the United States and a small group of Western countries in the Red Sea area could result in more violence and instability.

“Rather than trying to ramp up a war, New Zealand should spend its energies working for peace by defusing the conflict and ending the mass death of civilians especially with the terrible situation in Gaza.”

“As a union representing seafarers we are extremely concerned about the danger all seafarers are facing in the Red Sea, and in the meantime the only option is for shipping to avoid the area.”

The Maritime Union said the response of the Labour Party and Green Party opposing involvement was the correct one.

Posted on

Information and enrolment day an opportunity to choose career path at EIT Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay Campus | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

6 mins ago

The EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay campus will be open for an information and enrolment day between 9am and 6pm on Thursday, 25 January 2024.

Prospective learners have an opportunity identify a career path from many on offer at an EIT | Te Pūkenga information and enrolment day to be held at the Hawke’s Bay Campus this week.

The information day on Thursday 25 January will be another opportunity for the partially rebuilt campus to be showcased after it was devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle a year ago. The cyclone caused extensive damage to the Taradale site in February with up to 90 per cent of the ground-floor buildings – more than 500 rooms – being damaged by flood water and contaminated silt.

About 30 per cent of the Hawke’s Bay campus was able to be reopened for delivery in time for the start of Semester 2 in July.

The information and enrolment day is open to anyone who is interested in studying at EIT | Te Pūkenga and who would like more information about what programmes are on offer.

The event will be held between 9am and 6pm at the EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay Campus. Events will also be held on the same day between 10am and 2pm at the Maraenui, Hastings and CHB  Learning Centres. An information day will be held at the Wairoa Learning Centre on 31 January between 10am and 2pm. 

EIT | Te Pūkenga Executive Director Glen Harkness says a lot of hard work has been done to ensure the they were able to reopen much of the campus.

“We are part of this community and it is important that people are able to see what we have to offer.”

“We offer a full range of qualifications from certificates to postgraduate level, with full-time, part-time and online study options available.”

“Whether you’re looking to get qualified, upskill, or just exploring your study options, come chat to our staff about how EIT | Te Pūkenga may support you.”

Prospective students will be given a tour of the campus and a chance to chat to the student liaison team and tutors about what is on offer.

“Our Career Advice Service is available as is information on scholarships and student loans and allowances. Staff will be also beavailable to help you complete the enrolment process,” says Glen.

Check out the EIT | Te Pūkenga website eit.ac.nz for more info or phone 0800 CALL EIT.

Posted on

EIT Te Pūkenga to showcase wide range of programmes on offer at information and enrolment day in Tairāwhiti | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

An information and enrolment day will be held at the EIT | Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti Campus on Thursday (25 January 2024).

Prospective learners in Tairāwhiti will get an opportunity to view the wide selection of programmes offered by EIT | Te Pūkenga at it’s information and enrolment day on Thursday (25 January 2024).

The day is open to anyone who is interested in studying at EIT | Te Pūkenga and who would like more information about what programmes are on offer.

The event will be held on Thursday between 9am and 6pm at the EIT | Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti Campus. An information day will be held at the Wairoa Learning Centre on 31 January between 10am and 2pm. An information day planned for the Ruatoria Learning Centre has been postponed and a new date will be announced in due course.

Waata Shepherd, campus manager at EIT | Te Pūkenga in Tairāwhiti, says the day is an opportunity for EIT | Te Pūkenga to show what it has on offer.

“We are very proud of our wide range of programmes and would encourage everyone to come and choose something that suits them.”

“We are quite unique in offering people a full range of qualifications from certificates to postgraduate level, with full-time, part-time and online study options available.”

“This gives learners the opportunity to remain at home with whānau while pursuing top class qualifications like our Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts through Toihoukura.”

“Come chat to our staff to see how EIT | Te Pūkenga may support you, whether you’re looking to get qualified, upskill, or just exploring your study options.”

Prospective students will be given a tour of the campus and a chance to chat to the student liaison team and tutors about what is on offer.

Check out the EIT | Te Pūkenga website eit.ac.nz for more info or phone 0800 CALL EIT.