After years of personal and employment challenges, student finds fulfilment in EIT hairdressing programme | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

4 mins ago

Vanessa Hopping is doing the NZ Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3) at EIT.

An EIT student, who faced years of personal challenges and job uncertainty, has finally found fulfilment doing the NZ Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3).

Vanessa Hopping, 31, attended Ōtūmoetai College in Tauranga, but left early, finding that school was not for her.

“I did my first year of hairdressing when I was 18, but I ended up leaving and moving to Australia, just due to personal circumstances. I was going through a really hard time with family and on a whim, honestly, just moved over there, because my brother lived there.”

She worked in a number of different jobs including at a supermarket, as a nightclub DJ and on a tomato farm, but did not really feel they were for her. While she was in Australia, Vanessa fell pregnant, but as she was not in a good relationship, she decided to move back to New Zealand.

She lived with her grandparents in Hamilton where she gave birth to her daughter Ruby. After that she decided to study travel and tourism, but although she completed the programme, she did not feel that it was the career for her.

After that she spend a number of years moving around and trying to get jobs in salons, but never really settled down.

“I was trying to get an apprenticeship, but just no one would take me on, because it had been too many years since I’d done hairdressing.”

Vanessa says that she went through a period of time where she focused on her daughter and “basically did enough to survive”.

A personal tragedy when an aunt died and the traumatic birth of her son Phoenix, in which she almost died, made Vanessa finally reassess her life.

Vanessa says that she feels like she has always had “to battle something”, but that this has made her resilient.

“I’ve been through quite a journey.”

A job as a security manager at Farmers in Hastings gave her some satisfaction, but eventually she left that role as she was not spending enough time with her children.

“I was burnt out and needed some time for myself.  I knew I wanted to do something with my career.”

She decided to email EIT to find out about availability on the hairdressing programme and how she could use her earlier qualifications.

“I said: ‘ Hey, this is my situation. I’ve done this hairdressing course before, but is there any refresher course or anything like that?’ I just emailed at the right time in my life, because that’s when they said that the hairdressing programme had changed.”

Vanessa got a student loan ad enrolled the NZ Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3)in February.

“It all happened really fast and it all just fell into place for me ever since then. It’s just like my miracle.”

She has no regrets about the career she has chosen.

“I absolutely love it. I love it so much. I feel very passionate about it. I always loved hairdressing and used to practise braiding hair on my dolls.”

“Even when I was as young as 13, I used to colour my hair and my friends hair as well. It’s just something that’s really just stuck with me my whole life.”

“And I knew that I wanted to come back to it. I just never thought I was going to be able to.”

She is finding the EIT programme very rewarding.

“My favourite thing is colouring hair and making clients feel happy, even just helping them relax.”

“I’ve always wanted to be in an industry where I help people. And this is where it’s something that I can do that I love that also helps people.”

“It’s a rewarding thing to do. And I think it’s reflecting in my results.”

As for the future, Vanessa currently has a part-time job at Vivo in Havelock North and is hoping to get an apprenticeship next year.

“I just want people to know that whether you’re 18, 30 or even 50, 60, you can do whatever you want. You just have to keep trying, even if it doesn’t work out in the moment.”

Courtney Cook, EIT’s Hairdressing Programme Coordinator and Lecturer, says: “Vanessa is a driven learner who has continued to apply 100% focus while in the NZ Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3)course.”

“We admire her determination and resilience in the fact that she has two children and works outside of class yet when she arrives for the day she is focused and provides professional services that her clients continue to return for.”

“She inspires her peers in the programme and has been a constant support for everyone.  Vanessa is an inspiration for those who have a dream and never stop until they reach their full potential. We have seen Vanessas confidence blossom in both herself and her skill set this year and it has been so amazing to watch. We wish Vanessa all the best and cannot wait to see her achieve big things within the industry.”

Passion for academia and achieving educational reform for Māori learners important for new EIT Head of School | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

1 day ago

Zac Anderson is EIT’s new Head of School: Education and Social Sciences and the Centre for Veterinary Nursing.

A passion for academia and achieving educational reform for Māori learners are important for EIT’s new Head of School: Education and Social Sciences and the Centre for Veterinary Nursing.

Zac Anderson, who joins EIT from Tamatea High School where she was Deputy Principal, says that the opportunity to work at EIT was too good to pass up.

“I’ve been in New Zealand for twenty years from Australia, and I’ve always known EIT to have a fantastic reputation. I am feeling very fortunate to have been chosen and I think that it is going to be a great job.”

Zac’s role will see her leading a diverse team of social workers, early childhood and primary school professionals, and those teaching in the Centre for Veterinary Nursing.

“The kaupapa of the different departments within the school that I’m head of is all based on care for humans or animals, and teaching others to be the best they can be.”

Before Tamatea High School, Zac held various management positions at schools in Hawke’s Bay and was employed at the University of Waikato for four years. During her tenure at the University of Waikato, she was part of the Poutama Pounamu team led by Professor Mere Berryman, embedding transformative changes in culturally responsive pedagogies in kura throughout Aotearoa.

Zac says she sees her role as building her team, but also getting to know stakeholders in both Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti and getting to know what the community wants and needs from EIT’s graduates.

“It is about building the relationships with the stakeholders and the advisory groups in our different areas. I think this  is going to be really important for me, so I know what they need and then we can make sure that it’s reflected in our teaching and learning programmes.”

“I’m excited that I work across both Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti, because I know Gisborne, in particular, and the surrounding East Coast area. I lived and worked with Wairoa-based communities for so long, and there’s unique needs on the East Coast compared to Hawke’s Bay.”

Zac has a Master’s in Education, where she looked at critical leadership to achieve educational reform for Māori learners, “which is my passion”.

“I’ve been learning Te Reo since I arrived in New Zealand, but I’m nowhere near where I want to be. And I love that learning journey about the tikanga and the kawa of what it means to immerse yourself into te ao Māori.”

“It’s deeply important to me as a non-Māori leader to be very clear about what role I play as Tangata Tiriti in honouring the bicultural intent of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. I am passionate about bringing practical effect to Te Tiriti in my daily practice. I will be enrolling soon in my PhD and no doubt this area of critical leadership to decolonise and indigenise our curriculum will be a focus of my research.”

Zac is mindful of the vital role research plays at an academic institute and she will be encouraging her staff on this front.

“Research really allows us to get the voice of our communities, our learners, our academics and our professionals, and really understand the nature of what we’re doing.”

“Research, to me, is all about making sure you’re at the cutting edge of practice , making sure that we’re taking into account what’s happening around the world, but for our own flavour here in Aotearoa.”

Originally from Australia, Zac has lived in Hawke’s Bay since 2004 with her wife, Kae Schlierike, and their three rescue dogs.

Dr Helen Ryan-Stewart, EIT’s Executive Dean, Education, Humanities and Health Science, said:  “We are thrilled to welcome Zac to our team. Her connections in to the Hawke’s Bay and East Coast community and inclusive approach to education are a perfect fit for our organization. We are excited to see the contributions she will make to the school and the wider institution. She has already made a positive impression with her energy and passion in her short time with us.”

Living in emergency housing did not stop social work student from studying at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

4 mins ago

Harata Gordon is in her fourth year of the Bachelor of Social Work at EIT Tairāwhiti.

Living in emergency housing with her two young children has not stopped Harata Gordon (Ngāti Porou) from pursuing her dream of studying at EIT Tairāwhiti.

Thankfully, Harata has recently moved into a Kāinga Ora home with her two children, but her hardships have not deterred her from continuing with her studies.

Having left Campion College in year 12, Harata enrolled NZ Certificate in Beauty Therapy (Level 4) at EIT. She spent a number of years after that working  in customer service and in a packhouse, however, she always wanted something more for her life and this has led her to pursue a career in social work.

“I’m a very simple person. Throw me in anywhere and I have the drive or the aroha to find a way to help.”

Harata, 29, is currently in her fourth year of the Bachelor of Social Work at EIT Tairāwhiti, but has decided to split the final year into two which means that she will finish up next year.

“Studying full-time made it a long year. It is just more manageable with my two babies as well. I can  re-set my goals, so it makes more sense and is more fitting for me now.”

The journey has had a few disruptions with Harata splitting the degree between EIT and Ara Institute of Canterbury falling pregnant in her second year, and dealing with COVID. She did her first year at EIT before moving down to Christchurch for personal reasons where she did her second year at Ara. She returned to EIT Tairāwhiti for the rest of her degree.

Harata says that she believes the tough times she has endured with her children recently will shine through when she becomes a social worker.

“I think that having lived the way I have for the last year will give me more appreciation and make me more understanding.”

“I hope that I can inspire or give hope to a mama who hasn’t got anywhere for her or her kids to live to realise that she can do something with her life.”

Harata is enjoying her studies, especially her placement at Ngāti Porou Oranga where she got work experience in the community.

“It was such a positive experience and I was able to make some great connections and have some good networking opportunities.”

While the degree is taking longer than she intended, Harata realises that she needs to be patient.

“I have the same passion, the same drive, the same fire inside. I will always love helping people.”

Harata acknowledges that she could not do what she is doing without whānau or as she puts it “my village sprinkles everywhere”.

Charlotte Chisnell, EIT’s Social Work Programme Coordinator, says: “Harata’s journey is a powerful example of resilience and determination. Despite the challenges of living in emergency housing with her two young children, she has remained committed to her studies and her dream of becoming a social worker.”

“Harata’s perseverance, even in the face of adversity, is inspiring. Her ability to balance her education with being a parent, while overcoming significant obstacles, highlights her strength and dedication. Her story will undoubtedly inspire others, showing that achieving your goals is possible with passion, patience, and strong community support.  Harata’s journey illustrates the profound impact that lived experiences can have in shaping compassionate and effective social workers.”

EIT Hawke’s Bay Campus to hold information and enrolment day for those looking for a career path | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

5 mins ago

EIT Hawke’s Bay Campus will be holding an information and enrolment day on Thursday, 13 June 2024.

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

The event will be held on the campus from 9am to 6pm on Thursday, 13 June 2024. Information and enrolment days will also be held at the Maraenui, Hastings and Central Hawke’s Bay Learning Centres from 10am to 2pm on the same day.

EIT Executive Director Operations Glen Harkness says that the Campus has come a long way since the Cyclone caused substantial damage and the information day  is perfect opportunity to showcase what EIT has to offer.

“We are part of this community and we are pleased to be able to open our doors to them.”

“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 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 also be available to help you complete the enrolment process,” says Glen.

Top Researcher and Academic to become EIT Executive Dean, Faculty of Education, Humanities and Health Science | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

25 seconds ago

Dr Helen Ryan-Stewart is EIT’s new Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education, Humanities and Health Science.

EIT has appointed a top researcher and sports scientist as its new Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education, Humanities and Health Science.

Dr Helen Ryan-Stewart joined EIT from the University of Winchester in the United Kingdom in 2022. Initially appointed to the role of Assistant Head of the School of Health and Sport Science, Helen was soon made Acting Head of School following the secondment of Dr Ondene van Dulm, to Te Pūkenga.

She has been acting Dean since last year and will now lead the Faculty permanently.

Dr Ryan-Stewart says that she is humbled by the opportunity to be part of EIT’s decision-making body. She will also lead EIT’s cohort of researchers.

“I am ready to take up the challenge of leading this Faculty and supporting our talented educators and researchers.”

“EIT has some world class academics and researchers and this is a further opportunity to showcase their talents.”

“As the largest tertiary institute in the Hawke’s Bay and Tairawhiti region, we are uniquely positioned to provide ākonga with a quality education so that they can pursue the career of their choice.”

EIT Executive Director Kieran Hewitson welcomed Dr Ryan-Stewart to the EIT Executive, saying that she would add value to the team.

“Helen has proven her capabilities while acting as Dean. She is well regarded and works well with members of the faculty.”

“There is a lot of work ahead of us and it is good to have an executive made up of people of the calibre of Helen.”

Celebrations as EIT Hawke’s Bay students graduate after tough years | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

6 mins ago

More than 320 graduates received their diploma, degree or postgraduate qualifications at two ceremonies held at the Napier Municipal Theatre today.

There was an air of celebration in Hawke’s Bay as students from EIT graduated after a tough few years due to the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, and COVID-19.

More than 320 graduates received their diploma, degree or postgraduate qualifications at two ceremonies held at the Napier Municipal Theatre today. In total EIT awarded 813 diplomas, degree and postgraduate qualifications to Hawke’s Bay based learners who completed their studies last year. 

The first ceremony, held in the morning, saw graduates from the Centre for Veterinary Nursing, IDEAschool, Te Uranga Waka, Schools of Education and Social Sciences, Primary Industries, Tourism and Hospitality, Trades and Technology, and Viticulture and Wine Science graduate.

The afternoon saw graduates from the Schools of Business, Computing, Health and Sport Science, and Nursing cross the stage.

Attending both ceremonies were Andrew McSweeney, Te Pūkenga Deputy Chief Executive – Learner & Employer Experience and Attraction and Kieran Hewitson, Te Pūkenga Tumu Whenua ā-Rohe 2 | executive director. Napier MP Katie Nimon was also in attendance.

Glen Harkness, EIT Executive Director Operations, congratulated all those who graduated.

“It’s great to see these students succeed after some challenging years with the move to online because of COVID-19 and Cyclone Gabrielle. These students can take pride in how they overcame that to achieve their diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate qualifications.”

He thanked the lecturers and tutors involved for all their hard work as well.

“Once again EIT | Te Pūkenga is seeing a talented cohort graduating, which is a testament to the high quality programmes that we offer across the board. We have no doubt that these graduates will go on to make a mark in their chosen careers.”

A graduation ceremony was held for the Tairāwhiti Campus in March, while students at the Auckland campus of EIT will graduate on May 28.

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.

EIT | Te Pūkenga information day showcases wide range of programmes in Tairāwhiti, Wairoa and Ruatoria | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

2 mins ago

EIT | Te Pūkenga will be holding open days on the Tairāwhiti Campus and the Wairoa and Ruatoria Learning Centres on 11 October.

A wide selection of programmes offered by EIT | Te Pūkenga will be on display at information and enrolment days in Tairāwhiti, Wairoa and Ruatoria next month

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 11 October between 9am and 6pm at the EIT | Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti Campus, while prospective students (ākonga) are welcome to go to the Wairoa and Ruatoria Learning Centres between 10am and 2pm on the same day.

Tracey Tangihaere, the Executive Director, Tairāwhiti at EIT | Te Pūkenga, says the information and enrolment day gives people of all ages the chance to view the full-time and part-time programmes 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.”

“They also have the chance to remain at home with whānau while pursuing top class qualifications like our Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts through Toihoukura.”

“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.

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

EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay Campus opens for information and enrolment day | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

49 seconds ago

The EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay campus will be open for an information and enrolment day between 9am and 6pm on 12 October.

The EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay campus, which has been largely closed since Cyclone Gabrielle struck, will open for an information and enrolment day next month.

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 between 9am and 6pm on 12 October 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

EIT | Te Pūkenga Executive Director Glen Harkness says it is an important achievement to have the Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale open for information day.

“A lot of hard work has been done to get our campus partially reopened and we are delighted to be able to welcome prospective students to come and see the wide range of programmes we offer.”

 “EIT | Te Pūkenga has shown over the years that we provide the people of Hawke’s Bay the opportunity to stay local but still achieve their tertiary education dreams.”

“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.”

“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.

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

Celebrations as EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay students graduate | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 mins ago

Students (ākonga) from EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay graduated at two ceremonies held at Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre in Hastings on Friday (18 August).

There were celebrations as EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay students (ākonga), who faced COVID-19 disruptions, graduated on Friday.

Two hundred and forty graduates received their qualifications at two graduation ceremonies held at Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre in Hastings on Friday (18 August).

In the first ceremony, held in the morning, 157 graduates from the Centre for Veterinary Nursing, IDEAschool, Te Uranga Waka, Schools of Education and Social Sciences, Primary Industries, Tourism and Hospitality, Trades and Technology, and Viticulture and Wine Science all graduated.

The afternoon saw 83 graduates from the Schools of Business, Computing, Health and Sport Science, and Nursing cross the stage.

Attending both ceremonies were Te Pūkenga Pourangi Hua Tiriti | Deputy Chief Executive Tiriti Outcomes Paora Ammunson; as well as Tumu Whenua a-Rohe 2 | Executive Directors Region 2, Kieran Hewitson and Huia Haeata. Napier City Councillor Keith Price, representing the city’s Mayor Kirsten Wise attended both ceremonies, while Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst and Hinewai Ormsby, the Chair of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, attended the morning ceremony. Delegates from Chinese partnership university, Zhejiang Yuexiu University of Foreign Languages (ZYU), were also guests at the ceremonies.

Glen Harkness, EIT | Te Pūkenga Executive Director, congratulated all those who graduated..

“We know that COVID-19 brought multiple challenges over the years that these ākonga were at EIT | Te Pūkenga, but they can take pride in how they overcame that to achieve their diplomas, degrees and post graduate qualifications. Thanks to the kaimahi involved for all their hard work as well.”

“Once again EIT | Te Pūkenga is seeing a talented cohort graduating, which is a testament to the high quality programmes that we offer across the board. We have no doubt that these graduates will go on to make a mark in their chosen careers.”

Graduation ceremonies for the Tairāwhiti and Auckland campuses of EIT | Te Pūkenga were held earlier this year.