Category: Current Students

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EIT’s Bachelor of Teaching (Primary): A Community-Centric Success Story | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 mins ago

EIT Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) graduate Travis Sumner.

A collaborative effort between EIT and local principals gave birth to a unique teacher education programme that, now more than a decade later, is producing classroom-ready teachers.

EIT became the first institute of technology in New Zealand to offer the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), which has since been celebrated for its innovative 50-50 theory and practicum approach.

Kirsty Jones, Bachelor of Teaching Practicum Co-ordinator, says the impetus for the degree came from four local principals, who approached EIT with the proposal in 2012.

At the time, the region’s schools were struggling to find teachers, and Massey University had recently announced it would stop offering primary teaching qualifications delivered at a branch site in Hawke’s Bay.

“There became quite a lack of teachers in the region and schools were finding it hard to staff,” recalls Kirsty, who at the time was Deputy Principal of Frimley Primary School.

“A small group of principals lobbied EIT. And EIT came on board and said yes, they would be keen to develop something in partnership with the local schools. But at the time, the Government had put a hold on all new teacher education development programmes, so you couldn’t just go and develop it, you had to get approval and an exemption from the hold.”

Undeterred, the group of local principals, supported by EIT representatives, lobbied for an exemption which was ultimately successful.

“The programme had to be for primary students, so year 0 to 8, it had to be locally based to serve local people and it had to also be practice based, which was something the principals wanted.”

Kirsty played a crucial role in bridging the gap between EIT and local schools.

“The principals asked me if I would be the liaison with EIT and so I was employed by the principals and EIT for a couple of days a week, just getting the programme developed.”

The collaboration led to a distinctive feature of the program: a 50-50 split between practical school-based experience and campus-based learning. This approach was designed to ensure that theory and practice were integrated from the start.

“The students benefit immensely from this balance,” Jones notes. “They can apply what they learn on campus almost immediately in a real-world classroom setting.”

This partnership extends beyond mere cooperation; schools are actively involved in shaping course content and providing feedback to keep the program relevant and effective.

As the program began to take shape, it expanded steadily. By its third year, it included first, second, and third-year students.

“The same year we picked up year three students and it became a fully-fledged programme in Taradale and we opened our programme in Tairāwhiti too.

This expansion was supported by a model that capped candidate teacher intake at 36 per year level, ensuring a “boutique” experience that maintains high standards of both education and practice.

“The programme has gone from strength to strength. We’ve been going for about 12 years now and had about nine years of graduates. Of our graduates, a large majority of them are working in a Hawke’s Bay or Tairāwhiti school. So, the goals that the principals were trying to achieve when they first started out, around growing teachers in our region, has most definitely worked.”

Kirsty says those applying for the degree are almost always locals who want to train to become a teacher and work in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti.

“That’s been great for teaching and for growing the profession in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti. We’ve also had a number of our graduates that are now in senior leadership positions and doing great things and leading education out there in our schools.”

Mangapapa School Principal Paul Sadler says they have proudly partnered with the EIT Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) programme in Tairāwhiti since 2015.

“We were immediately captivated by EIT’s innovative approach, particularly their commitment to fostering an ongoing connection between Candidate Teachers and kura/schools, rather than the traditional 3-4 week placement followed by departure, which has long been the norm by teacher training institutions. This long-term engagement allows us to observe Candidate Teachers more comprehensively, revealing their strengths and areas for growth over time.”

Since 2015, Mangapapa School has hosted an average of 3-4 EIT Candidate Teachers each year, resulting in approximately 30-40 aspiring kaiako/teachers by the end of 2024.

“At Mangapapa School, we hold the teaching profession in high regard. It is not only important and rewarding but also rightfully challenging—there’s a lot at stake! We recognise that teaching can be tough, and we value the opportunity to see how Candidate Teachers navigate these challenges and what they learn from them. Do they bounce back or bounce off?”

The connection with local tutors, many of whom are or were high-performing teachers/kaiako themselves, has been invaluable, Paul adds.

“They understand our place, our kura, and the unique cultures and curricula that shape our school communities.”

Currently, two former EIT Candidate Teachers are part of Mangapapa’s staff.

“They are valued, dedicated, and innovative members of our teaching team. Each year, when planning for the following year’s employment, my first point of reference for identifying talent is our EIT Candidate Teachers. We know that when they complete the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) programme at EIT, they are well-prepared and ready to make a positive impact on our tamariki, particularly our MKids (Mangapapa Kids).”

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EIT student holds first exhibition after winning prestigious scholarship | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

1 min ago

EIT IDEAschool student Olivia Wilson pictured with part of her first exhibition Chipper at the Hastings Community Arts Centre. Photo/ Heather Wilson.

Bachelor of Creative Practice student Olivia Wilson is celebrating her first solo exhibition, after winning the prestigious David Fine Scholarship.

The 25-year-old student, who is in her final year of the three-year degree, has been able to bring her creative vision to life at the Hastings Community Arts Centre thanks to the scholarship.

“Winning the David Fine Scholarship was a surprise, but a very exciting one. It’s an honour, and I really wanted to do David Fine and his family justice.”

Olivia’s exhibition, Chipper, draws inspiration from Cyclone Gabrielle and was initially her Level 7 project which required students to solve a problem.

“Cyclone Gabrielle was and still is a huge issue for Hawke’s Bay and I thought that through the opportunity of the David Fine Scholarship, I could do my piece for the Hawke’s Bay Community. A lot of us, following the weather event, suffered from mental stress. I could only relate this to my own experience, and I wanted to help others feel better.”

The Chipper exhibition includes Olivia’s 2D and 3D design work, along with photography and prints from fellow EIT student and fine artist Oriane De Lacey.

A key part of her exhibition is a kinetic windmill design, which Olivia says is a nostalgic reminder of childhood and a grounding symbolism.

“My intention behind Chipper is to simply make you feel good. I want to help you open doorways in your search for a happy life. We all know what it can feel like being stuck in the humdrum of daily life. I wanted to introduce colour to a hard hit Hawke’s Bay community – not just in its literal sense. I also somehow wanted the installation to convey a more positive association with weather.”

“The reaction has been great,” Olivia says. “I’ve loved seeing people’s smiley faces, especially my grandparents, alongside the installation.”

She thanked her team and family, along with her sponsors Resene, Carters, Richard Kepka Builders and Heather Wilson Artist.

Olivia’s passion for design started in high school, where she earned a scholarship in her final year at Napier Girls’ High School.

“My happy place from the get-go has been design. I love concepting and developing ideas and watching them come to fruition. I’ve always known that my passion lies in being creative, and I’m super stoked to almost have a degree and be in my final year.”

Olivia credits her time at EIT as transformative.

“When I left high school, I became quite unwell. I spent several years recovering and learning to manage my illness. I was encouraged by my therapist and my family to enrol at EIT. This decision has been a catalyst for some of the most positive changes in my life to date.

“EIT has been some of the best years of my life – my tutors have really encouraged me, and I feel a very strong sense of community at EIT IDEAschool. I have also made some golden friends.

“I find it really hard to believe sometimes how far I’ve come in relation to where I was. I am now incredibly well, and I think that’s because I have purpose. I owe those who encouraged me along the way, a massive thank you.”

While her two-week exhibition finished on Friday (September 13) the installation has been reinstalled in The Atrium at EIT.

IDEAschool Design Programme Coordinator and Senior Lecturer Anthony Chiappin said: “Livvy and her cohort of third year Bachelor of Creative Practice students have worked together to realise this exhibition”.

“For us it not only showcases the incredible talent we foster within the programme, but the huge amount of support by which the design lecturers who teach the students give, selflessly beyond the call of duty. Lecturers Beck Wheeler, Roger Kelly and Mazin Bahho supported by the rest of the crew, namely Diane Wilkie and Estelle Booth, have been pivotal in seeing this vision through.

“The best part about the education paradigm at IDEAschool is the one on one attention paid to each student, where they get much more real world experience from lecturers who practice in the real world. Overall Chipper can only benefit the entire community, and by default shine some light on the horrific 2023 we all experienced.”

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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.”

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EIT horticulture team helps rescue rare Ngutukākā (Kakabeak) plants | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

6 mins ago

Horticulture lecturers Gerard Henry (left), Tania Basher and Tane Cruikshank with Helen Joros (second left) from the Department of Conservation.

Rare Ngutukākā (Kakabeak) plants, that survived Cyclone Gabrielle, have been planted by members of the EIT Primary Industries Horticulture team in a partnership with the Department of Conservation.

The seeds were collected , some by helicopter, from rare and precious wild Ngutukākā plants in the Wairoa region.

Primary Industries Programme Coordinator Lisa Turnbull says it means a lot to the team to have been able to get the plants to this point where they can be returned to the taiao.

Ngutukākā (kakabeak) is a plant of special significance to New Zealand. Its conservation status is Nationally Critical with less than 70 known plants growing in the wild.

These plants were first planted by the Growing Natives class in November 2022.

“DOC had collected the seeds from nine locations across the East Cape.  They entrusted these seeds to Tania Basher our PI Technician, and the night class group of horticulture ākonga were excited to be able to sow these seeds and nurture the plants into young seedlings.”

Last month, some of the PI Horticulture team, students from Ruakituri School and Helen Jonos from DOC worked together to plant them in their new enclosure in the Ruakituri Valley.

“Being able to grow, nurture and return these special plants to the taiao alongside DOC was a wonderful collaboration, and we look forward to doing more to help with Ngutukākā regeneration in the future.”

Lisa says these particular plants became extra special as they survived the cyclone, when they were in the hardening off section on the Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale.

“They were rescued from the silt, repotted and looked after at home by members of the Primary Industries staff. It certainly has been a journey for them.”

Lecturers from EIT joined the Department of Conservation and students from Ruakituri School to plant rare Ngutukākā (Kakabeak) plants.

While it is the first time, they have partnered with the Department of Conservation to grow Ngutukākā, they hope to do it again.

“We are also exploring the idea of building our own predator proof planting area at the Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre (ŌOLC) where our horticulture and environmental management ākonga can grow more Ngutukākā plants along with potentially other endangered species.”

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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.”

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Childhood dream of becoming a teacher on the way to becoming reality through EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

2 mins ago

Ella Ralph is in her second year of the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) at EIT.

As a child Ella Ralph (Ngai Tahu) always dreamt of becoming a teacher and she is now on her way to achieving that through the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) at EIT.

Currently in her second year of the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), Ella, 19, won a Year 13 Scholarship which paid for a year of her study at EIT. The Year 13 Scholarship, which is offered annually by EIT, covers one year of tuition fees.

The Scholarship supports school leavers across the Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti regions to study any one of EIT’s degrees or selected diploma programmes that lead into a degree by providing one year FREE study.

Ella, who attended Napier Girls’ High, says that while the scholarship was an incentive to go to EIT, what sealed the deal was that the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) allows candidate teachers to spend two days per week at a partner school.

“I looked at a few different universities, but what sold it for me was that you actually work in a school for two days per week.”

Ella, says she also loves the programme.

“It’s really awesome. It’s heaps of fun and the lecturers make it really  hands-on .”

“When we are in our lectures, it’s almost like we’re in a classroom. They implement heaps of things that you could use in the classroom.”

Last year Ella was placed at Te Awa Primary and this year she is at Bledisloe School.

She says that apart from the placement she also enjoys the fact that the programme allows students to connect with the community.

“We do quite a lot with the community, including visiting maraes.”

As for the future, Ella says that she is looking forward to becoming a fully-fledged teacher when she finishes her degree, but also does have ambitions to one day become either a Principal or Deputy Principal or even to work for the Ministry of Education.

She is keen on staying in Hawke’s Bay, but also would like to travel as well. As for studying further, she has not ruled that out, but would like to spend a few years practicing her craft.

Associate Professor Emily Nelson, the Programme Coordinator for the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), said: “We love the energy our students bring to our programme and our educational community as Candidate Teachers.”

“We are really enjoying supporting Ella along her journey and we are looking forward to seeing where teaching takes her.”

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Using exercise to improve mental health and tackle obesity persuaded woman to study sport and exercise science at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

2 mins ago

Toni Palermo is enjoying the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science at EIT.

Toni Palermo decided to change careers and enrol in EIT’s Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science in a bid to set an example that exercise can improve mental health and tackle obesity.

After years of working in finance and administration in Australia and New Zealand, Toni , 43, realised that she wanted more and to set an example for her children. This led her to enrolling at EIT.

“What prompted me to do it is probably mental health and my children. Over the last few years I really got into my exercise and I found it really good for mental health.”

“After seeing statistics on obesity among New Zealanders in general, especially children, made me think that maybe I could help change things. So, I’m trying to influence my children and prove that you’re never too old to do anything.”

“A bit of sport and exercise every day in anyone’s life is a benefit, no matter if it’s just a walk down the road or you’re playing hockey, netball or rugby.”

Toni, who had enrolled in the Certificate in Te Reo (Level 2) at EIT a few years ago, says she did some research on where to study, but chose EIT because it is close to home.

“I live in Waipukurau, so there’s a bit of travel each day, but it was the closest institute to home and this was the best option for my family.”

While Toni dabbled with pursuing a career in the police, she is now set on becoming a high school PE teacher after her studies.

She has no doubt that she is doing the programme for her, but it was an adjustment to begin studying again.

“To study so long after I was at high school has definitely been a huge change for me, but I love the content. I think that the programme itself is incredible and the opportunities we’ve had are really cool.”

“The tutors that I’ve had are amazing and they definitely care about everybody. They’ve been really supportive when I’ve had struggles. They have encouraged me to keep going and said that they see me as being quite an influence within the class.”

Dr Andrew Garrett, EIT’s Head of School, Health and Sport Science, says: “It’s great to see Toni’s return to study, as a mature candidate. With real and definitive goals of integrating exercise into people’s lifestyles to enhance their health and quality of life.”

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EIT IDEAschool students excel at Hokonui Fashion Awards | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

5 mins ago

EIT Bachelor of Creative Practice (Fashion) student Adena Waudby won the Gore RSA Young Designer Award at the Hokonui Fashion Design Awards.

Two EIT IDEAschool Fashion students have excelled at the Hokonui Fashion Design Awards, with one a runner up in the menswear category and the other earning a special award.

Candice D’Acre (Ngāti Porou) was runner up in the Van De Water Jewellers Open Menswear Award and fellow classmate Adena Waudby won the Gore RSA Young Designer Award.

The design awards, now in its 36th year, were held in Gore last weekend. It provides a competitive platform for all amateur fashion designers to showcase their designs in front of industry leaders.

Adena and Candice, both in their second year of the Bachelor of Creative Practice (Fashion), say the results were surprising.  

Adena’s three-piece menswear collection was inspired by PlayStation 5, with blue, black and white colours, and lines to echo the symmetry of the console.

Having missed watching the livestream, Adena got home to find out she had won, and says it was “so surprising”.

“It was very much a surreal moment, marking a milestone in my career and motivating me to keep creating, and contributing to the world of fashion. Now having my trophy has made it feel all real.”

Candice says: “It’s pretty validating. It’s like ‘oh, I actually am kind of good at this and it has given me the push to keep on going.”

The 32-year-old mum of two’s theme for her three-piece menswear collection was Pierrot the clown.

“I originally started off with the Venice Carnival, but it was so broad that I narrowed it down to what really stuck out to me. And Pierrot is quite prominent in pop culture, to the extent that we don’t even realise nowadays. So, I was able to have fun with it.”

Candice has had a long association with EIT, graduating with a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Marketing and Management in 2021. She was also the recipient of the $15,000 Sir James Wattie Scholarship in 2020.

EIT Bachelor of Creative Practice (Fashion) Adena Waudby pictured the garment that won her the Gore RSA Young Designer Award at the Hokonui Fashion Design Awards.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life so I thought business would be a good base for whatever I decided to do.”

A keen crafter, she found the sewing machine she got when her daughter was born 10 years ago and discovered her passion for fashion.

“I hadn’t used it once, but I decided to make scrunchies. They sucked, but I kept wanting to do it and get better. Then I saw that they had a course at EIT.”

Sewing wasn’t something she grew up with but has since come to love fashion, particularly during her time at EIT.

They both speak highly of their lecturers.

“They allow us the freedom while also understanding our skill sets and nudging us in the right direction,” Candice says.

“Honestly, as cliché as it is, EIT has definitely changed who I am in a positive way. When I first started, I had been a stay-at-home mom for almost three years, and I was just not confident, I didn’t put myself out there or anything like that. This degree has also helped me hone my creative side a lot, and how to channel it in a way that would be expected through real work.”

Adena Waudby’s winning design. Photo/MLT Hokonui Fashion design Awards

IDEAschool Fashion Lecturer Christina Rhodes says they are blown away by their students’ success.

Over the years, they have won a number of awards. However, Christina says it is the first time they have had a student win young designer.

Seven students from EIT entered the competition across a number of categories.

“All entries from our students were just fabulous.”

Both Adena and Candice are busy working on this year’s outfits, due to be showcased at the annual IDEAschool end of year show.  

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Love of cars leads young Tairāwhiti woman to study automotive engineering at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

2 days ago

Celia Brooking enrolled in the Level 3 Certificate in Automotive Engineering at EIT last year and is now doing her apprenticeship for the Level 4 Certificate in Automotive Engineering.

Growing up around cars has led a young Tairāwhiti woman to study automotive engineering at EIT, with the hope of breaking into the still male-dominated industry.

Celia Brooking (Ngāti Porou) grew up in Tairāwhiti,went to Gisborne Girls’ High School and last year she enrolled  in the Level 3 Certificate in Automotive Engineering at EIT.

A love of cars and tinkering under the hood led Celia to follow her dream and study at the Tairāwhiti Campus from last July until April this year. She has not looked back and is now doing her apprenticeship for the Level 4 Certificate in Automotive Engineering.

“It was really cool. Much more so than I expected. I got to learn every aspect of a car and how everything works and how to service the car.”

“My tutors in Level 3 were excellent and I still associate with them today.”

Celia, 18, says that while it can still be tough being a female in a male-dominated industry, “everyone’s been pretty accepting and pretty nice, especially where I’m working right now”.

Where she is working now is Overnight Service Centre in Gisborne, where she is doing her apprenticeship and gets to service vehicles and help out with other work as well.

As for the future, Celia has some options. One is to head over to Australia to continue her career and be closer to some of her family. She sees it as a “fresh start”.

However, another alternative is to continue her studies at EIT. With her industry changing at pace, Celia is interested in learning more about servicing electric vehicles. She is considering enrolling in the NZ Certificate in Electric Vehicle Automotive Engineering (Level 5) when she finishes her current programme.

As for her advice to other women wanting to enter the automotive engineering industry, Celia says “if you want to get into it, just do it”.

Tim Jagusch, Assistant Head of the School of Trades and Technology said: “The two most important attributes our industries are looking for are time management and work ethic. Celia possesses these attributes – along with a good attitude. “

“All this contribute to her success and she is an exemplar student.”

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EIT student wins best female filmmaker at VF48 regional final | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

1 day ago

EIT Bachelor of Creative Practice (Screen Production) student Kayla Tepania won Wift Best Female Filmmaker at this year’s Vista Foundation 48Hours Gisborne Final.

EIT Bachelor of Creative Practice (Screen Production) student Kayla Tepania has been recognised for her work on the big screen at this year’s Vista Foundation 48Hours Gisborne Final.

Kayla (Ngāpuhi, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui and Tainui) says she entered the competition this year to redeem herself following an attempt in her first year of study, but did not expect to win the Wift Best Female/Gender Diverse Filmmaker at the regional finals.  

Her team HaReKa Films and their film ‘What Remains’ was also selected as a finalist, and nominated for best director, best script, best editing, best use of genre, best use of element 2 (a traveller or neighbour) and best use of element 4 (an exit).

“For me, it’s quite a big award. Just being recognised in that field is quite incredible, particularly given that the people who judged the category are acclaimed industry professionals. So, it really is validation for me,” Kayla says.

“I couldn’t have done it without the team. It just makes me feel proud to be representing the region. So, I just feel very proud and shocked at the same time.”

The Vista Foundation 48Hours is the country’s largest guerrilla filmmaking competition where filmmakers have just one weekend to make a short film. As part of the requirements, they must also include some random elements.

This year, her genre was animal adventure film. While it is largely left up to their own imagination, they had to include a traveller or neighbour, an exit and a warning.

“For us, it’s finding out what we can do with the region. In our film, we have a dog who is travelling from one destination to another, and we took footage from all around Napier and Taradale. Because what we want to do as well is highlight the region for filmmaking specifically.”

The 27-year-old was a producer and co-director alongside Harry Lawson and Regan Bailey.

“I’m so proud of everybody and what we put out. There could be tweaks to it for sure but for what we did in the time we did it in, we’re so happy.”

Kayla, originally from Waiouru, grew up wanting to be an actor.  

“I’ve always loved film and TV. I can recall as a child that my parents only let me watch documentaries and films. So, when I was in Auckland during my youth, I signed up with an agency thinking I wanted to be an actor. But I’m not an actor, I don’t have what it takes.

“So, I put that aside and thought well film isn’t for me, thinking that acting was the only part of it. And I moved to the states.”

It wasn’t until she returned to New Zealand, that she decided to apply for jobs in the film industry, and soon found herself enrolled at EIT.

“It was basically one of the directors that told me about EIT. I’ve always had a passion for film, but I didn’t realise until about three years ago that I was going to be on this side of it.”

Now, in her final year of the degree, Kayla can proudly say she has found her passion.

“Every single job that I do, I’m passionate about and I love it. And actually studying it and learning how to use the gear and do all the practical learning has just helped so much.”

She says the culture at EIT is supportive and focuses on bettering students.

“You can tell that they care about the students and that they want to better the students. They’re extremely supportive, especially with the 48 hours because we were given permission to use all the screen production gear and use the building as a home base to come up with the ideas.”

The awards and nominations they received have fuelled them to aim to do even better next year.

“I’m so excited for next year. We’ve already learned so much, even just from this year’s competition, so as the years go on, it’s just going to get better and better for us hopefully.”

EIT IDEAschool Lecturer Wayne Dobson says: “Kayla’s involvement with the VF48 began in her first year of study when she joined fellow students and recent graduates to compete.

“Two years on she was a driving force behind this year’s entry, which received award nominations in multiple categories. The skills acquired during her studies and the collaborative nature of the programme have contributed to her success in this competition and locally as an emerging film maker.”