Category: Eastern Institute of Technology

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EIT |Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti valedictorian concludes journey that began in Trades Academy | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

52 seconds ago

EIT | Te Pūkenga student Angus Bodle is the Valedictorian at the Tairāwhiti Campus graduation ceremony at the War Memorial Theatre in Gisborne on Friday.

EIT | Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti Valedictorian Angus Bodle’s academic journey began when he attended Trades Academy as a school student and comes to a conclusion as he graduates with a Bachelor of Computing Systems on Friday.

He will be part of a cohort of students at the graduation ceremony at the War Memorial Theatre in Gisborne on Friday.

Angus, 21, says he was surprised when told that he had been chosen as EIT | Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti Valedictorian as he had not been expecting it.

He is looking forward to graduating with a Bachelor of Computing Systems, majoring in Intelligent  Systems. Supporting him on the day will be his family.

Born and bred in Tairāwhiti, Angus’ interest in computers stems back to when he was a student at Gisborne Intermediate School, trading his lunchtimes for spending time in the IT shed with his friends.

He enrolled in the computing programme in Trades Academy at the Tairāwhiti Campus while in year 12 and 13 at Lytton High School.

“I knew I wanted to study computing, but it was Trades Academy that assured me that EIT was the right place to study.”

Angus said that he found the programme enjoyable, but it did have its “ups and downs”, thanks to COVID-19 and Cyclone Gabrielle.

“We had to deal with remote learning for COVID-19 and also for the cyclone, because a whole lot of stuff wasn’t working at campus. It really was a challenge for us and for EIT.”

For Angus, a highlight of the programme was the “hands-on learning”.

“For me, the best reason to study the BCS at EIT is that you have that one-on-one time with your tutor, not like when you’re at a big university and there’s 1,000 students in your class.”

EIT | Te Pūkenga Senior IT Lecturer Tina Blumenthal said: “The past three years has been a tough ride, first with COVID and then Cyclone Gabrielle. And as one of the School of Computing lecturers, I congratulate all our BCS graduates for keeping the faith and demonstrating resilience in achieving their goals. It’s been a unique situation, but also a privilege to share the learning journey with this cohort.”

“Angus is an outstanding academic achiever who enthusiastically welcomed every opportunity to learn and develop professionally, both in class and by engaging with the sponsorship team in his internship. He has a wealth of talent, knowledge and skills, and is a shining star in our programme. I am sure he will be successful in his chosen career.”

“Angus has earned his achievements, and EIT School of Computing team acknowledge and thank him, with great pride, for accepting the role of Valedictorian for his graduation ceremony.”

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Journey of self-discovery leads to graduation for EIT Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti student | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 mins ago

EIT | Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti student Leslie Tuhou is looking forward to graduating with a Bachelor of Computing Systems on Friday.

A journey of self-discovery will culminate in EIT | Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti student Leslie Tuhou (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Awa) graduating with a Bachelor of Computing Systems next month.

Leslie is set to graduate at the Tairāwhiti Campus graduation ceremony at the War Memorial Theatre in Gisborne on Friday, 8 March.

Leslie’s study started while she was at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori O Ngā Uri a Māui, where she became one of the first students from the kura to do Trades Academy. It also turned out to be the first year Computing was offered in Trades Academy at EIT | Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti.

By the time Leslie finished kura she had completed foundation and intermediate computing, putting her on a path to study further at EIT | Te Pūkenga.

“I thought about it and enrolled in Level 4, but then I received a call saying I had done well getting my NZ Certificate in Computing Intermediate User L3 and that I could move up to the degree if I wanted”.

 “I chose computing specially to separate me from the family, but in a good way, because I grew up in a sports family. I wanted to break out and do something different, I wanted to be a wahine Māori in IT, especially coming from Kura Kaupapa”.

“I enjoyed meeting new people at EIT, from all walks of life, which was something new for me. The events like ‘Clash of the Courses’ and ‘Lip Sync’ competitions were all good fun while you are getting to know the environment and interacting with people socially. And some free lunches too”.

Many courses in the computing degree captured Leslie’s interest, “especially digital forensics, databases, web, programming and subjects about data”.

She was busy in her final semester working on a group project for Tāiki E while also taking an IT research course. The project involved using IoT technologies to transform 12 pātaka kai placed out in the Gisborne community to measure the weight of fruit and vegetables, and monitor levels in real time.

With time ticking for both the Tāiki E project and her research assignment Leslie decided to write her assignment in Te Reo Māori.

“The reason I wrote the research report in Māori was because I was recuperating from illness, and everything was due. It was so much quicker and easier for me to write. I was nearly there and needed to get my assignment in on time”.

As for the research, Leslie had chosen Māori Data Sovereignty as her IT topic, highlighting key differences between indigenous data sovereignty and mainstream data sovereignty.

“Tēnei te tuku mihi ki tāku whānau, wāku hoa, wāku kaiako, me te hunga katoa i awhina ahau i tēnei haerenga. Ahakoa ngā aupiki me ngā auheke, kua ea. Mei kore ko koutou, kua kore ake ko au. Nei rā te mihi maioha atu ki a koutou katoa.”

As for the future, Leslie would like to work in an area that incorporates Māori-medium with Information Technology.

Tina Blumenthal, Senior IT Lecturer at EIT |Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti says: “Leslie has done exceptionally well to come from kura kaupapa and embrace the computing degree. She’s a great team player, has worked through the study challenges, and it is because of her tenacity, her openness to fill her kete with learning, and determination to become the best she can, that she is graduating.”

“As one of the lecturers, I consider it a privilege to have had the opportunity to watch Leslie’s confidence grow and help her navigate her way towards achieving her goals”.

Tracey Tangihaere, Executive Director of the EIT | Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti Campus, said: “Our role at EIT Tairāwhiti is to support Māori learners in their chosen fields of study.”

“Our Kura Kaupapa graduates show commitment and drive to find select career choices that will help their community as well as advance their passions. Leslie demonstrated tenacity and resilience coming into a new non- Māori speaking environment , we wish Leslie all the best for her next journey.”

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Youth-driven health initiative to spread crucial messages about nutrition | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 mins ago

Manaora Rangatahi Guidelines group filming at Aunty’s Garden in Hastings for a 20-week social media campaign.

A 20-week social media campaign, driven by rangatahi Māori aims to spread crucial messages about nutrition and well-being across New Zealand.

The Manaora Rangatahi Guidelines is part of Nourishing Hawke’s Bay: He wairua tō te kai, a collaborative local project between EIT | Te Pūkenga and University of Auckland (UoA).

The guidelines will feature as a 20-week social media campaign, launching on March 4, with influencers Tamati Rimene-Sproat, Pere Wihongi, Georgia Awatea Jones and local rangatahi.

Senior Research Fellow Dr Rachael Glassey, manager of Nourishing Hawke’s Bay, says the core of the project is about empowering youth with holistic health and well-being guidelines.

“It’s a project that the rangatahi have poured their hearts into, offering a fresh take on health that covers everything from eating well and staying active to keeping your mind healthy and staying connected with our culture.”

“These guidelines are about more than just health tips; they’re a blueprint for making real, positive changes in our lives, for everyone across New Zealand.”

Seventeen rangatahi from around Hawke’s Bay have been involved in the project since the middle of last year.

They looked at health guidelines from New Zealand and overseas, and applied mātauranga Māori to them. Then, they sought feedback from their peers at school before refining the messages.

“The current Ministry of Health guidelines don’t really resonate with young people. Our rangatahi participants added key aspects around mātauranga Māori and sustainability. The goal is to bridge these gaps and connect more meaningfully with youth,” Rachael says. 

Rangatahi Guideline project lead Raun Makirere-Haerewa says it is important to ensure the messages not only make sense to the rangatahi but that they buy into them.

“I think a big part of the level of engagement and excitement is from the fact that we’re putting the onus on them to create this. It’s not a template. They’ve come up with the work.” 

A wānanga was held over three days at Houngarea Marae last month, at which time the campaign content was shot.

Māori media personality, Tamati Rimene-Sproat, says he was happy to be involved with the kaupapa as it aligned with his values.

“It’s rangatahi led and rangatahi driven for rangatahi and that’s really important to me so when Raun reached out and asked if I was interested it made sense to me, and then I had actually done work with Professor Boyd Swinburn in the past, so when his name came up it gave a level of importance and value.”

New Zealand musician, voice actor and kapa haka composer and performer Pere Wihongi (Te Rarawa, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Kuri, Ngāti Wai) says she was honoured to help contribute.

Flaxmere College student Joseph Curtis says the experience has been “healing”.

Manaora Rangatahi Guidelines group at Houngarea Marae.

“I feel like I have connected more with my Māoritanga here. I feel like I am getting fitter, socialising more and eating healthier. I’m looking after myself, others and having a Māori input on almost everything I do.”

He says he will continue to support the kaupapa.

Ariki-Jaid Moke and Mikaera Rountree, who also attend Flaxmere College, say it has been an “eye-opener”.

“Before we came here, we didn’t really understand how important our health and well-being was. So this has helped us understand the importance of hauora and well-being,” Ariki-Jaid says.

Professor Boyd Swinburn says it has been a journey, and they are interested to see how it unfolds further.

“We’ve got a longer term vision on this, but exactly how are we going to get there is a bit uncertain. We’re just going to follow the kids and let them guide us.”

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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.

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EIT | Te Pūkenga students put skills to good use for fundraiser | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

22 seconds ago

EIT | Te Pūkenga Diploma in Beauty Therapy [Level 5] ākonga (students) Reece Coursey (left), Mia Jarman, Jessie Boyd, Brenna Garland and Leiana Cherrington.

Beauty Therapy ākonga (students) at EIT | Te Pūkenga have helped make a meaningful difference in the life of a young girl needing life-saving surgery overseas, by hosting a massage fundraiser.

Eighteen-year-old Trinity Hutchins has four rare Abdominal Vascular Compressions, as a result of a connective tissue disorder, that affects the blood flow to her organs and prevents her from holding down food.

She needs $180,000 for surgery at the Clinic Bel Etage in Düsseldorf as treatment is not available in New Zealand.

Beauty Therapy Lecturer and Programme Coordinator Jodee Reid says: “I am so proud of our ākonga coming together for a local girl, around most of their ages, who they don’t even know”.

They raised $610 treating 27 clients over two days. 

Jodee first connected with Trinity’s mother Anna McGrath, as her daughter also has a rare medical condition.

“When I saw that she finally had a diagnosis and was starting this fundraiser, I invited Anna to come in and have a treatment with our ākonga because I know as a caregiver myself, you’re the last person that gets any care.”

“So, Anna was talking to the ākonga who was doing the treatment and telling her about what was going on. And afterwards the student said to me: ‘Gosh, I wish we could do more’.”

NZ Diploma in Beauty Therapy [Level 5] ākonga Shellyanne Brown says it was nice to be able to help in some way for a family who is struggling.

It also just so happened that her niece is good friends with Trinity.

“My niece had mentioned her friend to me quite often. So, as I was doing her massage and facial, we started talking, and I put two and two together.

“It was just really quite touching and heartfelt when I was treating her that day, because I could just tell that Anna really needed some sort of pampering with everything she’s going through.”

Each week ākonga provide beauty and body therapy services for the REFRESH Beauty Therapy Clinic as part of their practical training.

“It’s really good for us as well, to be able to get some practice in before our assessments. But the fact that there’s something behind it all as well, just makes it that bit more special.”

Jodee says the Beauty Team and ākonga usually participate in several fundraisers each year including  Jammies for June, Pink Shirt Day, and Gumboot Friday. However, due to the cyclone, their clinic had not been operating until last month.

“Her unwavering determination to overcome health challenges has inspired us, and we are committed to helping her achieve her goal.”

Mum Anna McGrath says the support they have received from EIT | Te Pūkenga has been “absolutely amazing”.

“The girls have just been incredible. It has just really touched us to the core, the fact that they did that.”

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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.”

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EIT | Te Pūkenga student lands birdwatching job | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

4 mins ago

EIT | Te Pūkenga ākonga Shae Hill (right) with colleague and Massey University PhD candidate Fabio Leonardo Meza.

A new degree at EIT | Te Pūkenga has unlocked Shae Hill’s passion for birdlife, and kickstarted her career in the industry.

The 40-year-old has just completed her first year of a Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) and has already secured a role assisting Boffa Miskell ecologists with bird monitoring at Meridian Energy’s Harapaki Wind Farm site.

Shae is among the first cohort of ākonga (students) to study the degree, introduced at the beginning of last year.

Prior to studying, she worked in administration, and also supported herself as an artist, painting. She had previously studied te reo Māori at Te Ūranga Waka at EIT | Te Pūkenga.  In 2021 Shae enrolled again, this time for nursing.

“I was two years through nursing, but it wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do. We didn’t have the applied science degree at that time, so I did nursing because it had that science element.

“When I found out that this degree had begun this year, I knew it was much more what I wanted to do. So, it was a little bit of an impromptu decision, but I’m really glad that I did it.”

Shae says she has learnt so much already.

“It really resonates with me. I’m really interested in the environment, and I’m interested in sustainability. I have an enthusiast level of knowledge about these kinds of things, but I did want to get more in-depth knowledge. I’ve learnt so much already.”

Although, she hadn’t originally intended on Ornithology – the study of birds.

“There’s just so many different areas that you can go into. It’s quite amazing.”  

A learning experience carrying out predator control at Mohi Bush with EIT | Te Pūkenga, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and Department of Conservation inspired her to apply for the job at the wind farm.

“Just that little bit of experience, enthusiasm, and endorsement from my tutors, was enough for them to be confident that I’d be able to go ahead and learn on the job.

A highlight for Shae is working with local tangata whenua who guide the researchers up on the range.

“It’s been really healing to learn about the area from Māori who have that knowledge and connection with the area.”

It resonates with her own deep reverence and respect for nature and Mātauranga Māori.

While she  plans to complete all three years of the degree, Shae says the way the degree is structured means she is able to take hold of opportunities that come her way.

Shae speaks highly of EIT | Te Pūkenga and her tutors.

“The tutors for this degree are really awesome and they are really helpful. And we have really good content as well available for the different papers.”

Programme Coordinator Lisa Turnbull says they are delighted for Shae.

“Shae is a conscientious and enthusiastic member of our level 5 cohort, we are proud of her. This is an important role and a great opportunity for Shae to utilise some of the learning from her studies.”

 “Environmental roles are a growing employment area, there are many employment opportunities in Hawke’s Bay and there’s a shortage of expertise in the environmental field.”

“We are forging links with local organisations who are keen to use our students in internships, so opportunities for our ākonga to get involved in important environmental projects and roles are growing.”

Last year, EIT | Te Pūkenga introduced the Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management), the programme is structured so learners can exit each year with a diploma in Environmental Management or go on to do the whole degree. 

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Waikato-raised EIT | Te Pūkenga student welcomes addition of Services Pathway Programme to region | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 mins ago

Waikato-raised Kaylah Waihi (Tainui, Ngāti Rongomaiwahine) says the Services Pathway Programme gave her a unique insight into the New Zealand Defence Force.

Now EIT | Te Pūkenga will be offering the programme, already available in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti, in the Waikato in partnership with Wintec | Te Pūkenga.

More than 130 graduates have already completed the programme and pathwayed into the New Zealand Defence Force.

Todd Rogers, Head of School, and ex-Army Engineer says it is an exciting new offering for the Waikato.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to deliver this successful programme in another region.”

Eighteen-year-old Kaylah completed Year 12 at St Peter’s Cambridge before moving to Hastings to live with her grandparents and complete the programme at the Hawke’s Bay Campus in July last year.  

“I was unsure of what I wanted to do. I didn’t want to tick up a huge loan at uni and the Defence Force has always interested me.”

After a discussion with one of her close friends, she enrolled in the 19 week programme, which at the time was only offered in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti.

“It was so fun. It gave me an awesome insight to what is available in the NZ Defence Force, the visit to Waiouru Military Camp was definitely a highlight. It was really cool to see what life could look like.”

Kaylah says the group of students (ākonga) and tutors (kaimahi) made the programme enjoyable and supported her all the way.

“The tutors were really cool. They really helped us with all the work and if we were struggling with anything at all. Like when I struggled in the first few weeks being homesick away from my parents, and because I didn’t know anyone, they really encouraged me, and I ended up really enjoying it.”

She was initially interested in the Air Force but after hearing a talk from the Navy, she reconsidered.

“It really interested me more than I thought it would.”

Her application to the NZDF is currently on hold due to a torn ACL. In the meantime, Kaylah will study the NZ Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) (Level 3) at EIT | Te Pūkenga.

However, she cannot recommend the programme more highly.

“If you’re not going to Uni and unsure of what to do, this programme opens your eyes to what is available in the NZDF.”

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EIT | Te Pūkenga student excited about Italian experience after being selected for Bragato Exchange | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

5 mins ago

EIT | Te Pūkenga Viticulture & Wine Science student Casey Mackintosh has been chosen as the Wine-Searcher Bragato Exchange Scholar.

After an exciting 2023, EIT | Te Pūkenga Viticulture & Wine Science student Casey Mackintosh is looking forward to a new experience as she heads off to Italy later in June on a Bragato Exchange.

Casey, 28, is in her final year of the Bachelor of Viticulture & Wine Science but is finishing the programme part-time while she works in the industry at Villa Maria Winery, which is now owned by Indevin.

The exchange, which has a new principal sponsor in Wine-Searcher, is now known as the Wine-Searcher Bragato Exchange Scholarship. Other sponsors are PGG Wrightson, Taradale Rotary Club and the Ōtātara Trust. It was established in recognition of the historical connection between Conegliano and New Zealand and is named after Romeo Bragato, who was influential in identifying potential wine growing regions here and studied in this area of Italy. It is commemorated with an academic partnership between EIT | Te Pūkenga and the University of Padua.

The exchange was started in 2003 and provides an opportunity for an Italian student to visit New Zealand in August, spend time at EIT | Te Pūkenga and visit the wine areas of NZ and an EIT | Te Pūkenga student to visit Padua and then travel around the wine areas of Italy hosted by alumni in the Italian summer.

The award comes after a big year in 2023, which saw Casey, who is originally from Northland, come second in the 2023 Tonnellerie de Mercurey North Island Young Winemaker of the Year, following the competition held at Indevin’s Gimblett Gravels winery.

She says that she is excited about the year ahead.

“I feel incredibly lucky to receive the Wine-Searcher Bragato Exchange Scholarship. I am extremely grateful to EIT | Te Pūkenga and the generous sponsors for providing this incredible opportunity.”

“It doesn’t quite feel real yet and I suppose it won’t until I am there sipping prosecco, in the sun. I am looking forward to meeting new people and soaking up Italian culture.”

Renee Dale, Wine Specialist at sponsors wine-searcher.com, says: “It is wonderful to see that this exchange retains such high interest and to see such a high calibre of applicants.”

“It was a real challenge for the selection panel to choose between them. Although all candidates showed great potential, each bringing their own unique stories and outlooks, Casey in particular demonstrated a solid understanding of the exchange, its purpose and just what the experience would bring to her skillset as a future winemaker. I look forward to welcoming Casey into the Romeo Bragato alumni and following her journey, both in the exchange later this year, and in the years to come.”

Renee, who was the first female Bragato exchange recipient in 2006, is also heartened to see the significant number of female applicants this year.

Sue Blackmore, the Head of the EIT | Te Pūkenga School of Viticulture & Wine Science, said: “We are excited that this exchange will continue to provide EIT graduates with a unique life changing opportunity. The exchange enables the building of invaluable connections, as well as the opportunity to be hosted by the University of Padua and by ex-exchange scholars in different parts of Italy.”

“We are extremely thankful to our long-term sponsors and the new main sponsor, Wine searcher, who are ensuring the longevity of this valuable exchange that commemorates its founder, Kevyn Moore.”

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EIT Te Pūkenga Emeritus Professor presents important findings to equestrian sport forum in Mexico | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

7 mins ago

EIT Te Pūkenga Emeritus Professor Nat Waran has presented an Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission’s report in Mexico.

EIT|Te Pūkenga Emeritus Professor Nat Waran has presented an Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission’s final report to a general assembly of equestrian sport’s governing body in Mexico.

Professor Waran has recently been appointed as the Director  of a new initiative aimed at ‘raising the bar’ for animal welfare through the creation of a ‘Good Life for Animals’ research and education Centre funded through Companion Animals New Zealand. She was appointed chair of the ten person strong Commission by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) and has spent the past 18 months working to understand and then address public perception of horse use in sport, as well as developing recommendations for the FEI Board to ensure equines have a good life when involved in sport.

“The FEI wanted to ensure that the involvement of horses in sport maintained its Social License to Operate or in other words remained socially acceptability bearing in mind, that social values change through generations.”

“There appears to be evidence of public concerns about, not just horses being used or involved in sport, but also, whether we should even be using horses for leisure activities.”

Professor Waran, who was previously Executive Dean and Professor of One Welfare at EIT, says her team undertook in-depth analysis and ran surveys of both the public and equestrians, as well as holding stakeholder engagement, webinars and presentations.”

The result is a 50-page report that provides background information, results of the survey and engagement work as well as collating available research regarding equine behaviour and welfare needs, resulting in 30 recommendations provided to the FEI Board.

“The recommendations address areas that relate directly to Social License to Operate, around leadership, transparency, accountability, credibility, and being proactive in addressing concerns from the public or the equestrians themselves.”

“We also provided the FEI with what we’re calling the Equestrian Charter, which is a pledge of commitment to the horse, recognising the horse as a sentient being capable of feeling both positive and negative emotions, and holding each equestrian responsible for the wellbeing of their horse(s). .”

“We provided detailed information about what we’re calling the six priority areas of focus. These were derived from the analysis of the ‘free text’ question within the survey we carried out of more than 28,000 equestrian stakeholders from more than 130 countries around the world .”

Professor Waran says that of the six priority areas of focus, the main one related to training and riding, tack and equipment.

“Many of the survey respondents expressed their concerned about how we train horses,  how we ride them, and what we ask of them, as well as the devices or equipment we use on them. In the final report, we have specific recommendations to address these concerns as well as making use of current research to provide evidence of where there may be welfare risks to the horse. ”

The next step is for the FEI Board to look closely at the Commission’s final recommendations.

“They have committed to putting together an action plan, which will be discussed at their Sports Forum, which is an open discussion forum held in April, in Switzerland.”

Whilst this may be the end of the Commission’s work under its terms of reference, Professor Waran remains involved with advocating for a Good Life for Horses, and is especially delighted to be chairing the conference organising committee for the International Society for Equitation Science’s Conference which will be held for the first time in New Zealand in March 2024.

‘With the conference theme being ‘A Good Life for Horses’, it was great to be able to welcome the FEI as one of the conference’s major sponsors’, she says.