Category: Eastern Institute of Technology

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EIT Tairāwhiti Valedictorian honours community behind her success | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 minutes ago

EIT Tairāwhiti’s 2025 Valedictorian, Heather Glover (Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti), never expected to be in the spotlight.

The 30-year-old recently completed her Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) and is now eight weeks into her teaching career at Mangapapa School.

Despite preferring to stay behind the scenes, she is embracing this moment of recognition.

“It’s truly an honour, and I am incredibly grateful to my tutors for recognising something I didn’t have the confidence to see in myself.”

Originally from Tolaga Bay, Heather discovered her passion for teaching while working at Te Pūtake Whakatupuranga Kōhanga Reo for several years.

“My passion for teaching was sparked by a remarkable woman who created a structured routine with care and consistency. More than the learning itself, it was the foundational elements—routine, structure, and a diverse curriculum—that laid the groundwork for success.”

EIT student Heather Glover (Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti) is the Valedictorian at the Tairāwhiti Campus graduation ceremony at the War Memorial Theatre in Gisborne on Friday.

EIT Tairāwhiti proved to be the perfect place to study. The combination of face-to-face learning, hands-on experience in schools, and a strong support system helped her thrive. Throughout her degree, she worked in both rural and local schools, gaining experience with students from new entrants to Year 8.

“The mix of on-campus learning and practical placements gave me the ideal environment to succeed.”
Balancing study with motherhood was one of her biggest challenges, but EIT’s supportive environment made it possible.

“EIT made it possible for me to achieve my goals. One tutor, in particular, was there for me in my first year before I took a break to have my son, and she was still there when I graduated. That kind of support made all the difference.”

Now teaching Year 2 students, Heather is adjusting to the challenges and joys of being a new educator.

“The support from the school staff has been incredible. Teachers provide helpful resources, thoughtful advice, and valuable information that make each day a bit smoother. There’s been so much new learning—not just for my students, but for me as well.”

As she prepares for her valedictory speech, Heather admits the process has been both exciting and daunting. While she is still shaping the final version, she knows her speech will be centred around gratitude and the collective journey of all graduates.

“Every day brings something new for my speech, and as the ceremony approaches, I think I’ll surprise myself with what I end up saying. But at its core, it will be about the people who helped me get here. Completing assignments and attending classes took personal effort, but my achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support I received. My speech will celebrate not just my own journey, but the collective contributions of every graduate and those who helped us reach this point.”

Her partner, son, parents, and siblings will be there to witness the milestone with her.

Heather believes achievements are often recognised through certificates and speeches, but the foundation behind them deserves acknowledgment too.

“We’re often recognised for our achievements with a piece of paper or a speech, but what’s often overlooked is the foundation we’ve built and carried with us through life. That deserves its own recognition. For me, that foundation is te ao Māori—a culture rooted in kotahitanga, whanaungatanga, and aroha. It’s the world my mother nurtured us in, and now, I’m fortunate enough to share that same world with my own family and the students I teach.”

Primary Education Lecturers Storm Dunn, Megan Kanz and Emma McFadyen say they will proudly watch and listen to Heather as she delivers her valedictory speech.

“She has never lost sight of the end goal of becoming a teacher and steps out to make a difference for young people in Tairāwhiti having genuinely worked hard to achieve the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) degree.”

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EIT students roll out collaboration with Peter Gordon at Meatball Festival | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 minutes ago

EIT students took their passion for food to the next level, rolling up their sleeves—and meatballs—as they joined forces with chef Peter Gordon for the inaugural Hastings Meatball Festival.

The sold-out free Meatball Festival, part of F.A.W.C! was held in the Hastings CBD on Friday evening and featured 22 meatball offerings including a vegan ‘neatball’ and a vegetarian ‘no meat’ ball.

Peter’s much-anticipated creation included a First Light wagyu meatball with labneh, pickled red onions, kawakawa salsa verde, crispy shallots and curry leaves.

EIT Culinary students spent two days working with Peter to create 1000 meatballs, gaining firsthand insight into professional dish development, from flavour pairing to presentation.

“Working with EIT students was a fantastic experience. They were engaged, eager to learn, and brought real energy to the process. I was excited to showcase our meatballs alongside so many other great creations at the festival,” Peter said.

The collaboration was a rare opportunity for students to refine their skills under the guidance of a world-renowned chef, with many describing it as a highlight of their studies.

NZ Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) student Crystal Wallis says it was a privilege to be able to cook alongside Peter.

“I was so excited about this. I asked Peter if he could give me a word of advice as a chef, and he said to find a job that suits me in a restaurant that suits me and that I am comfortable in. I thought that was really good advice.”

Crystal completed NZ Certificate in Cookery (Level 3) back in 1999, and after focusing on her family, is now realising her childhood dream of becoming a chef. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Nikki Lloyd, Assistant Head of School of Tourism and Hospitality, highlighted the significance of the opportunity, noting that it was the first major event held in EIT’s recently refurbished culinary facilities.

“This was a major event for our students. Our NZ Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) students led the way, treating it as one of their key productions, but we also had involvement from Level 4 Baking students, Diploma in Cookery (Level 5) students and Trades Academy participants. It was an incredible learning experience,” Lloyd said.

EIT Chef Tutor Mark Caves echoed this sentiment, emphasising the impact of the collaboration.

“It was an eye-opening experience for the students. The interaction with Peter was phenomenal, and it really brought all of our hospitality courses together. It was a fantastic team-building opportunity.”

Peter was full of praise for the students’ enthusiasm and the quality of training at EIT.

“The quality of teaching here is highly respected, and it’s great to see so many young people passionate about entering the food industry. There’s a real spirit to hospitality, and EIT does an amazing job fostering that,” he said.

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EIT Services Pathway graduates experience trip of a lifetime to Antarctica | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

53 minutes ago

Two graduates of EIT’s Services Pathway programme, Vae Kitiona and Keighan Hikawai (Ngāti Kahungunu), have experienced the trip of a lifetime as part of a New Zealand Army deployment to Antarctica.

Twenty-year-old Vae, and Keighan, 19, enlisted as Movement Operators, a role that sees them deploy worldwide, providing logistical support to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and other nations’ armed forces.

In January, they were deployed to Antarctica and stationed at McMurdo Station, for six weeks to support the unloading of supplies from ships ahead of the off-season on the ice continent.

For Vae, this deployment was particularly meaningful.

“This was my first big exercise, and I was so grateful to be chosen for it. It’s one of the reasons I picked this trade—I knew it would give me the chance to travel.”

She also enjoyed the camaraderie and the opportunity to engage in different activities during downtime.

“On days off, we could explore activity trails, play sports with the Americans, or even watch movies. It was an amazing experience.”

Keighan Hikawai (Ngāti Kahungunu) was one of two graduates from EIT’s Services Pathway programme to be deployed to Antarctica with the New Zealand Defence Force.

Keighan described the trip as both challenging but rewarding.

“The deployment was an amazing experience. It is a destination not many people get to visit. Antarctica is freezing, but the best part was working with my peers,” says Keighan who has further deployments in her sights for 2025.

She has already participated in missions abroad, including a deployment to Fiji, where she assisted in logistics and personnel movement for returning gunners.

“I love my job. I’ve finished all my training, so now I’m just keen to deploy more and get more experience.”

Both women credit EIT for helping them secure their roles in the Army so quickly.

Vae, who attended William Colenso College, and Keighan, who attended Karamū High School, both completed the NZ Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Services Pathway) (Level 3) at EIT in 2023.

The programme helps students achieve their goal of joining the Armed Forces and Police. In July of that same year, they had already received their acceptance letters into the Army.

“Without EIT and my instructors, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Keighan said. “They taught me what to expect and guided me through the application process.”

Vae echoed this, emphasising the ongoing support from her tutors.

“They’d check in and give me extra steps to make sure I got in. I’m so grateful.”

Tutor Andrew McCrory expressed his pride in their achievements.

“These ladies were awesome students when they completed the Services Pathway programme in 2023. It’s great to see them now deploying around the world.”

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EIT student’s passion for wine takes her to Italy on Bragato Exchange | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

6 minutes ago

Elise Williams love for wine science is taking her beyond the vineyards of Hawke’s Bay and into the heart of Italy, thanks to the prestigious Wine-Searcher Bragato Exchange Scholarship.

The 23-year-old is in her final year of the Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science at EIT and found out about her selection for the scholarship following an intensive application and interview process.

EIT Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science student Elise Williams has been awarded the prestigious Wine-Searcher Bragato Exchange Scholarship.

“It’s hard to put into words exactly what this means to me,” she says. “This will be my first time travelling overseas, so the opportunity to experience a new culture while learning about wine is incredible. I just couldn’t pass up the chance to go to Italy and be immersed in the industry there.”

Her curiosity in wine initially developed from an unexpected place—a wine tasting experience during a superyacht crewing course in Nelson.

“I quickly realised that boats weren’t for me—seasickness is no fun! But that tasting stuck with me. When I moved to Hawke’s Bay, I saw an opportunity to explore the wine industry, and I haven’t looked back since.”

Originally from Wellington, Elise moved to Hawke’s Bay with her mum after the Covid-19 pandemic. With her grandmother living in the region, she had always considered it her ‘second home’.

In 2021, she completed the NZ Certificate in Cellar Operations (Level 3) at EIT, which set the foundation for her journey into the wine industry, leading her to pursue further studies.

“I kind of fell into this industry, but once I started working my first harvest, I knew this was what I wanted to do. The work is constantly changing, and you’re always problem-solving. It’s so rewarding.”

Throughout her time at EIT, Elise says she has gained valuable hands-on experience, including working vintages in wineries and obtaining her forklift licence.

“Getting my forklift licence was really useful,” she said. “I was also lucky to work for a winery that gave me a lot of training, which not every student gets.”

Her skills were put to good use in 2023 when Cyclone Gabrielle hit the region. With winery work on hold due to the devastation, Elise stepped up as a volunteer, using her forklift licence to assist at the showgrounds, moving pallets of supplies to help those in need.

“It was something I felt needed to be done. People needed supplies, and I could do my part to help keep things moving. It was incredible to see the community come together.”

Her winemaking achievements have also been impressive. In 2023, she was awarded the Richard Vuletich Memorial Trophy and received a silver medal for her Chardonnay at the EIT Wine Show.

“That was a really special moment. Making my own wine and seeing it recognised reinforced that I was on the right path. Wine is such an incredible mix of art and science, and that’s what makes it so exciting.”

As part of the Wine-Searcher Bragato Exchange, Elise will be hosted by Padua University and welcomed by Italian wine families who have previously participated in the programme. She will gain insights into Italy’s wine industry, meet key figures in the field, and explore some of the country’s most prestigious wineries.

“I’m so excited to meet people who are passionate about wine and see how things are done in a different part of the world. I want to take in as much as I can and bring that knowledge back with me.”

Upon her return to New Zealand in August, Elise will host an Italian scholar in Hawke’s Bay before travelling to Christchurch, where they will attend New Zealand Winegrower events together.

Looking ahead, Elise envisions a future in winemaking, with aspirations of working her way up to an assistant winemaker and, eventually, a head winemaker role.

“The wine industry is so dynamic; no two days are the same. I love the problem-solving and hands-on aspects of it,” she says. “I’ll start off with more vintage experiences and hopefully work my way up to assistant winemaker and beyond.”

Reflecting on her journey so far, Elise expressed immense gratitude for the opportunities she has had.

“I’m so thankful to the people who have organised this exchange and to EIT for providing such a strong foundation. I can’t wait to take this next step. This is something I’ve wanted for a long time, and now it’s actually happening. It still feels a little unreal!”

Head of School Viticulture and Wine Science Sue Blackmore said they 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 main sponsor, Wine-Searcher, who are ensuring the longevity of this valuable exchange that commemorates its founder, Kevyn Moore.”

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Long-serving staff members celebrate four decades in EIT’s 50th year | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

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For more than 40 years, Mandy Pentecost and Gail Maxey have been part of the fabric of EIT, witnessing its evolution from a community college to a leading educational institution as it now celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Gail and Mandy started their careers at EIT just months apart in 1984, when the institution was still known as Hawke’s Bay Community College.

Gail, who originally joined to teach anatomy and physiology in the nursing programme, remembers how radical it was to shift nursing education from hospitals to the classroom. “It was a huge change at the time,” she recalls. “We didn’t realise then how significant that shift was.” Over the years, she has taught across multiple disciplines, including beauty therapy, sports science, and foundation programmes, always centering around her passion for anatomy and physiology.

Gail Maxey and Mandy Pentecost have been teaching at EIT for more than 40 years.

Mandy, on the other hand, came to EIT with a background in community education. While she had originally interviewed for one role, those hiring her decided to create a position for her with a community development focus. “It was a one-year role that kept getting renewed,” she laughs. She helped shape the social services and counselling programmes, eventually moving into leadership positions, including Assistant Head and Acting Head of the School of Education and Social Sciences.

Throughout their careers, both Gail and Mandy have experienced the evolution of EIT, from its modest beginnings with just a few buildings to the large institute it is today. Gail recalls how fields which were once used for soccer and rugby have been replaced by modern teaching facilities. “I’ve worked in nearly every building on this campus,” she says. “And now, after 41 years, I’ve come full circle back to the one I started in.”

Mandy appreciates how EIT continues to provide education opportunities for students in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti. “The way we support students now is different,” she says. “EIT has always had a strong regional focus, ensuring people don’t have to leave Hawke’s Bay or Tairāwhiti to access quality education. That’s something I’ve always believed in.”

Despite their long tenures, neither Gail nor Mandy are in a rush to leave. “I love being in the classroom,” Gail says. “I love working with students who are figuring out their paths and proving to them that they can achieve more than they thought possible.”

Mandy shares a similar sentiment. “I never expected to stay this long,” she admits. “But EIT’s values align with mine. I love seeing students I taught 20 years ago succeed in their careers. That’s what makes it all worth it.”

As EIT celebrates 50 years, Gail and Mandy recognise the milestone but view it as just one chapter in the institution’s journey. Reflecting on recent years, Gail acknowledges the challenges posed by COVID-19, natural disasters, and organisational changes. “You couldn’t walk away in the middle of all that,” she says.

For Mandy, stepping back from leadership to focus on postgraduate teaching is her way of giving back. “Teaching is why I started in education. It’s what I still love to do.”

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Girls are proving point in the trades | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

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1 minute ago

Fifty years ago, seeing a woman in a hard hat on a construction site was a rare sight. Between 1975 and 1986, only nine women graduated from EIT with a qualification in trades. Today, that number tells a different story—730 women earned trades qualifications from 2003 to 2023.

Graduates like Cerise Wilson, who completed EIT’s Carpentry Level 3 Programme, are part of this growth, showing the diverse range of people choosing careers in the trades today.

As EIT marks its 50th anniversary, these numbers highlight the evolution of trades education and the increasing opportunities available to all.

Find out more about our School of Trades and Technology here https://lnkd.in/g_-7qNpb

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Students get up close with Bugatti classics at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

46 seconds ago

Aspiring automotive professionals at EIT had a unique opportunity to witness history in motion as three Bugatti classics made their way onto the Hawke’s Bay campus.

The three rare vehicles, this year’s featured French marque, travelled from around the country for the Art Deco Festival.

EIT students Tu Hawkins (left), Nathan Tobeck and Jennifer Rainham (right) with EIT Automotive Tutor Brett Cranswick and Greg McDell of Classics Museum in Hamilton.

EIT Automotive Tutor Brett Cranswick said the visit was a great learning opportunity for students.

“For our automotive students, opportunities like this are incredibly inspiring. Some already have a keen interest in classic cars, and experiences like this help reinforce their passion for the industry.”

A few years ago, about 200 hot rods visited the campus in a similar event, also organised by Brett. 

Greg McDell of Classics Museum in Hamilton showing EIT students Tu Hawkins (left), Nathan Tobeck and Jennifer Rainham (right) a 1937 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux.

Among last Wednesday’s display was a 1937 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux, which had finished being fully restored just five days prior by Greg McDell of Classics Museum in Hamilton.

“It is cool seeing young people interested in old cars. It is a dying trade, but there is a market out there,” McDell said.

Also on display was a Bugatti Type 37A, owned by Louise Russell and Michael Pidgeon, whose father restored it in the late 1980s.

Students had the opportunity to speak with the owners and Hawke’s Bay Vintage Car Club Art Deco Festival spokesman Steve Donovan, who also toured the EIT facilities.

Steve mentioned how impressed the car owners were with the facilities, and said they need to bring the Hawke’s Bay Vintage Car Club for a visit one day.

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EIT celebrates 50 years of providing quality tertiary education and skills training to Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

29 seconds ago

EIT has educated generations of locals and this year will celebrate 50 years of providing quality tertiary education and skills training to Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti.

Originally planned to be a university, what arose from a gifted piece of land in Taradale was the Hawke’s Bay Community College. When it opened its doors for vocational and community education in 1975, not many would have anticipated that it would become EIT.

At the heart of it all was a bequest of a piece of land close to the Ōtatara Pa site, south of Taradale, by Margaret Hetley.

Hilda Margaret Hetley (1889-75) had graduated with a Master of Arts from Cambridge University and she wanted a tertiary institution for Hawke’s Bay.  She made her bequest for a campus to honour her late husband, Frederic St Arnaud Hetley, and also to mark the provincial centennial of Hawke’s Bay in 1958.

It was the start of academic excellence that would expand to include multiple degree programmes – the Bachelor of Nursing being the first in 1996. That same year the name changed to Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT). EIT consolidated itself as the preeminent educational provider on the East Coast when it merged with Tairāwhiti Polytechnic in Gisborne in 2011.

There have been many developments during the fifty years, including the establishment of the Ōtatara Children’s Centre in 1977; the first computers being set up in 1985; nursing training starting in 1981; Māori studies being launched at Te Manga Māori, now better known as the much-extended Te Ūranga Waka, in 1989; the Twist Library opening in 1993; and by the late 1990s new bachelor degrees were started including business studies, computing systems, Māori studies, visual arts and design, viticulture and wine science.

Study options continued to expand into the early 2000s, with the addition of bachelor degrees for sport, & exercise, applied social sciences, a master’s degree in nursing, an honours’ degree for Māori studies and a diploma in early childhood teaching. Margaret Hetley’s vision for a regional institution that conferred degrees and postgraduate qualifications was being realised.

While Margaret Hetley’s vision was being fulfilled, EIT’s foundation has always been in vocational and community education. From humble beginnings as the Hawkes Bay Community College, EIT has become a leader in certificate and diploma level training across a wide range or trades and practical vocations with more than 5500 learners enrolled on these qualifications in 2024

EIT continues a strong tradition of community education.  EIT is one of the biggest providers nationally of Adult Community Education (ACE) programmes and offers a significant amount of foundation education, particularly in Te Reo Maori which they deliver in scores of locations right across Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti including in the evening and on weekends.

New Zealand’s largest regionally-based Trades Academy opened on the Hawke’s Bay campus in 2012. Now also offered at the Tairāwhiti campus, the Trades Academy works with secondary schools to provide year-long trades programmes to help students achieve NCEA Level 2 and prepare for work or higher-level study.

EIT has adopted an internationalisation strategy since 1992 when they started welcoming international students to the Hawke’s Bay Campus. As part of EIT’s growth as an institution and to support further expansion of our international activities, particularly in the provision of postgraduate programmes, EIT established a Graduate School Auckland Campus in 2015. 

International students are attracted by EIT’s quality teaching and learning, applied professional programmes, links with industry and the creation of opportunities for academic and personal growth. Each year, EIT typically enrols international students from over 50 different countries benefitting our campuses and wider communities. 

Having developed its research capabilities over a number of years, EIT supports its communities in undertaking applied research projects for local industries and community organisations.

EIT has thrived over the last 50 years, now offering more than 160 postgraduate, degree, diploma and certificate-level programmes. Taking Margaret Hetley’s dream for the region beyond what she could have imagined.

EIT’s interim Director of Operations Glen Harkness says that EIT has become an integral part of the community.

“It is a privilege to have been able to play a part in continuing to bring Margaret Hetley’s dream to life for 50 years. EIT’s strength lies not only in its achievements, staff and students but also through the support of the communities of the Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti and our international partners.

“We pride ourselves on the connections we have created and built over the last 50 years with local businesses, community groups and local Iwi and as we look to the future, we will strive to continue to bring academic and vocational excellence to the region.” 

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EIT Tutors teach invaluable skills to remote islands of Tokelau | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

2 minutes ago

Two EIT tutors have spent six weeks in Tokelau, teaching essential plumbing and automotive maintenance skills to support the remote island community. 

The program, delivered by Stu Hannam and Chris Olsen last year, focused on equipping locals with the practical knowledge needed to maintain vital infrastructure and improve their quality of life.

Over the course of their stay, the tutors taught 45 students, repaired 60 outboard motors, 15 cars, 5 motorbikes, 5 chainsaws, generators, and a jackhammer. They also worked on plumbing repairs for community buildings, the local hospital, houses, schools, and a hotel. 

EIT Automotive Tutor Stu Hannam with students in Tokelau.

The journey to Tokelau was an adventure in itself. After flying from New Zealand to Samoa on August 31, the pair boarded Mataliki, Tokelau’s ferry, for a 46-hour voyage across rough seas.

They arrived at the atoll of Atafu on September 6, where they spent 16 days teaching, before moving to Nukunonu, the largest atoll, for another 18 days. 

For Hannam, an automotive tutor, the trip was about addressing a critical need. “The people didn’t really know how to fix things themselves,” he said.

“They fixed things only when they broke. I showed them how to service their outboards to make them safe at sea. It’s crucial because they rely on fishing for food and survival.” 

Olsen, a plumbing tutor, emphasised the importance of water management in the islands.

“Water is their lifeline. They don’t have natural groundwater, so everything is collected in tanks,” he explained. “We taught them how to fix leaks and install proper spouting to catch rainwater. A lot of the work involved tweaking their existing knowledge and showing them how to do things properly.” 

The impact of their training extended beyond individual skills. On Nukunonu, the Taupulea (Council of Elders) decided to establish a dedicated plumbing team from Olsen’s graduates.

“It was awesome to see the community so happy about the knowledge their people gained.” 

The tutors fully immersed themselves in Tokelauan culture, participating in activities such as church services, a dance competition, and cricket matches.

“The singing in church was amazing,” Olsen recalled. “And, yes, we got roped into dancing, which was a lot of fun.” 

For both tutors, the experience was profoundly rewarding.

“It really reinforced how we, as educators, can make a huge difference in remote communities,” Olsen said.

Hannam agreed, noting how appreciative the Tokelauan people were. “They’ve told me their motors are running better than ever, and they feel safer going out to fish.” 

Their time on Nukunonu concluded with a ceremony attended by the Ulu-o-Tokelau (Head of Government), Alapati Tavite, who praised the success of the program. 

While no official plans to return have been confirmed, both tutors hope this is just the beginning.

“There’s still a third atoll we didn’t get to because of time constraints,” Olsen said. “If given the chance, we’d love to continue this work.” 

Andrew McCrory, Assistant Head School of Trades and Technology, said teaching these valuable Plumbing and Automotive Skills was a huge success for EIT and the Tokelauan Communities. 

“Student engagement and embracing the community is important in these situations, and full credit must go to Chris and Stu for taking time away from their families to make this happen. They have both laid the groundwork for more tertiary education in Tokelau.”

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Living on orchard and enjoying outdoors fostered love for environment in EIT student | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

37 seconds ago

Growing up on a Twyford orchard and living an outdoor life fostered a love for the environment which led Jordyn Campbell to study Environmental Management at EIT.

This has proved to be a good move with Jordyn, who finished the NZ Diploma in Environmental Management (Level 6) last year, currently doing conservation surveying and monitoring work. She is working for SPS Biota| Biosecurity & Environmental Services, collecting data about the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug and Spongy Moth – both serious pests and risks to NZ fruit and vegetable industries. This project started in October and runs until April 2025.

Jordyn, 20, attended Iona College in Havelock North and won a Year 13 scholarship in 2022 to study at EIT. A 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 level 5 diploma programmes that lead into a degree by providing one year FREE study.

Jordyn Campbell completed the NZ Diploma in Environmental Management (Level 6) at EIT last year and is looking forward to completing her Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management).

Jordyn entered the Environmental Management programme in 2023, completing her level 5 NZ Diploma in Environmental Management, and has loved every moment.

“I live on an orchard, too, so I decided to study more about the environment around me, because I’ve been growing up in a rural area.”
She says choosing EIT to study at was an easy decision, especially when she won the Year 13 scholarship.

“It was close to home and easier to study there, especially since I liked the sound of the programme. The scholarship also helped me make the decision.”

Jordyn says that her new job is working on behalf of the Ministry for Primary Industries and involves searching for evasive species of Spongy Moths and Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs in Napier, Hastings and Havelock North.

“We have an app called Field Maps and it has all the locations on it, which are indicated by dots on the map. You complete forms depending on if you get a sample or you’re just doing a trap clearance, and then it will change the colour of the dots on the map. There are 63 traps for the Spongy Moth and six traps for the Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs across Hawke’s Bay.”

This year Jordyn will be completing her final year of study to achieve the Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management). As for the future, Jordyn is leaning towards working in biosecurity, but she does not rule out studying further.

She says that wherever she winds up, she will not forget what she has learned from EIT. She has no hesitation in recommending the institute to others.

“I like EIT because you get to know everyone on a very personal level, including the lecturers. You are not just a number to them, you’re an actual person and you get one-on-one help from them.”

Environmental Management Lecturer Dr Glen Robertshaw says: “I think this is a fantastic opportunity for Jordyn, who I know really enjoyed our level 6 Biosecurity course”.

“It is also a real validation of the value of our programme and demonstrates that what we are teaching can lead to employment locally. It’s great to think that one of our students is helping to protect the local horticulture industry from invasive species that could potentially devastate it.”