Category: Eastern Institute of Technology

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Following in father’s footsteps at EIT sets student up for career in mechanical engineering | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

35 seconds ago

Braydon Gregory is enrolled in the NZ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3).

Following in his father’s footsteps by studying at EIT, is setting a student up for a career in mechanical engineering.

Braydon Gregory, 17, is currently doing his apprenticeship and is enrolled in the NZ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3) at EIT – the same programme his father Aaron completed in the early 2000s.

Braydon left Napier Boys’ High halfway through Year 13 this year with a very clear plan of enrolling in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3) and doing his apprenticeship at his father’s company, Gregory Innovations Limited.

He says that he is a third generation product of Napier Boys’, but that mechanical engineering has also been a part of his life since he was young.

“I’ve pretty much been doing it since I was ten, and then I got top of engineering two years in a row at school.”

“It was then that I decided that I would get a head start by leaving school early and starting the EIT programme. Dad then offered me an apprenticeship opportunity.”

As part of this apprenticeship, Braydon is working with his father on contract work for Dennis Glenn Logging.

“The work we are doing is working on big diggers, big loaders and trucks. It is a wide variety of work.”

It is a busy time for Braydon, whose family has a farm in Puketapu. Not only does he work as a part-time shepherd (he has his own dog) for a neighbour, but he also works at Pan Pac Forest Products outside Napier on a Sunday.

Braydon says that his career path has been planned from the beginning, including studying at EIT.

“My father said that it’s a really good place to learn all the basic skills that you’ll carry on for the rest of your life, like sharpening a drill bit.”

“He said that if you went into industry straight away, they would just overlook it and not teach you. At EIT, you weld for as long as you want to get it right before going out into the industry.”

The aim after he has studied is to eventually take over the family business. However, before then, he plans to go on an OE.

“With my engineering qualifications I will probably travel with engineering, so either go to Australia for the big shutdowns or over to America where they do big pipelines. But the aim is definitely to take over the family business and carry that on.”

Asked what he enjoyed about EIT, Braydon said that the tutors made all the difference.

“It is more than a job for them, they really enjoy engineering and passing that knowledge on to us.”

He has no hesitation in recommending EIT as a place to study.

EIT’s Head of the School of Trades and Technology said: “The engineering industry are a big supporter of EIT’s Mechanical Engineering programme and provide excellent graduate pathways, it is fantastic to see one of our graduates pathway into the industry.”

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Dream of starting own business leads student to enrol in business at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

4 mins ago

James McKinley-Blake is currently in his second year of the Bachelor of Business Studies (Marketing and Management).

James McKinley-Blake always had a dream of starting his own business, so he decided to act on it by enrolling in a business programme at EIT.

James, who was born in Australia and grew up in Hawke’s Bay, decided to take a gap year to work in retail and ponder his future after completing his final year at Napier Boys’ High.

“I was really interested in the arts and science and thought that’s what I wanted to do, but when I got to the end of my final year at school, I was a bit unsure of where I wanted to go to.”

“I took a gap year to think about what I actually wanted to do before I hopped into making this decision. But during that time, I always had the passion to start up or eventually manage my own business.”

“I thought business studies would be perfect. I saw that it was advertised at EIT and I thought, why not? Let’s do it, see what happens and I’m really enjoying it.”

James, 20, is currently in his second year of the Bachelor of Business Studies (Marketing and Management) at EIT Hawke’s Bay and he is loving it.

However his time at EIT got off to a tough start because the programme started the day before Cyclone Gabrielle struck, and the campus had been closed as a precaution. The classes were moved online and then moved off campus.

“The lecturers were great. They handled it well and just got into it. But when we ended up getting back to campus, you could tell a significant difference with that interaction because, personally, I prefer that face-to-face interaction.”

“Personally, I didn’t know what to expect with the business studies. I did go to an open day and heard about it for a bit, but when I got into it, it was a lot more than what I thought.”

James says that he would have no hesitation in recommending the Bachelor of Business at EIT.

“I may explore the sciences or arts a bit later in life, but at the moment just to build a steady foundation for my business, the business studies course is really enjoyable.”

He says that he is interested in starting his own business within horticulture or agriculture, but is keeping his options open.

He says he is also open to continuing  studying and may look to do the Postgraduate Diploma in Business at EIT after he finishes his degree.

“James has already proven himself to be a conscientious student who is focused on his goals and impressed his lecturers with a positive and mature attitude,” says Russell Booth, Programme Co-ordinator for the Bachelor of Business Studies at EIT.

“He has also been discussing with me ways he can expand his experience whilst at EIT through applying for the Prime Minister’s Scholarship and has volunteered his time to help other students as a valued peer mentor. James is already making his intentions clear that he intends on taking advantage of every opportunity he can whilst studying at EIT and for someone like James, we are more than happy to help in whatever way we can!” says Russell.

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Working in wine industry leads student to pursue mechanical engineering at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

1 day ago

Courtney Roff is currently studying for the NZ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3) at EIT.

After leaving school early, Courtney Roff spent some time working in the wine industry, where she realised that the career for her was mechanical engineering, so she enrolled in EIT.

Courtney, 21, grew up in Hawke’s Bay and attended Napier Girls’ High, but decided to leave school midway through Year 12.

Not sure what she wanted to do, she worked for a time in hospitality, but soon found herself drawn to the wine industry.

She has spent the last three years working at the Hawke’s Bay Wine Company in Pandora and says that she has learnt a lot from the experience.

“I started not knowing anything and then worked my way up to being second in charge and running a night shift for all my last vintage.”

She considered studying Wine Science and Viticulture at EIT, but says she did not really want to be a winemaker. However, she received a wonderful opportunity when she was awarded a Woman in Winemaking Mentorship from the New Zealand Wine Association for six months.

“That paired me up with a lady who works at Wineworks in Hastings and I was catching up with her once a month for six months. I was in there to figure out what I wanted to do, and  Sophie, my mentor, was really awesome.

“It was there that I decided that I wanted to do engineering, so Sophie got me into Wineworks for eight weeks, to see if I liked it. I did so I signed up for the programme at EIT in July.”

That programme is the NZ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3) and it will set Courtney up to still work in the wine industry, where engineering is required in tank building, presses or working on machines.

She knows she is now in the right place and is enjoying the mechanical engineering programme.

She says that while she realises that mechanical engineering is still male-dominated, she is enjoying her classmates and says her tutors are “awesome”.

“You never will get stuck as there is always someone to help you.”

Courtney particularly enjoys the fabrication course and says she is looking forward to completing the second year of her apprenticeship next year.

She is currently working part-time as a petrol attendant in Greenmeadows while she studies, but she is looking forward to beginning her new career.

EIT Engineering Tutor Patrick Doohan said: “As Courtney’s tutor, I’m proud of her positive start in the mechanical engineering program at EIT.”

“Her transition from the wine industry to engineering shows her determination. She excels in her courses, especially fabrication, and she always bring a positive attitude to her work. Courtney’s initiative in seeking mentorship and hands-on experience reflects her commitment to her future.”

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Te Ūranga Waka Senior Lecturer honoured with Te Tohu Reo Māori Award | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

7 mins ago

EIT Te Ūranga Waka Senior Lecturer Hiria Tumoana (Ngāi Tūhoe) has been awarded the Te Tohu Reo Māori Award.

EIT Te Ūranga Waka Senior Lecturer Hiria Tumoana (Ngāi Tūhoe) has become the first recipient of the prestigious Te Tohu Reo Māori Award.

Presented by Ako Aotearoa, the Te Whatu Kairangi Awards celebrate outstanding educators who make a profound impact on their learners, their whānau, and the wider community.

Hiria, who will receive the award at Parliament next month, is overwhelmed by the honour.

“It’s amazing. They have a lot of people to work through. So, for someone like me, I must be doing something really good. I think I’m just really privileged and lucky to get this,” the 70-year-old said.

Hiria’s journey with te reo Māori began in Ruatoki, where she was raised in a community where Māori language and culture were central to everyday life.

Te reo Māori was her first language, and it has remained the foundation of her life’s work.

“For me, English doesn’t tell me who I am. Only te reo Māori does that,” Hiria reflects. “I will never stop teaching te reo Māori and hope to continue until my time is up.”

Hiria began teaching Te Reo Māori at Victoria University in 1977.

Since then, she has gone on to gain her BA Honours, train and examine translators for Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Commission), and co-design and teach te reo Māori on Radio Kahungunu and across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Her passion for revitalising the language has driven her more than 40-year career at EIT, first starting in Wairoa, and now at the Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale.

Hiria is renowned for her engaging teaching style, which blends humour, tradition, and modern techniques to create an inclusive environment for learners of all ages.

She believes that helping students discover their full potential is her greatest achievement.

“I want them all to be successful and I want them to know their full potential. They don’t always know what they know but when they understand, they feel good about who they are and what they can do.”

Pareputiputi Nuku, Pouarataki, Te Uranga Waka, says: “Hiria is an inspiration to all staff of Te Ūranga Waka, the majority of whom she has taught over the years and now they themselves are teachers”.

“Congratulations Hiria as the inaugural winner of this very significant award. E poho kereru ana mātau i a koe!”

Ako Aotearoa Deputy Director Māori, Dr Joe Te Rito says the proverb, ‘Te puna o te kī, te whītiki o te kī’ describes Hiria most aptly.

“She is an authority on the Māori language, as a native speaker and linguist, and she has a special gift for teaching it. Hiria is an icon for her life-time commitment to the revitalisation and teaching of the language dating back to the 1972 te reo Māori Petition.”

Hiria Tumoana will join the 10 other Te Whatu Kairangi awardees at Parliament on November 4 at the official awards ceremony hosted by the Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills.

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East Coast students get a taste of the future at successful careers day | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 mins ago

School students from the East Coast were given a taste of the future at a successful discovery day organised by EIT’s Education 2 Employment team.

School students from the East Coast were given a taste of the future at a successful discovery day held at Ngata College in Ruatoria recently.

The event, organised by EIT’s Education 2 Employment team, saw hundreds of students from the region get a chance to engage with tertiary institutes, pathway providers and employers.

Education 2 Employment (e2e) encourages the coordination and support of employers and the local business community to be involved in vocational education, employment and development opportunities for young people. The primary goal of the e2e programme is to help connect industry with schools so that students can identify possible career pathways.

Twenty-seven organisations were represented at the event in Ruatoria last month. While the event was aimed at senior school students, year seven and eight and even younger students also attended.

Among the companies and organisations attending to connect with the students were local and regional businesses, Government agencies like IRD, and educational institutes including EIT and others from outside the region.

Adrianna Wilson, Education 2 Employment Advisor for EIT Tairāwhiti, says that the aim of the event was to expose students to what opportunities were out there.

“We wanted them to see that there are local employers and ones further afield who can offer them a pathway to a career of their choice.”

“For an example, we had Mātai Medical Research Institute there, so if a student was interested in going into that career, what’s the pathway for them?”

School students from the East Coast were given a taste of the future at a successful discovery day organised by EIT’s Education 2 Employment team.

Adrianna says the event was staged in a way that engaged the students and got them interested in potential careers.

“Every employer or business had an interactive activity. Some had honey pots representing apiculture, civil infrastructure had roading games, the police services had drug goggles and were in their police cars. We also had a Media House there which did portraits of the students, STEM were there doing science activities, and we had the Department of Conservation discussing survival, trapping and other outdoor skills.”

“We also had a game where they were given a bingo card with symbols that represented each employer or industry. And they had to go and either ask questions or do the interactive activity and get it ticked off by the employer. At the end, they all got a prize if they filled their bingo card. They had to ask questions and engage.”

Adrianna says the aim is to make the event an annual occurrence.

“It is a rewarding time for both students and participating organisations as the students get to see what career opportunities there are and employers are exposed to the talent coming through.”

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An authority on, and an activist for the language | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

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4 mins ago

Hiria Tumoana is an icon in the Maori world for her life-time commitment to, and achievements in the revitalisation and teaching of the Maori language which dates to the Te Reo Maori Petition. She is a native speaker, was raised in her traditional tribal setting of Tuhoe, studied linguistics, and has a passion and gift for teaching the Maori language. In 1998, she gained a highly prestigious role at the Maori Language Commission as an examiner.

Hiria has taught at EIT for some 40 years and is highly sought after by students. She appeals to mixed generations of youth, adults and elders. She uses a blend of traditional and modern pedagogies; and has inspired thousands of learners in contexts from traditional classrooms to marae, to Maori radio. Her teaching approach is direct and injected with humour. She is also described as sharp, highly intelligent, empathetic, and as a warrior woman. Hiria consistently receives great student evaluation feedback.

One student commented, “Whaea Hiria is one of my greatest luminaries and I will forever be grateful for all the teachings and learnings she has given and still continues to give me on a daily basis.”

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Pursuing passion for nursing by studying at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

4 mins ago

Alisha Stanford, 18, is currently in her first year of the Bachelor of Nursing at EIT Hawke’s Bay.

Driven by compassion, a Hawke’s Bay student is motivated to pursue her ambition of becoming a nurse by studying at EIT.

Alisha Stanford, 18, who went to Napier Girls’ High School, was also attracted to studying the Bachelor of Nursing at EIT by the Year 13 scholarship on offer.

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 level 5  diploma programmes that lead into a degree by providing one year FREE study. Students who live outside the region may be eligible for the scholarship in some programmes that are available nationwide.

“I’ve had family members go through EIT, including nursing and they enjoyed their studies, all fulfilling their carer pathways now. I’ve always wanted to do nursing and see where it takes me.”

“I also chose EIT for the convenience of staying local and because EIT offered me everything that I needed.”

Currently in her first year at the EIT Hawke’s Bay Campus, Alisha is enjoying learning more about her chosen craft, and especially enjoyed her first year placement, which was at a Napier rest home. She will soon be going on her second placement at Te Whata Ora in Hastings.

She says that she is hoping to eventually become a paediatric nurse at some stage, but was keeping her options open.

“It’s all on the table. I’m very open-minded to where this nursing could take me, offering me endless opportunities, which I think is an attraction to nursing.”

“I enjoy being in the lab and hearing the experiences of our lecturers. I’ve always been interested in how the body works and that side of biology.”

EIT Bachelor of Nursing Lecturer Abby Davis says: “Alisha is a student of mine currently on her placement, and she has been absolutely fantastic, thoroughly enjoying her clinical time in the hospital.”

“The nurses have genuinely appreciated working with her, noting her enthusiastic approach and dedication to her learning. She is hardworking and consistently ensures her patients receive the best nursing care.”

“She has a passion for nursing encouraging other students with her positive attitude, leadership qualities and relationships with her classmates. Alisha is an excellent student, and I eagerly anticipate her bright future in nursing.”

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After foray into plumbing, love for teaching leads student to study at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

1 hour ago

Corey Boocock is currently in the second year of the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) at EIT Tairāwhiti.

After a brief foray into plumbing, an EIT student has pursued his dream of being in a classroom by studying for a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) at EIT Tairāwhiti.

Born and bred in Gisborne, Corey Boocock did his schooling at Mangapapa Primary School, Gisborne Intermediate and then Gisborne Boys High School.

Despite having always liked teaching, Corey decided to pursue a plumbing apprenticeship after finishing school in 2020.

“I fell into the mindset of not wanting to study after I left school. I just wanted to get a job and start earning money. I did a gateway programme and got offered a job out of school but after probably six months I found that I was not enjoying it too much anymore, so I left.”

Corey says that he decided to visit Mangapapa School where his mother works as a teacher aide and observed a teacher teaching for a couple of hours. He had been told by his mother and a Careers Advisor at school that he would make a good teacher, so he decided to give it a go.

He got a job as a teacher aide where he worked until the end of 2021, before enrolling at EIT in 2022.

However, his tenure at EIT was not straightforward as he initially only completed semester one before taking a dream job teaching softball for Softball NZ for six months. Corey has a long history with softball, having represented New Zealand in the sport. This has seen him play overseas as well. He also travels to Hawke’s Bay each weekend to compete.

After working for six months in flood restoration after Cyclone Gabrielle, he rejoined the EIT Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) mid last year.

Part of the programme sees students doing practicums throughout the year with partnerships schools and a placement as well. In 2023 Corey did his placement and Practicum at Mangapapa School. In 2024 his placement and first practicum was at Makaraka School. His last practicum for this year is at Sonrise Christian School in Gisborne.

Corey has no doubt in recommending EIT as a place to study.

“What I enjoy about the programme is the school based learning aspect of it in comparison to other places. I’m pretty sure that’s something exclusive to EIT so I quite appreciate that.”

Currently in his second year, Corey is looking forward to becoming a teacher when he finishes his degree.

Emma McFadyen, EIT Tairāwhiti Site Coordinator and Lecturer, Primary Education, said: “Corey’s experience prior to entering the Bachelor of Teaching provides a diverse perspective to his studies. His insights enrich class discussion and the learning environment.”

“Corey’s commitment to becoming an effective educator serves as an inspiration to his peers and for future students thinking of enrolling in the programme.”

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Protecting and preserving EIT Hawke’s Bay’s outdoor learning sanctuary | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 hours ago

A recent Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre (ŌOLC) staff meeting on the EIT Hawke’s Bay Campus.

Protecting and preserving an EIT Hawke’s Bay campus outdoor learning sanctuary is important environmentally and culturally for the future, says EIT new kaitiaki (guardian) of the Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre (ŌOLC).

Gerard Henry, a tutor in EIT’s School of Primary Industries, takes up the role while maintaining his teaching duties in EIT’s environmental management and horticulture programmes.  Gerard will be supported by the wider Primary Industries team.   

The ŌOLC has been inspirational for students and staff across numerous EIT Schools as well as local schools and organisations, and Gerard believes it can play an even greater role in connecting the campus with nature.  “There are many opportunities for programmes to utilise this special space as part of their delivery, enriching the learning experience for ākonga”.

Initially the ŌOLC was established as the base for the Learning in Nature (LIN) education initiative, an innovative collaboration between EIT, Ngāti Pārau (the mana whenua hapū for Ōtātara), Te Papa Atawhai (the Department of Conservation), Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, and local environmental groups.  Financial support from the Air New Zealand Environment Trust helped get the OOLC underway. In 2021, EIT won the Benefiting Society Category of the prestigious Australasian Green Gown Awards for its ‘Ko au te taiao, ko te taiao ko au: I am nature, nature is me’ project.

Gerard Henry is the new kaitiaki (guardian) of the Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre (ŌOLC) on the EIT Hawke’s Bay Campus.

The ŌOLC has a steady stream of local school children and community groups utilising the facility.  The team recently hosted ākonga from seven Ōtatāra Kāhui kura where children participated in various outdoor activities and enjoyed helping to organise some planting “Part of my role is to liaise with different community groups so that they can enjoy what ŌOLC has to offer” says Gerard.

Students and staff from a wide range of EIT programmes are invested in the space and work collaboratively on various projects to improve and celebrate the spaces and the amazing resource we have.

Gerard says “it was at the first planting project at ŌOLC in 2018 with a Sustainability cohort that he understood the meaning the place will have for ākonga, kaimahi and visitors”.  EIT are privileged to be connected with “Ōtātara, one of the most outstanding Pa sites in New Zealand”.  Kaitiakitanga and Mātauranga Māori will be guiding principles in leading the development of ŌOLC into the future.

Paul Keats, the Assistant Head of School for Primary Industries, said the ŌOLC is a perfect fit with our School and as well as benefiting our teaching, it’s an asset for the community.

It is important for people to know that the ŌOLC is now fully functional after the cyclone for EIT and community use. For inquiries, contact the team at OtataraOutdoorLearningCentre@eit.ac.nz

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Supporting age-friendly communities and improving health access for rainbow people key areas of EIT lecturer’s research | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

2 hours ago

Jeffery Adams is a Postgraduate Health Science Lecturer at EIT Auckland.

Supporting age-friendly communities and improving health access for rainbow people are key parts of an EIT Auckland lecturer’s research.

Jeffery Adams, Postgraduate Health Science Lecturer at EIT Auckland, says that he has undertaken research and programme evaluation across a number of health areas and settings – including physical activity, alcohol, gambling, mental health and wellbeing, workforce issues, volunteering, and community development/community action.

A recent research project has been an evaluation of the Office for Seniors age-friendly fund. Jeffery is working with Stephen Neville from Te Pūkenga, who is the lead researcher.

“We are looking at this funding scheme that the Office for Seniors offers and trying to work out how effective it has been in helping councils and communities either develop an age friendly plan or to implement age friendly projects.”

“It’s a New Zealand-wide sample with more than sixty different projects that have been funded. We are trying to make a determination about the fund as a whole as to whether it’s achieving outcomes and contributing to communities to be more age friendly.”

Another project that Stephen and Jeffery are involved in is the validation of an age-friendly survey tool. This is a partnership between the researchers, the Office for Seniors, and the Napier City Council and in association with The Hague University of Applied Sciences. The tool has been successfully trialled by Napier City Council with the aim of rolling it out for use in other communities in New Zealand.

There are eight domains for determining an age-friendly city – community and health care, transportation, housing, social participation, outdoor spaces and buildings, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, and communication and information. For the Napier study,  validation process involved receiving feedback from a consumer panel in Napier.

Jeffery says that while New Zealand has areas of age-friendliness, there’s a growing interest among some councils and communities to create more age-friendly environments.

He says that one difficulty for cities is striking a balance between meeting the needs of everybody, while also ensuring older people’s specific needs are met.

“An example is that many places have short time limits on their parking, but this can make it more difficult for older people to go out and shop and attend appointments.”

Another focus area for Jeffery is the health and wellbeing of rainbow people (an umbrella term used to describe people of diverse sexualities, genders, and variations of sex characteristics). This research has included studies focused on mental health, alcohol consumption, HIV and sexual health promotion, and Asian gay men. It has been funded by a number of agencies including the NZ AIDS Foundation, Ministry of Health and the Health Promotion Agency and is characterised by engagement with community organisations and employment of community members as research team members.   

Jeffery’s most recent project is examining data from the New Zealand Health Survey to ascertain the healthcare experiences and health behaviours of lesbian, gay and bisexual people. This work was funded by Massey University and is set to be published soon in New Zealand and Australian publications.

Last year Jeffery and Stephen Neville wrote an article entitled Rainbow health in Aotearoa New Zealand – finally getting the attention it deserves?  which was published in the Journal of Primary Health Care.

The authors wrote that the health of rainbow people had until now largely been ignored in government health policy.

“However this has changed with the release by Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora of Te Pae Tata: Interim New Zealand Health Plan, which details priority areas to improve health outcomes and equity for all New Zealanders.”

“Te Pae Tata promises a ‘new health system’ and improved health outcomes for rainbow people. Although this plan provides welcome recognition of inequity, it offers a limited, generalised view on how to improve health for rainbow people. More specific and detailed action plans on how equity might be achieved are required.”