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International student who chose EIT for her postgraduate studies in New Zealand completes journey with PhD | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

4 minutes ago

Priyanka Antil, who came from India to do a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology (GradDipIT) and the Master of Information Technology at EIT, has continued her journey and recently completed a PhD at AUT in Auckland.

An international student chose EIT for her postgraduate studies in New Zealand and is now reaping the rewards having recently completed her journey with a PhD.

Priyanka Antil, 38, has always had a passion for IT, having completed her Bachelor of Computer Science and Masters in Computer Application in her home country of India.

She spent a number of years working in India before marrying her husband Vinod and having a son, Priyansh.

It was then that Priyanka started looking for opportunities to study abroad.

“I did my research and I really liked the look of New Zealand. We chose EIT because I wanted to go to a polytechnic rather than going to a university. When I saw EIT, I knew that it was a good institute so I applied.”

It was a decision she does not regret, even though it meant moving her young family halfway across the world to pursue her studies in 2015.

She enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology (GradDipIT) at EIT in Auckland, which was a one-year programme.

“We had a couple of admission offers from institutes, but we chose EIT because I had some specific criteria. I wanted to go to a government institute and I wanted to be with students from different countries.

She loved the Postgraduate Diploma, and it whet her appetite to go forward with her studies. It was a natural progression to do a second Masters. She chose the Master of Information Technology and she is glad she did.

“After I finished my Graduate Diploma, I got a job here in Auckland as a part-time lecturer at AWI, Institute”

“Working part-time also motivated me to continue my higher education journey. I want to grow in the field more, so that I can be a part of the education system here in New Zealand.”

The next phase was her PhD, but unfortunately EIT does not offer that programme so she completed it through AUT in Auckland. However, her association with EIT did not end as she has received guidance from EIT Adjunct Associate Professor Alison Clear.

The PhD in software engineering has taken her four years to complete, something she says she could not have done without her husband, who has been the family’s sole income earner as a manager at a local supermarket.

However, that has changed and Priyanka now has a job of her own, working as a senior test engineer at GenTrack Global Limited.

EIT Auckland Campus Director Cherie Freeman says: “EIT is immensely proud of Priyanka and her outstanding accomplishments as she graduates with a PhD. Her dedication and perseverance exemplify the excellence we strive to cultivate in all our students.”

“Although EIT does not currently offer PhD programmes, we are delighted to see how our Master’s qualifications serve as a strong foundation for graduates aspiring to pursue further research and academic success.”

“Priyanka’s achievements highlight the value of an EIT education in supporting students to achieve their goals and make significant contributions to their chosen fields. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Priyanka and her family, and we wish them continued success and happiness as they continue their journey here in New Zealand.”

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Experienced nurse who rose through the ranks is appointed EIT’s Head of Nursing | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

5 minutes ago

Kat Williams has been appointed Head of the School of Nursing at EIT.

An experienced nurse who has risen through the academic ranks at EIT, has been appointed Head of the School of Nursing.

Katherine (Kat) Williams, who was until her new appointment, programme co-ordinator for the Bachelor of Nursing, began working at EIT in 2017,

“I started off as a casual practicum lecturer, so I was supporting students out on clinical, and then from there I just got more and more involved. I worked my way up to a full-time position and spent most of my time in the first year team.”

After returning from maternity leave for the birth of her first son, Kiwa, Kat took on the role of programme co-ordinator for the Bachelor of Nursing. She was in the role for 14 months before she went on maternity leave for her second son, Te Ariki. She returned in April to assist with Nursing Accreditation- and fulfilled the role of Acting Assistant Head of School until the end of October this year.

Kat says that having the support of her partner,  whānau , friends and colleagues has made fulfilling her roles at EIT possible.

“Although this position is for me, it’s for my whānau too- they are the ones that keep me grounded, motivated, and undoubtably support me.”

It has been a journey for Kat to get to this position, with COVID-19, Cyclone Gabrielle, changes to EIT and Te Pūkenga, as well as changes in the leadership of the School of Nursing all having to be navigated.

One thing is for certain, Kat brings a vast array of experience in all facets of nursing overseas and in New Zealand. Born in Rotorua and schooled in Tokoroa, Kat studied for her nursing degree at Massey University and her Master’s degree at the University of Auckland.

She started off the new graduate programme at Tauranga Hospital, working in Kaupapa Māori and a surgical ward. After 18 months there she decided to apply for a role at Camp America and ended up  being the summer camp nurse, before jumping in a campervan with friends to see the United States.

After another stint in a surgical ward at a hospital in Darwin, Australia, Kat tried her luck in Saudia Arabia. While she enjoyed her time there, she then followed her yearnings to return to Alice Springs, Australia  . She soon became a nurse educator filling in as maternity cover, which ended up being a two-and-a-half year stint.

Kat’s final adventure took a different direction – working in the emergency department in Tennant Creek. Although it was exciting and there was lots of learning, she then had a desire to return home to Aotearoa.

She then worked for TriEX in Auckland and WOHC in Hamilton. Her endeavour at that stage was to continue nursing within an Occupational Health and safety space- however, her now husband lived in  Hawke’s Bay so this changed the plan somewhat.

“This led to my interest in working at EIT within nursing education- and I’ve been here ever since.”

Now that she is Head of School, Kat is focussing on building her leadership team, as well as the wider academic team in the School. She is also focussed on strengthening the relationships  with key stakeholders and gaining an understanding of their needs and the reality of the current workforce demands.

Kat also believes that research is an important part of the School of Nursing and says that in consultation with EIT’s Research team and the Faculty Dean exciting opportunities for this space to grow and develop are on the cards “however, not overnight.”

Dr Helen Ryan-Stewart, EIT’s Executive Dean, Education, Humanities and Health Science, says: “We’re thrilled to have Kat step up into the Head of School, Nursing role. With her extensive experience in nursing in Aotearoa and worldwide, and her proven track record of educational delivery, we’re confident that she will bring a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to our Faculty.”

“It is fantastic to be able to promote from within the organisation, and Kat has consistently demonstrated her commitment to EIT’s values. Kat’s energy is infectious, and we’re excited to see how she’ll inspire and motivate the nursing team.”

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EIT Associate Professor appointed co-chair of academic advisory board of award-winning climate action non-profit | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

16 minutes ago

Associate Professor Pii-Tuulia NIkula

Pii-Tuulia Nikula, an Associate Professor in EIT’s School of Business, has been appointed Co-chair of  the Academic Advisory Board of the Climate Action Network for International Educators (CANIE).

CANIE is a volunteer grassroots initiative formed by international education practitioners from around the world who see the need for the sector to step up and act on climate. CANIE serves as a platform to bring the sector together to act as a catalyst for action.

CANIE has recently won a number of awards, including the 2024 Catalyst Award from the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), 2024 Membership organisation of the year and 2024 Sustainability international impact award by PIEoneer, and the 2022 President’s Award by European Association for International Education (EAIE).

CANIE announced the academic advisory board appointments in its latest newsletter, saying: “Their expertise and commitment to sustainability in international education will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission.” Associate Professor Nikula will be co-chair of CANIE’s Academic Advisory Board along with Dr Anne Campbell who is based in the United States

The Academic Advisory Board provides advice on climate change and international education related matters or, when appropriate, responds to requests from the CANIE Global Board in relation to wider issues raised by stakeholders.

Associate Professor Nikula says that she is honoured by the appointment as CANIE plays an important advisory role on sustainability and climate change in international education.

“I am committed to the work CANIE does in the sustainability field in international education. I am looking forward to working with Anne Campbell and our interdisciplinary academic advisory board with expertise in international education, climate science, energy systems/aviation decarbonisation, climate justice, and business/management.”

Associate Professor Nikula is an internationally recognised researcher and innovative educator with extensive industry, teaching and research experience in the fields of management, policy, sustainability and higher education. She teaches courses in sustainable organisations, global strategies and research methods and supervises undergraduate and postgraduate level students. She also has extensive experience in course and curriculum design and programme and course coordination roles

Pii-Tuulia’s work has been published in leading international journals and she has co-edited two books: Sustainable Education Abroad: Striving for Change and Student Recruitment Agents in International Higher Education: A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective on Challenges and Best Practices.

EIT Head of the School of Business, Dr Gareth Allison, said: “Associate Professor Nikula’s appointment as Co-chair of CANIE’s Academic Advisory Board is a testament to her exceptional expertise and commitment to sustainability. Her appointment showcases the alignment at EIT between high quality research and real-world impact. We are proud to see her play a pivotal role in this important global initiative.”

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EIT industry-focused forum gives students opportunity to engage with industry representatives | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

6 mins ago

EIT Auckland Campus Director Cherie Freeman with Nick Larsen of Tataki Auckland Unlimited.

EIT Auckland students and recent graduates have had the opportunity to engage with industry representatives at the Mahi Heke Mai – Working Futures industry-focused forum.

Held on EIT’s Auckland Campus earlier this month, the inaugural Mahi Heke Mai – Working Futures industry-focused forum saw recent graduates and current students meet industry representatives from the IT, supply chain, health and wellbeing and recruitment sectors.

The organiser of the event, Brendon Hickey, said that the occasion provided “an informative and interactive experience for the next generation of Auckland’s workforce talent to share the room with and gain invaluable insights from the experts”.

Brendon, who is the Industry Partnerships Manager at EIT’s Auckland Campus, said that the aim of the event was to provide “a platform and an opportunity for our most recent graduates in the first instance, as well as current students”.

“The opportunity was to enable them to have the curtain pulled back on their spheres of interest, their professional domain, their relevant industry sectors, just to hear directly from people in those areas, so that they could have that credible, authentic exchange with them.”

A high-calibre roster of distinguished presenters and panelists included Nick Larsen, Tech Workforce Lead at Tataki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), the region’s economic development agency. Nick’s presentation contextualised the role skilled migrants and international students play in the local tech, digital commerce and innovation ecosystem, linking their contribution to TAU’s strategic, inclusive workforce development goals.

Garry Green, Founder and Managing Director of Quanton, an Auckland-based AI and automation business transformation enterprise, detailed how his company attracts, nurtures and retains the talent that makes up Quanton’s diverse workforce.

In a similar vein, Dan Kabuuka, Programme Director at Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, gave attendees first-hand insights into workplace environments and cultures. Personal journeys toward fulfilling professional positions of responsibility, involving responding positively to multiple and complex challenges, were shared by Harini Nanayakkara, Group Compliance Manager at Xplor and high-profile technologist and leadership specialist Gareth Cronin.

Critical and up to date labour market and recruitment expertise was provided by Simon Meehan of Absolute IT and Wayne Fry of Hunter Campbell.

Both experts were able to elaborate on current trends and developments, employer requirements and expectations, and connect these to ongoing and forecast economic cycles, with Wayne generously commenting: “I enjoyed the experience and was impressed with the rest of the panel, the interaction with the students and a well-planned and run event. I’d be delighted to be involved or support future events that you might have.”

Brendon says that he was happy at how successful the event was.

“It was pleasing to see industry guests and attendees mingling enthusiastically long after the scheduled ending of the session. Feedback from all participants was extremely positive, positioning us well to repeat the event in 2025.

A recent EIT IT graduate Rahul Mathew said: “As an attendee, I found the talks truly thought-provoking and insightful. I appreciate the opportunity to engage with industry experts and hope this initiative continues to support future talents in New Zealand’s job market.”

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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.”

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EIT lecturer’s research into ChatGPT in education shows challenges and promises | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

2 days ago

Amr van den Adel is a Senior Lecturer in the EIT School of Computing in Auckland.

ChatGPT in educational settings has potential benefits, but there are also challenges, research by an EIT lecturer has found.

The research, led by Amr van den Adel, a Senior Lecturer in the EIT School of Computing in Auckland, has recently been published in the renowned journal Educational Sciences, entitled ChatGPT promises and challenges in education: Computational and ethical perspectives. The other authors of the article are Ali Ahsan and Claire Davison, both from the University of Torrens Australia. Amr and the two other authors are all members of the Centre for Organisational Change and Agility at Torrens.

The study explores the integration of ChatGPT in educational settings. It highlights the potential benefits, but also addresses significant challenges like AI biases and the lack of emotional and interpersonal interactions typical in traditional education.

“The paper underscores the need for ongoing research to adapt educational strategies in response to rapidly evolving AI technologies, offering insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers,” says Amr.

“This paper investigates the integration of ChatGPT into educational environments, focusing on its potential to enhance personalised learning and the ethical concerns it raises. Through a systematic literature review, interest analysis, and case studies, the research scrutinises the application of ChatGPT in diverse educational contexts, evaluating its impact on teaching and learning practices.”

Amr says that the key findings reveal that ChatGPT can enrich education significantly by offering dynamic, personalised learning experiences and real-time feedback, thereby boosting teaching efficiency and learner engagement.

“However, the study also highlights significant challenges, such as biases in AI algorithms that may distort educational content and the inability of AI to replicate the emotional and interpersonal dynamics of traditional teacher–student interactions.”

“The paper acknowledges the fast-paced evolution of AI technologies, which may render some findings obsolete, underscoring the need for ongoing research to adapt educational strategies accordingly.”

Amr says that this study provides a balanced analysis of the opportunities and challenges of ChatGPT in education, emphasising ethical considerations and offering strategic insights for the responsible integration of AI technologies.

“These insights are valuable for educators, policymakers, and researchers involved in the digital transformation of education.”

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Former Commonwealth Games triathlete keen to promote health, sport and exercise in new role at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

1 hour ago

Dr Andrew Garrett is the new Head of EIT’s School of Health and Sport Science.

A former Commonwealth Games triathlete, who has been appointed the Head of EIT’s School of Health and Sport Science, is keen to use his new role to promote health, sport and exercise,

Dr Andrew Garrett represented the Isle of Man in the triathlon at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland and said that he knew then that he wanted to return to live in New Zealand.

“It was the first time I came to New Zealand. After competing and obviously enjoying the Commonwealth Games itself, I told myself that I would come back here at some point. And in 1996, I came back to a teaching post at Wintec in Hamilton.”

Currently living in Christchurch since December when he moved back here with his New Zealand raised wife Karen, Andrew had been Sport, Health and Exercise Science Programme Director and Graduate Research Director at the University of Hull..

Sport has played a big role in Andrew’s life being a former international triathlete. He is a keen veteran athlete having recently completed a 100-mile cycling sportive and several half Iron triathlons. He plans to take part in the Taupo half Ironman next March. His applied sport science work on preparing athletes for the Marathon des Sables has received television media attention in the UK from BBC Look North News and BBC Radio Humberside.

He says that he is looking forward to his new role. Initially he will be working remotely from Christchurch until his wife finishes her job there, but he will be commuting up to Napier regularly.

While he was drawn to the lifestyle offered by Hawke’s Bay, it was having a leadership role that attracted him. He is also keen to get to know the staff and EIT’s systems.

“After a period of uncertainty, there’s also an opportunity to  provide some stability for the school at the institution.”

Andrew says the School of Health and Sport Science also has a role to play in bringing exercise into people’s lives to enhance the quality of life.

“I think that exercise can be paramount in balancing the mental health side of things. Our programmes show that there are now more opportunities available work-wise than perhaps weren’t available five or ten years ago. Exercise specialists are becoming more accessible to most people these days and at all stages of life.”

Andrew’s main area of research  expertise are the markers of fatigue in temperature regulation during exercise in the time of climate change and he was an Associate Member of the Hull York Medical School (HYMS). His PhD work was funded by the Australian Military based at the University of Otago in New Zealand (Induction and decay of heat acclimation) and in collaboration with the Otago Medical School. He received an MSc in Sport Science from Loughborough University and his undergraduate degree is from the University of Wales in Cardiff.

Helen Ryan-Stewart, EIT’s Executive Dean, Education, Humanities and Health Science, said: “Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team, and we are confident that he will make a significant contribution to the success of the School of Health and Sport Science.”

“Whilst Andrew is currently working remotely, we are excited to welcome him to  Hawke’s Bay soon so that he can immerse himself in our community to achieve the best outcomes for our ākonga.”

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Having an impact on people’s lives at heart of EIT educator’s philosophy | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

16 mins ago

Dr Gareth Allison is EIT’s new Head of the School of Business

An EIT educator who spent time working at an Indigenous tertiary institute in Australia’s Northern Territory, says that having an impact on people’s lives and in communities is key.

Dr Gareth Allison, who is EIT’s new Head of the School of Business, says that his job as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Tertiary Education and Research at Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education gave him an insight into the role that education can play in people’s lives. He also spent part of his time there in the acting CEO role.

“What was great about the roles was what you were doing as an organisation was making a real impact on people’s lives. In that context it was changing the lives of people, families and communities that had been damaged by colonialism“

“We had a wide variety of offerings from very low level literacy and numeracy programmes delivered in the prisons, right through to postgraduate courses. I enjoyed my time there and it really was a place where I learnt a lot of lessons.”

Gareth, who joined EIT in May as postgraduate programme coordinator and lecturer in the Schools of Business and Computing, is looking forward to his new role heading the School of Business. He has also been appointed Head of the School of Tourism and Hospitality and the English Language Centre.

He is originally from Kaikōura and has worked extensively within the tertiary education sector since receiving his PhD from Lincoln University. He has worked at Lincoln University, Auckland University of Technology, Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai, the University of Canterbury and Ara Institute of Canterbury as well.

Gareth, who ran his own business in Christchurch for about a year after returning from Australia, says that he decided to come to EIT because it had always had a good reputation in the Polytech sector.

“I enjoy this sector a lot, its applied and real and I feel that you can make more of a difference.”

“I think that after what this community has been through, it’s a chance to make an impact and to do something meaningful, which is, to me,  quite important.”

Research has been an important part of Gareth’s career and he is enjoying connecting with EIT’s rich research culture. His own doctoral thesis examined Cross-cultural motivations for the consumption of luxury products, but his interests are now more about multicultural marketplaces, food marketing, and ethical consumption.

He says that he is looking forward to the challenge of being Head of three distinct schools (Business, Tourism and Hospitality and the English Language Centre).

“My job in that space is to help to grow those areas till they are sustainable and vibrant and doing all the things they need to do.”

He says that while an important part of the School of Business was the postgraduate programmes in Auckland which focused on international students, he is keen to grow the undergraduate offering in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti, as well as postgraduate offerings for domestic students in Hawke’s Bay.

“What i’d like to see is for the business school as a whole to be more engaged with the region that we’re in, to be more relevant, to be more a part of the community that we live and work in, and to be a real contributor to the economy of this region in terms of developing skills and creating opportunities for businesses and for students.”

“I’d also like for us to be more connected to all of our stakeholders, including Māori, and to increase our relevance in that space over time.”

John West, EIT’s Executive Dean: Faculty of Commerce and Technology, says: “EIT is delighted to be able to appoint Gareth who brings a breadth of Australian educational leadership and management experience, and a deep understanding of delivering educational outcomes to learners that often find access and success at tertiary education difficult.”

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Cyclone Gabrielle experience motivates EIT educator to be even more positive | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

4 mins ago

Geoffrey Mather is EIT’s new Head of Computing.

A near-death experience during Cyclone Gabrielle has motivated Geoffrey Mather to be even more positive than before.

Geoffrey, who has recently been appointed EIT’s new Head of the School of Computing, says the Cyclone forced him to  reimagine his life and not “sweat the small stuff”.

“I don’t worry about a thing now, instead I just get on and do the best I can with what I’ve got.”

Geoffrey, who was the Assistant Head of the Schools of Business and Computing at the time, was living semi-rurally near the Napier Golf Club at Waiohiki. He says that he was fast asleep at about 5.30 am on the day the Cyclone hit last February.

“I was woken by this torrent of water and my mobile’s torchlight showed that there was about 2 foot of water in my bedroom.”

Wherever he went in the house there was rising water and Geoffrey realised that he needed to get out.

Attempts to break windows proved futile, so he made his way to the kitchen where there was a high window that he could climb out of.

“I pushed the window out and jumped into the torrent of water that by this time was running around my place.”

As he tried to make it to safety he came across his landlord and together they were able to make it to higher ground, eventually ending up at a neighbour’s house.

“About this time, I sent a message to John West, my boss, and it’s quite funny on reflection, but it said something like, ‘Hi John, I don’t think I’m going to be able to get into work today’.”

Having escaped with his pyjamas and his mobile phone only, it was the start of a period of rebuilding for Geoffrey and he credits John West and EIT for their understanding, support and compassion.

“When I did come back to work, I initially came back part-time, and also got some counselling through EAP, which I am also very grateful for.”

Since coming back to work, Geoffrey has been acting Head of School for Tourism and Hospitality, Computing and English Language.

He says this has helped him master the art of multi-tasking and ironically given him focus, but he has also benefitted from the counselling and has even created a podcast about his experience.

“My podcast is called Cyclone Gabrielle Smash-up. It’s six episodes and it’s just me sharing. The first episode is a slightly longer account of what happened on that fateful day.”

”I would like to find a way to create a platform where people can share from their experience what they went through, because something I have learned since Cyclone Gabrielle is that whether someone was impacted or not, everyone has a story.”

“I think it can be empowering, insightful, rewarding, not just for the person who’s sharing the story, but those who are receiving it. And I would like to create a way for those sorts of stories to be shared.”

Now living in Taradale, Geoffrey is looking forward to getting into his new role.

“I am excited by where computing and the school could go in the coming years. That excites me. And I’m eager to help make that a reality and propel the school forward.”

He says that his vision is for it to become EIT’s showcase and to deepen the connections and synergies between teams and communities.

“And not just in the Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti and Auckland regions where we deliver programmes, but also internationally. And at the moment, we have a large project in China with Zhejiang Yuexiu University. And another reason why I look forward to working alongside the School of Computing whānau is before joining EIT, I worked in China for 12 and a half years.”

“I think I therefore have an interesting lens within which to grow and support our China-based programme.”

Geoffrey also looks forward to being reunited with his Malaysian-born partner Kenny.  They met 20 years ago in Shanghai and have been living a long-distance relationship for most of that time.  Post the Cyclone, they applied for a Partner Visa for Kenny and are now awaiting Immigration New Zealand’s decision.

John West, EIT’s Executive Dean: Faculty of Commerce and Technology, says: “EIT was delighted to have appointed Geoffrey when he started in April 2022. His subsequent appointment to Head of School reflects EITs commitment to empowering and growing managers.”

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Top EIT researcher wins award from international organisation | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

7 mins ago

EIT Associate Professor Pii-Tuulia Nikula, has been awarded a prestigious Associate Editor of the Year award.

A top EIT researcher, Associate Professor Pii-Tuulia Nikula, has been awarded a prestigious Associate Editor of the Year award by the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA).

Pii-Tuulia is well known for her research on management, policy, and sustainability issues in international education, higher education, and the private sector.

Last year she co-edited two books – Student Recruitment Agents in International Higher Education and Sustainable Education Abroad: Striving for Change.

Pii-Tuulia is also an active peer-reviewer and holds editorial roles in international journals. She has contributed to the work of Higher Education Research and Development since 2019, initially as part of the College of Reviewers, and then, as an Associate Editor from 2020 onwards.

The Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia announced last month that Pii-Tuulia is one of two recipients of the Associate Editor of the Year Award for 2023. The other winner was Sylvie Lomer of the University of Manchester in the UK.

The award was established to recognise the outstanding contribution made by the Associate Editors of HERD. Contributions of associate editors are assessed according to the following criteria: Timeliness, Commitment, Decision making, Quality of communication with authors and with the HERD editorial team.

Pii-Tuulia said that she was honoured to be recognised for her work by such an esteemed organisation.

“Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with numerous HERD authors, reviewers, and editorial board members, all passionate about making contributions to the field of higher education.”

“I am pleased to be able to play a role in ensuring these articles are published and contributing to the continuing success of HERD as a leading academic forum that informs and challenges researchers, administrators, and policy-makers concerned with the past, present and future of higher education.”

At EIT, Pii-Tuulia teaches courses in sustainable organisations and research methods.

Gareth Allison, EIT’s Head of the School of Business, congratulated Pii-Tuulia on the award.

“Pii-Tuulia is one of our most prolific and active researchers and this award is a testament to the high regard with which she is held in the industry.”