Category: EIT Tairawhiti

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Former EIT Head of School returns as Executive Director, Student and Academic Services | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

13 seconds ago

Dr Ondene van Dulm is EIT’s new Executive Director, Student and Academic Services.

EIT’s former Head of School for Health and Sport Science, Dr Ondene van Dulm, is returning from a secondment at Te Pūkenga to take up the role of Executive Director, Student and Academic Services.

Prior to working at EIT, Dr van Dulm was a lecturer and researcher at the University of Canterbury and the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. When EIT became part of Te Pūkenga, Dr van Dulm was seconded to the new institute to lead programme unification. She was later appointed as Head of Domain, Kaiāwhina and Health.

With the Government indicated change in direction for Te Pūkenga, Dr van Dulm has now returned to be part of EIT’s Executive team.

It is a role that she is not only qualified for, but one she is looking forward to.

“It’s going to be an interesting time ahead, with a lot of challenges and opportunities for our sector, so that’s pretty exciting. I think we have a great balance at EIT, with existing executives who have been in their roles for a while, and a few newcomers.”

“I’m really looking forward to contributing to strategic planning as we navigate the path forward for tertiary and vocational education in our region.”

EIT’s Executive Director, Kieran Hewitson, welcomed Dr van Dulm to the team.

“Ondene has played an important role in the establishment of Te Pūkenga and now she will bring that expertise to EIT as we go forward.”

“This is an important time for EIT as we continue to offer quality programmes. Ondene will add value to the Student and Academic Services role.”

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Top Researcher and Academic to become EIT Executive Dean, Faculty of Education, Humanities and Health Science | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

25 seconds ago

Dr Helen Ryan-Stewart is EIT’s new Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education, Humanities and Health Science.

EIT has appointed a top researcher and sports scientist as its new Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education, Humanities and Health Science.

Dr Helen Ryan-Stewart joined EIT from the University of Winchester in the United Kingdom in 2022. Initially appointed to the role of Assistant Head of the School of Health and Sport Science, Helen was soon made Acting Head of School following the secondment of Dr Ondene van Dulm, to Te Pūkenga.

She has been acting Dean since last year and will now lead the Faculty permanently.

Dr Ryan-Stewart says that she is humbled by the opportunity to be part of EIT’s decision-making body. She will also lead EIT’s cohort of researchers.

“I am ready to take up the challenge of leading this Faculty and supporting our talented educators and researchers.”

“EIT has some world class academics and researchers and this is a further opportunity to showcase their talents.”

“As the largest tertiary institute in the Hawke’s Bay and Tairawhiti region, we are uniquely positioned to provide ākonga with a quality education so that they can pursue the career of their choice.”

EIT Executive Director Kieran Hewitson welcomed Dr Ryan-Stewart to the EIT Executive, saying that she would add value to the team.

“Helen has proven her capabilities while acting as Dean. She is well regarded and works well with members of the faculty.”

“There is a lot of work ahead of us and it is good to have an executive made up of people of the calibre of Helen.”

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Experienced academic leader appointed to Executive Dean role | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

15 mins ago

John West has been appointed as EIT’s Executive Dean, Faculty of Commerce and Technology.

John West, an experienced academic leader, has been appointed as EIT’s Executive Dean, Faculty of Commerce and Technology.

Mr West, who has most recently been Head of EIT’s Schools of Business and Computing, has been acting Dean since April 2022, when long-serving Executive Dean Fred Koenders resigned.

Mr West says that he is looking forward to taking up the Dean role permanently and working with a new executive team.

“I am pleased to be given this opportunity to lead a Faculty of dedicated professionals and look forward to what the future holds.”

“It has been an uncertain time for many of our kaimahi so I am looking forward to helping create a settled environment where they can focus on what they do best – educating our learners.”

“We have an exciting future ahead and I have no doubt that EIT will continue to build the strong reputation and relationship it has in the Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti community.”

EIT Executive Director Kieran Hewitson welcomed Mr West to the team.

“John has done an excellent job in an acting capacity for a long time. He brings experience and professionalism to the table and I am pleased that he is now a permanent member of the executive team.”

“There is a lot of work ahead of us and it is good to have an executive made up of people of the calibre of John.”

Mr West has been with EIT since 2021 when he was appointed Head of School. Previously Mr West was the Product and Service Manager at eCampus NZ, one of New Zealand’s largest online learning developers, based in Christchurch. He has also held the roles of Head of the Business School and  Director of Student Services at Ara Institute of Canterbury

Originally from Gisborne, he has now made Hawke’s Bay his home.

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Choose a career pathway at EIT Tairāwhiti information and enrolment day | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

6 mins ago

EIT Tairāwhiti will be holding an information and enrolment day on Thursday, 13 June 2024.

The wide selection of programmes on offer at EIT Tairāwhiti will be on display when the Campus throws open its doors for an information and enrolment day on Thursday, 13 June 2024.

Anyone in Tairāwhiti who is interested in studying at EIT and would like more information about what programmes are on offer is invited. The event is from 9am – 6pm

Waata Shepherd, campus manager at EIT in Tairāwhiti, says that thisevent has proven to be a success in the past.

“This is an excellent opportunity for members of our community of all ages to see what we have to offer and which of our programmes suits them.”

“We are very proud of our programmes and would encourage everyone to come and choose something that suits them.”

“We are quite unique in offering people a full range of qualifications from certificates to postgraduate level, with full-time, part-time and online study options available.”

Waata says that EIT gives learners the opportunity to remain at home with whānau while pursuing top class qualifications like the Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts through Toihoukura.”

“Our staff will be able to advise how EIT can support you, whether you’re looking to get qualified, upskill, or just exploring your study options.”

Prospective students will be given a tour of the campus and a chance to chat to the student liaison team and tutors about what is on offer.

Check out EIT Tairāwhiti on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

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EIT BA Māori graduate enjoyed studies so much, she is now teaching one of the programmes | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

30 seconds ago

Tamara Whenuaroa (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Tūwharetoa & Ngāi Tūhoe) is now teaching at EIT Tairāwhiti after completing her Bachelor of Arts (Māori).

Tamara Whenuaroa (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Tūwharetoa & Ngāi Tūhoe) enjoyed studying for her Bachelor of Arts (Māori) at EIT Tairāwhiti so much last year, that she has been back on campus this year teaching the certificate programme.

The Tairāwhiti graduation for last year’s students was held at the War Memorial Theatre in Gisborne in March. Although Tamara did not attend the ceremony, she has still graduated with the rest of her cohort.

Tamara, whose first language is te reo, had studied at EIT previously, obtaining a Bachelor of Visual Art and Design. She says she began her second degree in 2022 after being attracted to the programme at Te Whatukura on the Tairāwhiti campus.

“I had a couple of friends who studied at Te Whatukura with EIT and did the Māori degree there. And I really enjoyed the environment that they had there.”

“When they had their graduation ceremonies, I went along with them and met a few of the tutors and saw how they operate. That really inspired me to go there. I think one of the key aspects that I enjoyed, and that was a point of difference in the teachings, was that they taught the reo of this region, of this rohe.”

“In 2022, I did the diploma in te reo. Then I did a couple of extra papers through Massey University so that I was able to fast track my journey and have those cross-credited to be able to complete the degree last year.”

Tamara, 25, who went to school at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Ara Hou in Napier, says she enjoyed learning the dialect of the region.

“I learned a lot on the grammatical side of our language. I learnt a lot about the histories and traditions of this region. I was brought up in Napier, so in Ngāti Kahungunu as opposed to the Tairāwhiti, Ngāti Porou region.”

“The Ngāti Porou language is very much its own, and I really wanted to come and learn about that here on this whenua, in this region, from the people who were brought up here because my mum is from this region. So it just made it that much more special to be able to do that.”

Tamara says that after she finished her degree, new opportunities opened up for her.

“After graduating I was approached to teach the level two te reo Māori course. They are night classes for adults. And it’s been such a cool journey to go from student, directly into teaching because being a learner, you learn all these skills and grasp an understanding of how you learn whether that’s visual or just by repetitive learning etc.”

“I always thought I’d be a teacher, but I never thought I’d be an adult teacher. I’ve been well-supported by EIT staff.”

It has been a long and winding journey for Tamara, who grew up with te reo as her first language, but never thought she could have a career in it.

“When I finished my degree in Napier, I moved to Tūranga to undergo an apprenticeship in tā moko, that’s why I actually moved to Gisborne.”

“And when I moved, I decided I may as well do the honours programme here at Toihoukura to really connect back to Toi Māori and te ao Māori. “

“I finished the honours and then worked at the Māori Land Court for a few years, whilst finishing my apprenticeship in tā moko. Shortly thereafter I underwent my reo studies. And now I’m doing the level two teaching part-time and lucky to have had a few other employment opportunities pop up, including mahi with rangatahi of Te Tairāwhiti, through Nōnā Te Ao Charitable Trust. And actually, all of my employment opportunities I acquired thanks to my reo.”

Pareputiputi Nuku, Pouarataki, Te Ūranga Waka and Te Whatukura, says: “Tamara is a talented and clearly focused, committed young wahine.

“We are very fortunate to have Tamara on our Te Whatukura and Te Ūranga Waka team as a kaiako for Te Pōkaitahi Reo (Level 2) with her skills and knowledge in te reo and toi Māori.”

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EIT staff recognised for tough times during Cyclone Gabrielle | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 days ago

Staff on the Hawke’s Bay Campus thank Ara for recognising what they went through during Cyclone Gabrielle.

Staff (kaimahi) at the Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti campuses of EIT | Te Pūkenga have been recognised for the tough times they went through during Cyclone Gabrielle last year.

Kaimahi at EIT’s fellow institute Ara raised funds for to be used to honour those EIT staff affected by the cyclone. The EIT Executive decided to use the funds to hold functions on both campuses to recognise that the cyclone had impacted all staff to some extent. Well-known naturalist Ruud Kleinpaste was the guest speaker at the Hawke’s Bay event, which was held at the Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre. The functions were well received by kaimahi.

EIT Executive Director Kieran Hewitson thanks Ara for the special gesture and the funds provided.

“We are grateful that our kaimahi have been recognised by others across the Te Pūkenga. We are aware that all of our kaimahi were, in some way or another, affected by the devasting Cyclone. While the damage to the Hawke’s Bay campus was significant, our staff live and work in communities right across Hawke’s Bay and Tairawhiti and it has been important to acknowledge their efforts in the aftermath of the cyclone”

“It has been a tough time for everyone, especially coming so soon after the COVID-19 disruptions.”

“We are pleased that things are returning to normal, with a large number of kaimahi and students back on our Hawke’s Bay campus.

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EIT | Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti cohort set to graduate after tough years of COVID-19 and Cyclone Gabrielle | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

7 mins ago

Fifty-three EIT | Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti ākonga (students) will graduate on Friday.

Fifty-three EIT | Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti ākonga (students) will graduate on Friday.

The graduation ceremony will be held at the War Memorial Theatre in Gisborne. Bachelor of Computing systems graduand Angus Bogle with deliver the Valedictorian’s address. He will also receive the Cyclone Computer Company Award for Academic Excellence in the Bachelor of Computing Systems.

The graduation ceremony follows three tough years for this cohort with disruptions caused by COVID-19 and Cyclone Gabrielle.

Tracey Tangihaere, Executive Director of the EIT | Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti Campus, paid tribute to those graduating, saying it had not been an easy time for them.

“Congratulations to all those who cross the stage on Friday. Graduating is a big occasion, but this is extra special because of what they have been through.”

“We acknowledge all their hard work and wish them well in their chosen careers.”

Tracey says the calibre of those graduating was a credit to programmes offered by EIT | Te Pūkenga.

“We are pleased to offer a wide variety of programmes that ensure all our students finish equipped to enter the workforce.

The Tairāwhiti graduation is the first of EIT | Te Pūkenga graduation ceremonies. The Hawke’s Bay graduation will be held on 12 April , while the Auckland graduation will happen on 28 May.

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EIT Te Pūkenga learner looking forward to graduating and starting new job | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 mins ago

Chris Temoni is looking forward to graduating with a Bachelor of Computing Systems (BCS) from the Tairāwhiti Campus of EIT | Te Pūkenga and his new job in IT.

Chris Temoni (Tuhoe & Ngati Porou) has a lot to look forward to this year.

Not only is Chris graduating with a Bachelor of Computing Systems (BCS) from the Tairāwhiti Campus of EIT | Te Pūkenga, he has also been accepted for an IT Support role at Te Whatu Ora.

Chris, 36, will join throngs of other ākonga graduating at the War Memorial Theatre in Gisborne on Friday, 8 March.

It’s been a long journey for Chris, who came to Gisborne from Waiohau and Tuparoa in his early twenties. He worked in different jobs but decided to return to study at EIT|Te Pūkenga to increase his skills.

“I loved computing, it was always there growing up. I was interested because my Mum worked as a receptionist and had done some computing.”

Chris started out completing the NZ Certificate in Business Administration & Computing (level 4). Enjoying the student life, he decided to continue with computing, moving on to complete the NZ Certificate in IT Essentials (level 4), followed by NZ Certificate in Information Technology (level 5) and eventually the Bachelor of Computing Systems (level 7).

 “I enjoyed all courses, how all the parts fit together. Some were challenging but that’s what I liked about it”.

Chris is not bothered by pressure and likes “what challenges do to people, how they handle it – and bring their A-game”.

He would often help people out with laptop and computer repairs, putting to use the tools and learning from the Computer Architecture course.

“The surprising thing about using tools, is that buzz when I can solve a problem – it’s satisfying.”

One memorable experience for Chris was a trip to Hawke’s Bay where he participated in GovHack with a team of computing student buddies.

“Our lecturer drove us there, we unpacked at the camping ground and headed to EIT Taradale for an all-weekend Hackathon. The atmosphere was great, it was awesome, lots of students, lecturers and guests from industry. We ate well, had lots of laughs and finished with a prize giving. Good times”.

Chris is determined to not “lose IT” since finishing his study. He has explored local jobs and different ways to keep up with what was happening in the IT space.

“My goals are to keep upskilling, and work towards becoming an IT Manager.”

Chris is thankful for the support from his Mum, family and friends, “the lecturers who helped me, and peers who I worked alongside during study”.

“I highly recommend this programme. The BCS really helped me. I started off with zero IT skills, and have learned a heck of a lot. It feels great to be where I am now. It’s a buzz. Just so happy”.

“I hope this will inspire my friends and family to upskill and do what they enjoy.”

Tina Blumenthal, Senior IT Lecturer at EIT |Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti, says: “Chris has been an asset to his degree cohort. His committed, calm, focused and quietly inquiring manner, coupled with an ability to draw on experience has meant he has been able to contribute on many levels to inspiring his peers. It’s been a privilege to be part of his study journey and I wish Chris all the best in achieving his future goals”.

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

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

52 seconds ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 mins ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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