Category: EIT

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EIT student wins Top Student Wine at Bayley’s Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

22 seconds ago

EIT student Ngaun Siau (right) won the EIT Top Student Wine Award at this year’s A&P Society’s Bayley’s Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards. She is pictured at the awards ceremony with EIT’s Head of the School of Viticulture and Wine Science.

A second year Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science student at EIT has won the award for the Top Student Wine at this year’s Bayley’s Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards.

Ngaun Siau, 26, won the award at this month’s A&P Society’s Bayley’s Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards for her wine – Dalan Cabernet Franc 2024. The student wines are judged by the same criteria as all the other classes and Ngaun’s wine received 95 points from the judges – a Gold medal.

Ngaun, who is from Taiwan, says that she was very excited that her wine was chosen as the Top Student Wine, sponsored by EIT, and says that she enjoyed the awards evening.

“I made four red wines this year. The award-winning Cabernet Franc was harvested from the Te Awa vineyard, where I worked for the summer.”

“It took me three days to harvest and a month to make my wine. The grapes were hand-harvested, partially whole bunch fermented for a fruitful wine style.”

She got the name for her wine, Dalan, from the language of a tribe in Taiwan.

“It means ‘roads’ in Puyuma, but it’s more like the things that your heart is calling; the path you take to follow your dream.”

Winning the award was a highlight of what has, at times, been a challenging, but reward two years at EIT Hawke’s Bay.

Ngaun arrived in New Zealand to begin her first year one month before Cyclone Gabrielle struck last year. She moved into EIT student accommodation where she made friends with other students.

“We received a lot of help from the Hawke’s Bay community after the Cyclone. I appreciate how people here care for each other.”

“The most difficult thing was that we were not able to use the wine-making resources on campus since we had all moved online.”

Ngaun says that she comes from an agricultural background with her family having grown rice and other crops for centuries.

“Agriculture has always been fascinating to me. What caught my eye about viticulture was how everything starts from a small vine and becomes an aged wine.”

Ngaun says that it was New Zealand’s approach to organic and regenerative agriculture that attracted her to study here.

“I realised that it would be a good place for me to study and understand more about sustainable wine growing.”

After school Ngaun worked in the construction industry and also in farming, but soon decided that studying viticulture and wine science was what she wanted to do.

“Once the worst of COVID-19 had passed, I decided to make the move to New Zealand.  I did my research and really liked what EIT had to offer, especially its strong practical component.”

Ngaun credits her success to the nurturing and supportive environment at EIT.

“The staff are really friendly and the lecturers’ doors are always open. Our school winery staff, the winery manager and the lab staff there are quite amazing. They always have new ideas or something they would suggest us to try.”

“We share a strong connection with the local wine industry, where our lecturers have worked or are still involved. There is no boundary for us in accessing the industry.”

“It is a very supportive programme for me to study here. In this environment I can fully immerse myself in my studies, knowing that the entire programme will have my back.”

Sue Blackmore, EIT Head of School for Viticulture and Wine Science said: “The whole V&W Team are excited that Ngaun received a Gold for her student wine.”

“She spent long hours in the winery tinkering with ‘Dalan’. And as the wine name suggests Ngaun is passionate about winemaking and her future in the wine industry. We wish her well”.

“All Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science students get a chance to make wine from year one of the degree, work a commercial internship in year 2 and complete a research project aligned with industry in year 3.”

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EIT Viticulture and Wine Science student wins A&P Society Young Vintners Scholarship at Bayley’s Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

1 min ago

EIT Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science student Tammy Madigan has won the A&P Society’s Young Vintners Scholarship at this year’s Bayley’s Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards.

A third-year Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science student at EIT has won the A&P Society’s Young Vintners Scholarship at this year’s Bayley’s Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards.

Tammy Madigan, 37, is an adult student who has had to juggle family life to complete the degree. She relocated from Australia in 2021 to do her qualification at EIT in Hawke’s Bay.

Tammy, who grew up in the Blue Mountains of Western Sydney, but lived for many years in Brisbane, was awarded the scholarship at a ceremony earlier this month. The scholarship includes money towards her fees, the opportunity to work on a vintage at Craggy Range Winery and the opportunity to be an associate judge at next year’s Bayley’s Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards.

She says that she was honoured to be selected as the scholarship recipient and excited to accept the award at the Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards surrounded by the leaders and legends of the industry.

Having worked for many years in the retail industry in Australia, as the years went by, she became progressively more interested in viticulture and decided that she wanted to  pursue her studies at EIT. She has moved over with her husband Niall, who works as a cardiac sonographer at Hawke’s Bay Hospital, and her three children – two girls and a boy.

“Although it took a while for me to be able to commit to full-time study, I made the decision to permanently re-locate to NZ with my family in January 2021.”

“I’m a very practical kind of person and I really enjoyed the idea of doing a degree that also had a lot of practical learning. I’m more of a hands-on learner and enjoy learning on the job. There’s a little tiny vineyard on campus and there is just a lot of practical elements that I really enjoy.”

“I am extremely grateful that I am finally pursuing the dream, and I now consider Hawke’s Bay home. Since arriving I have immersed myself in various aspects of the industry while studying to obtain as much knowledge as possible.”

This has included stewarding for the Wine Awards and various DISH tasting events, cellar door work at Clearview Estate, a vintage internship at Te Mata Estate in 2023, and as a field technician for Croptide, an agricultural technology company specialising in real time crop monitoring solutions.

Tammy says that all these experiences have provided invaluable knowledge and connection to various people in the industry while developing a love for the Hawke’s Bay region

“While my interest in the industry was sparked by viticulture, I discovered a love for winemaking and would like to gain more experience and knowledge in this area as I pursue the goal of becoming a winemaker in my own right.”

She says that while Cyclone Gabrielle did disrupt her studies last year, especially having to move online and then off campus for a while, she and her cohort were not too badly affected.

“It was definitely a pretty interesting time. Initially it probably didn’t impact as heavily, being that I was in my second year and I was out doing the vintage at Te Mata Estate, which I was able to continue doing.”

With a hectic life of family, work and study, Tammy had to move her studies part-time for a semester last year, so will complete her degree during the second semester next year. She is also looking forward to taking part in the harvest at Craggy Range, which is part of her prize.

One thing is for sure, she is grateful that she chose EIT for a degree and she plans to stay on in Hawke’s Bay after she finishes her studies.

“I would like to purchase a house and settle in Hawke’s Bay for a little while. I might be able to duck off for some short stints to get some experience overseas or back home in Australia, but primarily, I’ll be basing myself here in Hawke’s Bay.

As for what path she wants to pursue in the future – viticulture or winemaking – Tammy says that she is unsure because she likes them both.

Sue Blackmore, Head of School for Viticulture and Wine Science says: “The V&W School wants to congratulate Tammy on this great opportunity provided for EIT students by the A&P Society and Craggy Range. Tammy is a very worthy recipient who as an adult student has managed to juggle the balance of a busy home life, full-time study and part-time work. Congratulations Tammy!”

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Award-winning theatre designer and visual artist appointed to head IDEAschool at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

4 days ago

Dr Sean Coyle is the new Head of School: IDEAschool at EIT.

An award-winning theatre designer, visual artist and researcher has been appointed to lead EIT’s IDEAschool.

Dr Sean Coyle started at EIT as the Head of School: IDEAschool last month. He came from Toi Whakaari – New Zealand Drama School in Wellington, where he was Academic Director. He completed an MA (Hons) in Art and Design at AUT and a PhD at the University of Tasmania.

“I am pleased to be taking this next step as Head of School, because I am really interested in the potential of what the IDEAschool can be. I’m incredibly passionate about creative education and I’m familiar with the creativity that exists in the Bay.”

Sean says that his father is from Napier, so he has spent time in Hawke’s Bay over the years. He is keen to be returning full-time.

“I’m 100 percent committed to getting to know the creative sector and the community in Hawke’s Bay because I feel it’s vital for a creative industry school to be connected in some way to those industries that we are training in. So, one of my number one goals is to touch base with and get advice from the local industry stakeholders.”

Sean, who was born in Melbourne to New Zealand parents, has built a career in the arts over a number of decades. Having spent his formative years in Australia, he finished his schooling at Bay of Island College in Kawakawa, where his family had a bookshop.

His journey into creative practice began with a stint at Art School in Otago and then at Toi Whakaari, where he would later return as Academic Director. After achieving a Diploma in Professional Theatre, he worked in theatre and television in Wellington before going to Melbourne where he did a Graduate Diploma in Dramatic Arts Design at the University of Melbourne’s Victorian College of the Arts. He also worked as a set, costume and lighting designer.

Sean’s career saw him teach at Toi Whakaari, at Northland Polytech in Whangarei, and then at the Pacific Institute of Performing Arts in Auckland where he became Head of School. His latest stint at Toi Whakaari – the last four years- saw him move from being the Head of Design and Arts Management to the Academic Director.

“I had been really interested in moving to Hawke’s Bay for some time, so when this job at EIT came up, it felt like the absolute right fit for me at this time in my life.”

Sean, who has relocated to Napier with his artist partner Grant, says he has always been “a fan” of smaller cities, so is looking forward to living here.

Another important aspect of his new role that Sean is looking forward to, is fostering a research culture in IDEAschool.

“I’m very passionate about creative research and I am an active researcher. I’m publishing as well as doing practice-based research. I also think it’s a necessity for staff that are involved in teaching degree programmes to be research active.”

“I’m interested in the ways that we can do really authentic and valuable research projects that utilise our practice as creative artists, designers and musicians. My aim is to push forward the IDEAschool as a hub of practice-based research.”

Dr Helen Ryan-Stewart, EIT’s Executive Dean, Education, Humanities and Health Science, says: “We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Dr Sean Coyle as the new Head of School: IDEAschool.”

“With a wealth of experience and a passion for nurturing creative talent, Sean brings a fresh perspective and innovative approach to our Faculty. His commitment to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and artistic expression aligns perfectly with the school’s mission. We are excited to see the positive impact he will have on our students, staff and the stakeholders across our local creative industries.”

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EIT Masters programme empowers IT professionals to make lasting impact in Hawke’s Bay | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

4 days ago

Completing a Master of Information Technology at EIT has marked a significant milestone for three students, who balanced years of hard work, dedication, and full-time roles at Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga with their academic pursuits.

Teriwa Graham, Tane Edwards, and Juanita Teariki dedicated their final projects to areas such as digital inclusion, cybersecurity, and the development of team-focused IT systems—projects that align closely with Te Taiwhenua mission –  to deliver essential health and social services across Hawke’s Bay.

The trio credits EIT’s supportive environment and the guidance of Associate Professor Dr Emre Erturk for their success in achieving this challenging goal.

Teriwa, Te Taiwhenua General Manager of IT, developed ‘people-centric’ IT solutions that simplify processes for staff and enhance service delivery.

“It’s about making sure high-quality data and information are provided to staff in a way that’s clear and helpful,” said Teriwa.

“Our goal is to give our frontline team the tools they need to make quick, informed decisions.”

Tane, a Business Analyst with 17 years at Te Taiwhenua, and Master of Digital Business graduate, addressed digital inclusion by promoting digital literacy and training community members who may lack confidence with technology.

“We live in a digital world, and there are those who embrace it and those who don’t,” he explained.

“The aim is to help people become more independent by equipping them with basic digital skills—whether it’s using apps, online banking, or other essential tools.”

Juanita, Te Taiwhenua IT Manager, concentrated on building cybersecurity awareness to protect the organisation and its users from cyber threats.

“Cybersecurity awareness is crucial, especially in today’s digital age, where anyone can fall victim to cybercrime. My goal was to improve our team’s understanding of cybersecurity and create strategies to keep everyone safer online.”

Reflecting on the support they received from EIT and Associate Professor Dr Emre Erturk, all three students credited his guidance as essential for balancing full-time work and studies.

“Emre has been incredibly supportive throughout our journey,” Teriwa stated.

Emre congratulated Teriwa, Tane and Juanita.

“Every student is unique and needs tailored guidance. Anyhow, our common interest in digital inclusion and transformation has made our synergies even greater.”

Tane added that this support was crucial as they navigated their demanding schedules, noting, “It’s rewarding to work on projects that not only improve our work environment but also benefit our community.”

Juanita concluded, “EIT has provided us with the tools and knowledge to drive meaningful change, and we are excited to implement these solutions in our roles”.

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EIT student decides to become teacher to help raise literacy and mathematics standards among Māori | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

7 seconds ago

Johnson Hauraki is in his second year of the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) at EIT Tairāwhiti.

Johnson Hauraki (Ngāti Porou, Tuhoe) has always wanted to be a teacher, but it was only when he started at EIT Tairāwhiti that he realised that he could play a role in raising literacy and mathematics standards among Māori.

Johnson is finishing his second year of the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), having first done the NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) in 2022. Born and bred in Tairāwhiti, Johnson went straight from Gisborne Boys High to EIT.

Johnson, 20, says that he has wanted to be a teacher since primary school.

“I thought it would be quite rewarding to have an impact on a student’s life and then also see them come back when they get older and remember what you did for them.”

“With teaching I want to be able to raise the literacy and the mathematics among Māori students.”

He says that while he would not mind teaching in mainstream schools, he also likes the idea of going to a kura kaupapa.

The Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) requires students to undertake placements at local schools.

He says that he would have no hesitation in recommending EIT as a place to study because of the environment.

“It was so different to high school, where it is very structured. At EIT, while you have things that you are required to do, you also have more freedom to make decisions.”

Johnson says that his association with EIT will not come to an end when he finishes his teaching degree, as he plans to enrol in a te reo Māori programme when he is finished.

As for where he wants to teach, Johnson says that he will be prepared to leave Gisborne to pursue his career.

Emma McFadyen, EIT Tairāwhiti Site Coordinator and Lecturer, Primary Education, said: “Developing teachers for Te Tairāwhiti is central to the EIT/Te Pūkenga Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) programme, as well as being a degree recognised internationally.”

“Being raised in the region provides Johnson with unique opportunities to give back to his community, along with the potential to spread his wings and explore his horizons. I’m excited to see where Johnson chooses to go in the future.”

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Hospital visit by service dog sparked EIT student’s love for animals | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

2 hours ago

Riva-Lee Habib is currently studying the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing at EIT.

A visit by a service dog while Riva-Lee Habib was in hospital as a child, sparked a love for animals that has seen her study veterinary nursing at EIT.

Riva-Lee (Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti iwi) was born and raised in Tolaga Bay and attended Tolaga Bay Area School & Kahukuranui.

The 18-year-old says that she was fairly ill with a life-long condition as a child and spent some time in hospital. It was there that she received a visit from a service dog that changed her outlook on life.

“It made me realise how happy they made me and how they helped me get through it.”

Riva-Lee, who is currently studying  Year 1 of the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing, says that growing up around animals also helped foster her love for them.

An incentive for entering the programme was that she received a Year-13 Scholarship from EIT. 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.

She also won a Walter William McLean Educational Trust Scholarship, which is funded by Gisborne’s Gowerville Station, the farm once owned by McLean. Another honour was the Prime Minister’s Vocational Excellence Award.

One of the things that Riva-Lee loves about the programme is how hands-on it is.

“They have us doing a lot of practicals and working with animals. I also enjoy the friendships we make and the lecturers are there to support us.”

Next year will see Riva-Lee proceed to the second year of the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing , and she is looking forward to going on a placement in Gisborne as part of the programme. She will then continue on to the final year of the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (Level 7).

But that is just the start of her plans as she plans to then enrol in the Bachelor of Business Studies through EIT with the aim of opening her own vet clinic on the East Coast.

“I want to open up a clinic because there is not much access for people on the East Coast to get their animals checked out.”

Asked why she loves animals so much, Riva-Lee says: “It’s just how pure they are. People may see animals as vicious, but it’s just the upbringing that they have. Once you actually get to connect with them, they can be sweet and comfortable.”

Emma Martin, EIT’s Veterinary Nursing Programme Co-ordinator said: “It has been a pleasure having Riva-Lee join our programme. Her long-term goal of making animal healthcare more accessible across the East Coast highlights her strong commitment to improving animal health and welfare while supporting her local community. Riva-Lee has built meaningful connections with her classmates and is an excellent team player. Her dedication to her studies is evident, as she frequently participates in study groups after class, and this effort is reflected in her work and academic success”

“Riva-Lee has also made a strong impression during her work placements in Gisborne, where she has effectively applied her learning in a practical setting. She has seamlessly integrated into the team, contributing with enthusiasm while enjoying the experience. “

“We look forward to seeing Riva-Lee continue to grow in the degree programme and become a strong advocate for her patients, clients, and the Veterinary Nursing profession.”

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Juggling international rugby career and Bachelor of Teaching degree the focus for EIT student | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

18 hours ago

Tori Iosefo is in the final year of the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) at EIT.

Juggling an international rugby career and a Bachelor Teaching (Primary) degree, along with being a mother, is the focus of an EIT student.

Tori Iosefo, 29, has just returned from Dubai where she helped Samoa’s Women’s rugby team, Manusina, qualify for next year’s World Cup.

Of Samona and Cook Island heritage, Tori was born and bred in Flaxmere, finishing her schooling at Hastings Girls’ High School. She is now in the final year of the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) at EIT, but it has been a journey to get there.

“I’m in the final stretch now and I can’t wait to finish up this year and graduate next year.”

Having done some orchard, factory and retail work after leaving school, Tori soon found herself working as a teacher’s aide, while also raising her daughter Cataleya.

She says having her baby was the push she needed to become a teacher’s aide, but she soon realised that she should take a step up to balance out her life with rugby.

“I also got the push from my family and my colleagues as they saw the potential in me to become a teacher. It was then that I decided I wanted to be a teacher.”

As a tighthead prop in an international team since 2020, Tori says she is focused on balancing her studying with her rugby.

“Those are my tough missions at the moment, but they are the two things that I really want to hold on to. I’m excited about next year’s World Cup in England, so I just have to keep working on my fitness and hopefully get selected again.”

She says that it will be good to have a degree behind her by the time she goes to the World Cup.

Tori is loving the EIT programme, especially her placement with schools. Since beginning the degree, she has spent time at Mahora School, Ebbett Park Primary and Heretaunga Intermediate. She will finish things off at Flaxmere Primary School.

“I have loved studying. I had to have a big discussion with my husband Hajo if it would be okay for me to study. But it’s actually turned out pretty good. The programme is amazing. The lecturers and everyone, they all want us to do really well.”

She says that working as a teacher’s aide has certainly helped make her placements easier.

“For students that come in and haven’t really had the experience I had, it’s really good to have hands-on experience in a classroom.”

“I would definitely recommend this programme to others. The lecturers really do help, but the best way to get experience is being in the classroom. And the partner schools that we have are really helpful. I’ve already recommended this course to a lot of people that I know.”

Kirsty Jones, EIT’s Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) Programme Co-ordinator, says: “Tori is an excellent model for how to complete study alongside a busy personal life. She has shown resilience and determination and has always embraced challenges. The boutique nature of the BTP programme is its’ real strength, it enables school staff and EIT staff to get know the Candidate Teachers beyond course learning, on a deeper more personal level and to tailor the learning so it supports the teacher in training holistically. That approach has really suited Tori.”

“In just a few weeks the BTP team will acknowledge Tori’s and the rest of the third-year graduate’s efforts, and then another wonderful cohort of great teachers grown at EIT in the Bay will be ready to start their careers. Most have already secured jobs locally. Tori is looking to utilise her new teaching skills in her own community, making a difference and giving back in the area where she was schooled. The EIT and school partners couldn’t be prouder.”  

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Life-long love of nature leads EIT student to important local environmental research | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

16 mins ago

Ryan Bauckham is in his final year of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management), which EIT offers in partnership with Unitec.

A life-long love of exploring the outdoors has been the incentive for an EIT student to pursue a career in environmental research in Hawke’s Bay.

Ryan Bauckham, 35, is in his final year of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management), which EIT offers in partnership with Unitec.

He has currently been  researching Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies)  in a significant forest stand called Puahanui found near Gwavas , Tikokino.

“It’s actually the largest stand of remnant podocarp forest in Hawke’s Bay and I’ve recorded just over 200 species of Lepidoptera there.”

“ Most people aren’t aware there are so many moths. They are generally thought of  as nondescript brown insects, that you don’t really pay that much attention to, unless they are coming to the outdoor lights at night. But when you look at moths closer, there’s a stunning diversity, all sorts of shapes, colours and sizes.  I just find them really quite endearing and beautiful.”

Ryan’s study means he spends a lot of time out in nature and for him it is more than just a job, but a passion.

After leaving Karamu High School , Ryan became a postie with New Zealand Post, which he did for ten years. However, he always felt he wanted more.

“It’s been a lifelong interest of mine, and I’ve been heading out regularly to the mountains since I was a teenager. And birds have been my main interest in life for as long as I can remember.”

After leaving NZ Post, Ryan ended up living for five years in a camper van.

“While I was at NZ Post, I was able to travel around the country thanks to the flexibility of work. And after that, I was able to travel more. I spent the winters overseas, mostly in Southeast Asia, as well as the Pacific Islands.”

The turning point for Ryan was on the Kinabatangan River in Borneo in 2019 when he realised that he wanted more than “groundhog day”.

He returned to New Zealand, but life changed even more with COVID-19 and his young son Yahya coming into his fulltime care in 2021.

It was an advertisement for the Diploma in Environment Management (Level 5) that attracted Ryan’s attention and he decided to go for it.

“It was really scary, actually, to give up work. But I thought that I’m not getting any younger, so I decided to make a change.”

He says that he found going back to studying fulfilling, but soon found his interest moving from birds to insects.

“I spent a lot of time that summer recording moths and learning their taxonomy. I was already reading a lot of research papers, but then going back to study and having to do that as a task, it felt really fulfilling.”

Ryan faced a few challenges in his studies, the first being learning to use computers as he had not grown up with one, as well as dealing with COVID-19 lockdowns and Cyclone Gabrielle.

However, that is all in the past and Ryan is focused on his research, which recently received a funding boost from Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay. Ryan and his supervisor, Dr Amelia McQueen, were one of thirteen groups that received support from the Environmental Enhancement Contestable Fund, which is funded by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.

It will play a role in enabling Ryan to continue his research.

“Lepidoptera also play real crucial roles in the ecosystem. They’re pollinators, decomposers and they are prey for larger organisms.”

Ryan says that even though there are about 2,000 species in New Zealand, the life histories of many of them are “poorly understood”.

“We don’t know their host plants or even what the larvae look like. They’re often just being described from the adult specimens. What I’m trying to do is make a comprehensive species list for the region, just simply because historically moths  have been understudied.”

The site on private land drew Ryan because it had been deer-fenced in 2020 which allowed the understorey of the forest to regenerate.

“When I visited there, it just felt the right place, simply because it is the largest forest remnant in Hawke’s Bay. And at one time, the whole region would have been covered in forests like that.”

“And there’s a lot of species there that are relics, really, really relics of another age, and you wouldn’t find them outside of that environment, in the pastoral land or like an exotic forest or a newly planted one. Fortunately the landowners are really conservation focused people.”

EIT Environmental Management Lecturer Dr Amelia McQueen agrees: “Puahanui bush is a really special place to study flora and fauna and we are lucky there are places like this still around in Hawke’s Bay.”

“ Ryan’s study is amazing, over 200 moths and some of the observations are new for the North Island or one of a very few observations of these moths actually recorded for New Zealand. Ryan’s Lepidoptera identification skills and determination, especially doing observations on very cold nights in winter, has made his work particularly important. . . and there is more to come!”

As for the future, Ryan does not discount continuing his studies, but there is no doubt that he has found his calling.

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Caring for sick animals and helping them get better prompted student to study vet nursing at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

6 hours ago

Bayle Smith, 18, is currently studying the NZ Certificate in Animal Technology (Level 5).

Caring for sick animals and helping them get better prompted Bayle Smith to study vet nursing at EIT.

A life-long animal lover, Bayle, who was born in South Carolina, USA, moved back to New Zealand as a youngster and has grown up in Hawke’s Bay.

Bayle, 18, is currently studying the NZ Certificate in Animal Technology (Level 5), with the aim of completing the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Level 6), with the option of going on to finish the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing.

Bayle was in Year 12 at Napier Girls’ High last year when she decided to leave school and go straight into the Veterinary Nursing programme, because she knew that’s what she wanted to do.

While she was at school she had to do some extra assessments and credits to qualify to enrol at EIT.

“I did a  few extracurricular assessments in my English class to have the right amount of credits. I had a couple of meetings with the coordinator before that and she gave me some help with working it out.”

“I love animals and I have an interest in the anaesthetic side of things and looking after the patients. I grew up watching the Irwins so my dream job is to work  at a zoo with exotic animals, but the first step is doing small animals before you get to the large animals.”

“I’m on my second work experience placement at the moment where I get put in a clinic and it’s making me realise that I definitely want this career. I love to look after and monitor the sick animals and make sure that they get better.”

Bayle’s first placement was at a Vet Clinic in Hastings, while she is now experiencing things on the frontline at a clinic in Hamilton.

Her love of animals stems from her time growing up on a farm in Eskdale.

“When I was a little kid, I was always out in the paddock playing with the animals. We would bring in the orphaned lambs and baby goats to look after them. So, I’ve grown up my whole life around animals and loved looking after them.”

“I’ve also volunteered at Riding for the Disabled and SPCA, so when I decided to go into veterinary nursing, it certainly did not feel like a job. I could happily do it free and go volunteer, because that is what it is all about.”

Bayle says she is loving the programme and particularly enjoys the interaction with lecturers, who she says are keen to pass on their knowledge to students.

“I do want to go all the way to my Bachelor’s degree. Obviously, I’m just at the start of it, but I definitely know that I’m going to continue with it for sure.”

“I came into this programme knowing some things, but not a lot. But, I have learnt so much in my lectures and on my placement. This programme really sets you up well for a good career.”

Emma Martin, EIT’s Veterinary Nursing Programme Co-ordinator & Lecturer said: “As Programme Coordinator for the veterinary nursing programmes at EIT, I first met Bayle in 2023 at our temporary offices on Vautier Street. At the time, she was still in school, working through her NCEA journey. “

“We had a great conversation about her potential career options, and it was clear that Bayle was passionate about animals, providing care, and showing compassion to both pets and their owners. After discussing the academic entry criteria, Bayle returned to school with a clear goal, and we were delighted to welcome her into the veterinary nursing programme this year.”

“Since joining, Bayle has demonstrated herself to be a keen and eager learner, always striving to deepen her understanding of the many concepts we teach. She has been making the most of her learning opportunities, both in the classroom and during her work placements. We are thrilled to see her continued focus and enthusiasm as she pursues her studies and works towards entering the veterinary nursing profession.”

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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.”