Category: EIT

Auto Added by WPeMatico

Posted on

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.”

Posted on

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.”

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.”

Posted on

EIT Services Pathway programme in Waikato prepares single mother for police service | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

5 mins ago

Jess Hohepa is enjoying her time on the EIT Services Pathway programme and is looking forward to becoming a police officer.

Completing a new Services Pathway programme offered by EIT in Waikato, has set a single mother up for a career as a police officer.

Jess Hohepa (Raukawa ki wharepuhunga Tuwharetoa Tainui Ngati Maniapoto and Te Arawa) is currently enrolled in the Services Pathway programme at EIT and upon completion will then go down to Police College in Wellington to become a police officer.

It is a dream that the 31-year-old has had for years, but has only recently pursued seriously.

Born and bred in Te Awamutu, Jess grew up with te reo as her first language and completed her schooling at Te Awamutu College.  She was initially drawn to a career in nursing and enrolled in a foundation programme at the Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) before starting the Bachelor of Nursing.

However, she soon realised that nursing was not for her.

“I thought I could handle the sight of blood, but it turned out not to be the case.”

She returned to the Kohanga Reo in Te Awamutu which she had attended as a student and became a kaiāwhina.

She was there for about four years, but moved into different jobs after that.

“I pretty much went from job to job after that to find my feet on what I really wanted to do. Don’t get me wrong, being a police officer was always my dream but what was holding me back was that I didn’t have my full license. I was still on a restricted, so I had to make sure that I had my full licence before I could apply.”

It was the birth of her daughter, Satieva-Jade, in 2019 that motivated Jess to get her full driver’s licence so that “she was safe in the vehicle with me”.

Jess devoted the next few years to caring for her daughter, which Jess felt was important “because those are the most important times of their life”.

“Satieva-Jade going back to school was my motivation to make my dream come true.”

That dream began when Jess was told that EIT was starting a Services Pathway programme in Hamilton, where she was based.

She is loving the programme, which has ten other learners under tutor Zac Te Maro.

“The progamme was not very well known in Hamilton, but Matua (Zac) has done a pretty good job with recruiting. He is also an amazing tutor. If it weren’t for him I wouldn’t be as far as I am today.”

“The best thing I like about the programme is the consistency really, and the planning that goes on throughout the day. “

Fitness and exercise is an important part of the programme and Jess says she was encouraged by Zac to simply do the best she could.

With the programme coming to an end, Jess is now poised to go down to Police College in Wellington for 20 weeks. She is looking forward to it, secure in the knowledge that Satieva-Jade will be taken care of.

“She’s got a lot of support here, so I can go off and do what I need to do to make her future brighter.”

Jess is looking forward to becoming a police officer and is keen to eventually work in the canine squad.

“I absolutely love dogs and have had them since I was young.”

EIT Services Pathway Tutor in Hamilton Zac Te Maro said: “At the pre-course interview it was evident Jess was going to be a police officer.”

“She clearly articulated why she wanted to be a police officer and how she planned to go about achieving her dream. Jess’s maturity (in terms of life experience) and natural leadership qualities were evident early in the course. Younger students have turned to Jess for guidance and mutual support.”

“Jess has worked hard to achieve outstanding results to date. A lover of sports, Jess’s physical attributes stand out and will be well suited for a career with police. She continues to reduce her run times in preparation for the police Physical Assessment Test (PAT).”

Zac says that on a recent excursion to Waiouru involving 40 EIT students from Hawkes Bay, Tairāwhiti and Kirikiriroa Hamilton, tutors recognised Jess for her sound leadership and physical resilience.

“It is without a doubt, Jess will serve her community with pride and professionalism. It has been an absolute pleasure being involved in Jess’s journey and EIT wish her well for the future.”

Posted on

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.

Posted on

Former EIT Business Studies student says being recognised at graduation has given her confidence | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

Sophie Hughes graduated with a Bachelor of Business Studies (Marketing and Management) at EIT and won the Niki Hibberd Memorial Cup and BDO Award for Best All Round Bachelor of Business Studies Student.

Being recognised at the recent EIT Hawke’s Bay graduation earlier this year has given former business studies student Sophie Hughes confidence and pride in the hard work she has put in.

Sophie, who finished the Bachelor of Business Studies (Marketing and Management) at EIT last year, won the Niki Hibberd Memorial Cup and BDO Award for Best All Round Bachelor of Business Studies Student. She graduated at the EIT Hawke’s Bay graduation ceremony at the Napier Municipal Theatre recently.

“I am so grateful and honoured to be the recipient of the award. Thank you to BDO. It definitely came at a really perfect time. I just returned from Japan and was in between work, looking for my next role. It just gave me that moment to feel proud of my hard work and dedication and give me that confidence back.”

Graduating has been a bitter-sweet experience for Sophie because she enjoyed her time at EIT.

“I have loved my experience at EIT, not only my supportive lectures and peers, but also the courses and assignments, making it a bittersweet feeling finishing up my EIT journey. But it’s shown me I’m in the right space in marketing. I look forward to continuing that hard work and dedication into my next marketing role.”

Sophie attended Napier Girls’ High School and then did a gap year. Her first year at EIT in 2020 coincided with COVID-19, but rather than seeing this as a negative, she enjoyed the online learning experience.

“It was the perfect way for me to take the first step online without going into a classroom on the first day. It took away those nerves being online. I immediately knew I was in the right place. I was getting great grades and my teachers were awesome. I just felt that I belonged which meant a lot.

Not only was it the academic environment that worked for Sophie, but also the friends she has made.

“When I started at EIT I met an incredible circle of friends. They also shared a high level of dedication and passion to the degree. So then that increased my motivation. We were pushing each other. It was just the best experience being at EIT,” says Sophie, who completed her degree in July last year.

Sophie says that she chose EIT because it was local.

“I’m definitely someone that wanted to stay local, stay with family, and my friends are here.”

“I really loved the smaller classroom environment I just really built a lot of rapport with each lecturer. I think I was drawn to it because it felt more of like a relationship building, classroom style environment, almost similar to what you had in high school.”

It stands to reason that Sophie has no hesitation in recommending EIT as a place to study as not only has she achieved her degree there, but it has also given her opportunities.

One of these was her trip to Japan as a result of winning an Education New Zealand Prime Minister’s Scholarship award.

“I went to Tokyo, Japan on a Prime Minister’s Scholarship award for a six-week sales and marketing internship.”

“I worked at an e-commerce tech company and wrote and published informative articles that would be published onto the website and also created their brand guidelines. It was the most incredible experience.”

It was the trip of a lifetime.

“I was just like a sponge while I was there. I pushed my comfort zone, I opened my eyes up to global marketing, seeing how they’re doing things different.”

“Even being immersed in a different culture for the six weeks just boosts my confidence up a lot. It was just such an amazing experience.”

Heather Hallam, Managing Partner at BDO, said: “BDO Hawke’s Bay is delighted to extend our warmest congratulations to Sophie, the recipient of this year’s EIT BDO Award for the Best All-round Bachelor of Business Studies Student.”

“BDO Hawke’s Bay takes great pride in our partnership with EIT, and Sophie’s success reflects the high calibre of students it produces. We look forward to following Sophie’s career and wish her our continued success in all her future endeavours.”

Russell Booth, Senior Lecturer and Programme Co-ordinator – Business at EIT, said: “Sophie has in her own words ‘blossomed’ in the last few years and her confidence has grown immensely”.

“Her results show she is an exceptionally bright student, with A grades in all courses. However, Sophie knew this wasn’t going to be the only thing to get her noticed. The Prime Minister’s Scholarship certainly put Sophie out of her comfort zone but knew it was something to do to develop her confidence.

“Her career has just begun in an exciting role which epitomises everything Sophie has worked towards over the last four years and we wish her every success in her future.”

Posted on

Research is not just a job requirement, but fundamental aspect of professional life, says EIT lecturer | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

April 16, 2024

Amr van den Adel

In this feature we interview staff members who have been identified as Early Career Researchers. In the spotlight is Amr van den Adel, a Senior Lecturer in the EIT School of Computing in Auckland.

What is your highest qualification and where and when did you finish it?

Doctor of Philosophy in Digital Forensics and Counterterrorism.

Are you currently completing any other post graduate programmes?

Yes, I am currently in my 2nd year working on my 2nd Doctor of Philosophy.

What is your role at EIT and what courses do you teach?

Senior Lecturer and I teach courses related to IT Concepts and Tools.

What areas do you specialise in?

Information Technology, Digital Forensics, Cybersecurity, Industry 5.0, Human-Centric solutions, Smart Education, Fog Computing, and Vulnerability Assessments.

What research have you been involved in either last year or this year (please give details)?

Last year, I was involved in research related to the Future of Industry 5.0 and its societal implications, focusing on human-centric solutions, challenges, and prospective research areas. This work was published in the Journal of Cloud Computing (2022), and Smart Cities Journal (2023) and has been cited 285 times since 2022 and 2023, indicating a significant impact in the field. Both journals as ranked as Q1 with high impact factor in the field. In addition, I published a conceptual framework to improve cyber forensic administration in Industry 5.0 at Forensic Sciences journal, which was another key research focus in 2022 and has received 8 citations. Since 2020, there has been a notable increase in the number of research publications in the field.

This year, I have continued my research on the convergence of different technologies in smart education, specifically looking at the transition from Industry 4.0 to 5.0, as indicated by a publication in Smart Cities journal (2024), which also has received a citation. The research details the roles of intelligent tutoring, robotics, and IoT in shaping smart education environments.

How important is research to you as an academic?

As an academic with a robust research profile, it’s clear that research is not just a job requirement, but a fundamental aspect of my professional life. My engagement in dynamic fields such as Cyber Security, Industry 5.0, Fog Computing, and Smart Education hints a deep commitment to advancing these critical areas of study. The significant citation counts of my publications, especially the influential work on the future of Industry 5.0, underscores my impactful contribution to contemporary scholarly conversations and technological progress. Moreover, with a consistent h-index and i10-index, my research has established me as a recognized and respected researcher within the academic community. This recognition is not only a testament to my scholarly dedication but also to my role in shaping the landscape of the field. Top of Form

How supportive is EIT in encouraging you to do research?

EIT has provided substantial support for my research endeavors, offering financial backing this year that has been instrumental in advancing my projects. Their assistance has also extended to increasing the visibility of my work within the wider academic community, thereby facilitating greater engagement with my research.

Posted on

Top award caps successful study at EIT for former Business Studies student | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

16 mins ago

Amy Saunders has capped off her Bachelor of Business Studies degree at EIT by graduating with a top award.

Amy Saunders has capped off her Bachelor of Business Studies at EIT by graduating with a top award.

Amy had been in Canada since January for a working holiday, but rushed back to attend the graduation ceremony at the Napier Municipal Theatre earlier this month.

Amy, who was awarded EIT’s Margaret Hetley Scholarship in her first year, rounded off her degree by walking off with the TRACTA Award for Academic Excellence in the EIT Bachelor of Business Studies (Marketing).

“After finishing my degree, I thought I’d have a little break and decided to go over to Canada. It was just to try something different.”

Amy says she was “super grateful” to receive the award, sponsored by TRACTA.

“My degree has been quite disrupted, like everyone else, but with COVID and then the cyclone. Being able to keep myself accountable throughout all of that disruption and still graduate and get the grades that I was after, was really cool.”

“This award is very validating after quite a hectic degree.”

Amy is now focussed on finding a role in marketing in Hawke’s Bay or elsewhere and getting her career started.

“I’m pretty open to anything. I do love to travel, so I think it would be exciting if I did find something overseas that worked, but yeah, I love New Zealand, and Hawke’s Bay is always home.”

EIT initially wasn’t on Amy’s radar when she was head girl at Karamu High School, with the plan being to go to the University of Auckland to do a Bachelor of Global Studies.

“I paid for everything and got into my hall, and then realised that I didn’t want to do that.”

“I withdrew from the course and went and volunteered in Southeast Asia for six months and then came back and thought that I was actually ready to study. I chose EIT, because it was at home, and I could sort of get straight into everything without having to pick up my whole life again and move. “

Another motivating factor was studying for a degree she wanted to do.

“I’ve got a creative mind, but also enjoy the academic side of things. The marketing major offered both of those things and could give me what I wanted all in the one degree.”

“I had a great time, really enjoyed studying, and the topics that we covered and the lectures were great, too.”

Not only did she enjoy the programme, but she also made friends who she still keeps in touch with.

“Throughout all of the disruption, there was always support, and it was a really nice environment while there was so much uncertainty with COVID-19 and the cyclone as well.”

“I feel that it was two-way support. It was the first time for a lot of our lecturers that this kind of thing was happening, and same for the students, so we were all in it together.”

Amy is keen to get into the workforce, but does not rule out studying further at some stage. One thing is certain, she will recommend EIT to people.

“It’s not a huge university, you don’t get lost and made into sort of a number. You are treated as a person, and people know you by name and remember things about you. And I think that that’s really unique about EIT, and I personally felt really looked after throughout my whole degree.”

Amy’s drive and ambition is also reflected in her sporting achievements. Amy captained the under 18 canoe polo women’s team who won gold at the Oceania Championships in 2017. In 2019, she competed in the waka ama sprint nationals.

Kurt Sandtmann, Managing Partner of TRACTA commended Amy on her achievements in both graduating and receiving top honours for her degree in business.

“It is energising to see such strong, ambitious marketing talent such as Amy coming from within the Hawke’s Bay region. TRACTA are proud be able to support her through EIT.”

John West, the Head of EIT’s Schools of Business and Accounting, said: “Amy is another outstanding graduate, completing her studies through the EIT School of Business.”

“Her resilience like so many others, coupled with her drive to preform at the highest level, has seen Amy not only awarded top graduate awards but provided an outstanding pathway into her career.”