Desire to upskill led experienced manager to EIT and New Zealand | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

7 mins ago

Lawrence Dcruz is graduating with a Masters in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from EIT Auckland this week.

Working in Dubai as a manager for many years led Lawrence Dcruz to realise that he needed to study further in order to be in line for top jobs.

Fifty-six-year-old Lawrence, who is originally from Chennai in India, graduated with a Masters  in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from EIT Auckland on Tuesday 28th May at the  Aotea Centre in Auckland. He completed the programme last year.

It has been a long journey for Lawrence, who spent more than 20 years working in shipping and logistics in Dubai. While he enjoyed the life there, he realised that he needed more.

“I found that  in the Middle East, they would give great importance to people who have studied a masters or had a management degree to climb into upper management levels.”

“Even though I had a lot of years of experience behind me, I would find someone who had a masters  or an MBA  would supersede me on selection for top management.”

He realised that he needed to upskill himself and to use his logistic and shipping experience with a relevant degree.

“I started this great search, looking for a management course. And even though I chose a management course with one paper specialisation in logistics, it was not good enough for me, I wanted a professional course.”

“And that’s when I stumbled upon EIT. The papers there were exceptional. And when I started the programme, I soon realised that I was familiar with what I was studying.”

Lawrence said that while he needed to work hard, he found the guidance from the lecturers comforting.

“The way the programme was structed was phenomenal and I enjoyed the way the lecturers helped us with assignments.

“A lot of research went into the programme. I was apprehensive when I started, but everything soon fell into place.”

Lawrence, who had to pay a quick visit to his ill mother in India, returned in time for the graduation this week. His wife, Celine, watched with pride as he crossed the stage.

Having received a work visa, Lawrence is looking for a job as he really enjoys living in New Zealand.

“It’s a very beautiful country. I say it’s like paradise compared to the concrete jungles of the Middle East.. It is a lifestyle that allows you to stop and smell the roses.”

Cherie Freeman, EIT Auckland Campus Director congratulated Lawrence on graduating.

“I wish Lawrence well for the future. His lecturers enjoyed having him in class as he was able to share his global industry experience with his fellow students.”

Celebrations as student cohort from EIT Auckland Campus graduates | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

2 mins ago

The EIT Auckland Campus held its graduation ceremony this week.

There were celebrations aplenty as a cohort of students from last year graduated from the EIT Auckland Campus this week.

Sixty-three students, mainly international students, graduated with a range of postgraduate qualifications, degrees and diplomas at a ceremony at the  Aotea Centre in Auckland on Tuesday 28th May.

Thirty-two year old Julie Mercado from the Philippines graduated  with a Master of Information Technology and also delivered a speech as Valedictorian.

EIT Auckland Campus Director Cherie Freeman congratulated all those who graduated this week.

“We are very proud of this cohort of students who have enhanced our Campus with their different cultures and academic experience.”

“It was a good year for our students after some recent tough times.”

EIT is pleased to be able to offer a range of quality programmes that appeal to international students wishing to advance their careers and lives,” says Cherie.

EIT Auckland offers a range of programmes in business, computing and health science. These include Master of Applied Management, Master of Digital Business, Master of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Master of Information Technology, and Master of Health Science.

EIT Hawke’s Bay Campus to hold information and enrolment day for those looking for a career path | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

5 mins ago

EIT Hawke’s Bay Campus will be holding an information and enrolment day on Thursday, 13 June 2024.

Prospective learners have an opportunity to identify a career path from many on offer at an EIT information and enrolment day to be held at the Hawke’s Bay Campus next month.

The event will be held on the campus from 9am to 6pm on Thursday, 13 June 2024. Information and enrolment days will also be held at the Maraenui, Hastings and Central Hawke’s Bay Learning Centres from 10am to 2pm on the same day.

EIT Executive Director Operations Glen Harkness says that the Campus has come a long way since the Cyclone caused substantial damage and the information day  is perfect opportunity to showcase what EIT has to offer.

“We are part of this community and we are pleased to be able to open our doors to them.”

“We offer a full range of qualifications from certificates to postgraduate level, with full-time, part-time and online study options available.”

“Whether you’re looking to get qualified, upskill, or just exploring your study options, come chat to our staff about how EIT may support you.”

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.

“Our Career Advice Service is available as is information on scholarships and student loans and allowances. Staff will also be available to help you complete the enrolment process,” says Glen.

EIT gives Tairāwhiti school students chance to experience horticulture industry | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

9 seconds ago

Nigel Udy, Head of EIT’s School of Primary Industries, say he is pleased that EIT’s Rural Studies Unit in Tairāwhiti is hosting the Young Grower of the Year regional finals.

EIT’s School of Primary Industries is giving school students from Tairāwhiti the chance to experience the horticulture industry close up by inviting them to attend the Young Grower of the Year regional finals in Gisborne next month.

The Young Grower of the Year is an annual nationwide event that sees promising young orchardists competing at a regional level with the winners proceeding to national finals. The intensive one day competition puts the growers through their paces to find a winner.

This year’s regional Tairāwhiti finals will be held at the EIT Rural Studies Unit in Gisborne from 10am to 2pm on 27 June.

Nigel Udy, Head of EIT’s School of Primary Industries, says that they realised that the event was the perfect opportunity to introduce school students to the horticulture industry.

“We are now welcoming some of our high schools to join us on the day, to witness these Horticulture stars competing, to experience the different skills you can gain from working in the industry and  to meet industry representatives.”

“The students will also have an opportunity to take part in our High School Hort challenge! If schools have students who are interested in a career within the industry or if they enjoy being outdoors, we encourage them to get in touch with us.

Nigel says that schools can invite up to 10 students each. As part of coming to the event there will be six events/sections where members from each school participate in a Horticulture challenge

“There will be a school overall winner of the day. To wrap up the day, there will also be industry speakers,  outlining the opportunities that exist for young people in the Horticulture Industry in the Tairāwhiti region. This will include job opportunities, training and education, and salaries.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

ERO report aligns with EIT Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) model | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

20 seconds ago

Diane Morgan, one of the original EIT Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) graduates pictured at Frimley School in 2022.

A newly released report by the Education Review Office (ERO) which has found time spent in school enhanced new teachers’ feelings of readiness around the job, aligns with EIT’s approach to the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), says Associate Professor Emily Nelson.

‘Ready, Set, Teach’ canvassed new teachers, their principals, school leaders, and mentors to find out how well prepared and supported new teachers are.

Associate Professor Emily Nelson, Programme Coordinator of the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), says the degree at EIT has been graduating new teachers in partnership with local schools in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne for more than 12 years.

“It was great to read that 50 percent of new teachers who participated reported they found their initial teacher education effective and that nearly all new teachers enjoy teaching. ERO noted that time spent in school enhanced new teachers’ feelings of readiness around the job.”

“The EIT primary teaching degree involves student teachers belonging to a school all year and spending two days per week in that school to put into practice what they learn at EIT. Schools and EIT take joint responsibility for the learning and wellbeing of student teachers up to graduation.”

Maurice Rehu EIT Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) Advisory Committee Chair, says: “We feel our EIT student teachers get the full experiences within their school based learning required for them to be successful teachers in the future”.

Rehu, also the Principal of Irongate School, says as a partnership school, they “provide real time learning experience of the realities of being a teacher”.

Dr Nelson supports the ERO’s recommendation for more time spent in school during initial teacher education.

“During EIT’s degree student teachers spend 230 days in school across the three years of their degree, significantly more than the Teaching Council minimum requirement of 120 days.”

However, Dr Nelson believes that it is what is done with the time in school that is important, supporting student teachers to reflect on their learning and identify new growth and further development opportunities is key.

She believes it is the active partnership between schools and providers that supports student success, with schools and the EIT teaching team jointly committed to supporting student teachers to critically reflect on their theoretical and practical learning in ways that enhance their understanding as teachers.

EIT welcomes the ERO report that identifies key challenges of contemporary teaching but prefers to frame these challenges generatively as: supporting teachers to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in their teaching practice, utilise assessment information for targeted teaching and learning, adapt their teaching to suit the tamariki they are teaching, and take a strengths-based approach to engage meaningfully with tamariki and whānau. 

“We look forward to continuing to grow and develop our partnership-based initial teacher education with local schools and with our colleagues in the diverse provider contexts that operate across Aotearoa New Zealand. There is much to learn from each other in order to grow great teachers who can inspire and connect with rangatahi in meaningful ways.”