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

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

6 mins ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Chinese university staff visit EIT as part of training and mentoring programme | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

12 seconds ago

Staff from Zhejiang Yuexiu University (ZYU) recently spent five weeks at EIT in Auckland and Hawke’s Bay as part of a training and mentoring agreement.

Staff from a Chinese university recently spent five weeks at EIT in Auckland and Hawke’s Bay as part of a training and mentoring agreement.

The visit stems from a partnership that EIT has with Zhejiang Yuexiu University (ZYU). The Joint Education Programme partnership between EIT and ZYU began in 2020. That first year saw 230 students starting on the campus in Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province, Southeast China.

Approval from the China Ministry of Education and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) paved the way for EIT to deliver its degree programmes in China. The joint venture supports the delivery of two of EIT’s degrees, the Bachelor of Creative Practice and the Bachelor of Computing Systems, with two majors offered in Information Systems and Intelligent Systems.

ZYU staff visited EIT for the purposes of their training. During their time at EIT they developed an understanding of contemporary New Zealand teaching, learning and assessment methods, while spending time enhancing their English language proficiency.

Earlier this year an EIT delegation visited China where it held joint management, teaching and academic meetings to further the partnership and attended the very first graduation ceremony of EIT Data Science and Communication College of Zhejiang Yuexiu University students, who started in 2020.

A recent visit by Zhejiang Yuexiu University (ZYU) staff to EIT stems from a partnership that EIT has with Zhejiang Yuexiu University (ZYU). The Joint Education Programme partnership between EIT and ZYU began in 2020.

The delegation of senior EIT staff, were joined by the EIT Deputy Dean of the Data Science and Communication College who is a resident in China.

John West, EIT’s Executive Dean: Faculty of Commerce and Technology, says the visit was symbolic of the success of the partnership between EIT and ZYU.

“Visits like this build on the solid basis of the relationship and it was a pleasure to host our colleagues from China in this way and for them to experience our culture, campus life and academic practices.”

“We are pleased that our staff have the opportunity to teach in China and for us to welcome ZYU lecturers with the ultimate aim of providing quality education for all out students.”

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

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

4 mins ago

Geoffrey Mather is EIT’s new Head of Computing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

7 mins ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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EIT delegation visits China for meetings and graduation of first cohort of Data Science and Communications programme | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

5 mins ago

An EIT delegation has paid a visit to China to hold meetings with its partner Zhejiang Yuexiu University and to attend the very first graduation ceremony of EIT Data Science and Communications College of ZYU students, who started in 2020.

An EIT delegation has just returned from China where it held joint management, teaching and academic meetings to further a partnership with Zhejiang Yuexiu University of Foreign Languages (ZYU); and attending the very first graduation ceremony of EIT Data Science and Communications College of Zhejiang Yuexiu University students.

The joint International College partnership between EIT and ZYU began in 2020. That first year saw 230 students starting on the campus in Shao Xing City, Zhejiang Province, Southeast China.

Approval from the China Ministry of Education and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) paved the way for EIT to deliver its degree programmes in China. The joint venture supports the delivery of two of EIT’s degrees, the Bachelor of Creative Practice and the Bachelor of Computing Systems and , with three majors offered in Information Systems, Intelligent Systems and Digital Media.

The delegation that went to China last month was Philippa Jones, EIT Executive Director International; EIT’s two Executive Deans John West and Helen Ryan-Stewart; and Sue Blackmore, Head of School, Viticulture and Wine Science & IDEAschool. The delegation was joined in China by  Kaylie Tan, Deputy Dean, EIT Data Science and Communications College, China.

The purpose of the visit was twofold – holding joint management, teaching and academic meetings to further the partnership; and attending the very first graduation ceremony of EIT Data Science and Communications College of Zhejiang Yuexiu University students, who started in 2020.

More than 200 students graduated, 56 with an EIT Bachelor Degree in either Bachelor of Computing Systems or Bachelor of Creative Practice, while the other students graduated with the ZYU qualification.

The event was livestreamed across China and received more than 560,000 views. Graduating as top student in their degrees were Ming Tong HU – Bachelor of Computing Systems (Information Systems); Bin GUAN – Bachelor of Computing Systems (Intelligent Systems); and Lequn XU – Bachelor of Creative Practice.

A celebratory dinner for the delegation was hosted by President Gang Xiu, his Executive Vice President Ms Xiaolin WEI; his Vice Presidents (Academic) Mr Wentao Chen, and Vice President (International) Ms Jinling Ge.

The delegation also met with a number of directors and managers of ZYU and EIT Data Science and Communication College. There was also visit to Qi LU University and a meeting with seven institutions as part of the China Center for International People-to-People Exchange (CCIPE).

A group of eight ZYU staff will be visiting EIT’s Hawke’s Bay Campus from July for five weeks as part of a 12-week training programme delivered to upskill ZYU staff both in China and in NZ. A group of 18 ZYU students and a teacher will come on a study tour to EIT Hawke’s Bay Campus in August for two weeks.

Philippa Jones says that the visit was a success as it built on the solid relationship that EIT has with ZYU and also showcased the hard work that had gone into the first graduation.

“We look forward to many more graduations as we continue to see the EIT Data Science and Communications College grow. This is a milestone in our partnership because it is the very first graduation from our ZYU joint education institute partnership.”

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Chinese experience stimulates EIT academic’s artistic research | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

16 mins ago

Anthony Chiappin, a Graphic Communications Senior Lecturer, is also the programme co-ordinator for EIT’s suite of design offerings.

The experience of teaching an EIT programme in Digital Communications to Chinese students has stimulated an IDEAschool lecturer’s artistic research.

Anthony Chiappin, a Graphic Communications Senior Lecturer, is  part of a team of three NZ Design lecturers that deliver EIT’s Bachelor of Creative Practice in China. His own qualifications are a Bachelor of Design and a Masters in Visual Art from Australia’s Monash University.

His dual focus these days is teaching EIT’s Bachelor of Creative Practice  at Zhejiang Yuexiu University (ZYU) in China, and into the domestic programmes in New Zealand. The Chinese teaching has consisted of firstly online and now over in China, face to face with the students.

It was during his visits to China that Anthony, who is originally from Australia, felt his creativity receive a new lease on life.

“I’ve had two stints in China, a total of four and a half months.”

The last one was just over two months with him returning home in late April.

Anthony, who has been at IDEAschool for 13 years and a researcher for even longer, says research is very important to him.

“I call it the sacred feather in the boa of continuation and connection with things that are important to your teaching, but also important to your career and to the work that you’re doing.”

“It’s been an amazing journey. While I was in China, I took the opportunity to do some artwork and I really ripped into it.  In the ZYU apartment I had room to work and it was the first studio that I’ve been able to work in since the cyclone.”

The work he produced there is his China “Episode” Series. He is hoping to get some funding to be able to exhibit the work in China next year.

Asked how Chinese taste in art differed from that in the West, Anthony said China has a very strong cultural base.

“Even in a contemporary sense. There’s a lot of dialogue around the state of China where it’s at currently, but there’s a lot of cultural significance within the work, whereas the Western model is quite different in that sense.”

He says his art form moves between figurative and abstract, with abstract currently taking hold.

“I call my paintings ‘Episodes’. I see them as an ongoing narrative, kind of like a comic book journey where I use superhero narratives within what I do, based on suburban mythologies.” This dialogue certainly comes to play a part within my teaching practice.”

“It was a fantastic eye-opener to be flung into the epicentre of a more provincial city like Shaoxing.”

A point of difference for this work is that he is using Chinese cardboard packing boxes with colourful motifs as the base for his paintings.

“It is quite powerful because the motifs are proudly ensconced within the work. I had worked on boxes in my master’s series years ago, but it just seemed like a natural fit to be able to grab these boxes from the supermarkets on campus, in particular, and use that as the basis to the work.”

“I used four of the paintings, where I call them ‘The Philosophers’. I was influenced by a lot of the works that I was seeing around Zhejiang province and Shanghai as well. But in particular, the beautiful ink paintings by some of the calligraphers and artists in that region from 200 years ago. It was a bit of a mishmash of all this influence being flung at me because China’s overwhelming.”

Anthony says that at present his main focus is China, be it writing, teaching or researching.

It has been a rewarding experience for him, as last year he won “The Overseas Teacher of the Year Award” along with seven other teachers in many other disciplines at the University.

Another project that he is particularly proud of is one involving his wife, Nikki Gabriel, who is a textile designer and holds a Masters of Art & Design from AUT and is a current PhD Candidate at RMIT University, Melbourne. Nikki has just had a book called Construction Knitting published by Bloomsbury Academic Press, London.

“It’s about designing, but knitwear design with geometric shapes is the premise to that. So it’s been an eight-year journey to get that to the point where it’s now published and out in the world.”

Anthony says he was responsible for the photographs and illustrations, with art direction and content by Nikki.

“That’s been a huge part of my research over many, many years. And now that it’s published, I can talk about it as a research project.”

Acting Head of EIT’s IDEAschool Sue Blackmore said: “EIT is encouraging  and supportive of the research endeavours of all EIT lecturers and Anthony’s new series of work inspired by his time in China is very exciting.“

“The team of Bachelor of Creative Practice and Bachelor of Computer Science lecturers that travel and work in Shaoxing are amazing ambassadors for EIT and NZ in China.”

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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.

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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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Celebrations as EIT Hawke’s Bay students graduate after tough years | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

6 mins ago

More than 320 graduates received their diploma, degree or postgraduate qualifications at two ceremonies held at the Napier Municipal Theatre today.

There was an air of celebration in Hawke’s Bay as students from EIT graduated after a tough few years due to the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, and COVID-19.

More than 320 graduates received their diploma, degree or postgraduate qualifications at two ceremonies held at the Napier Municipal Theatre today. In total EIT awarded 813 diplomas, degree and postgraduate qualifications to Hawke’s Bay based learners who completed their studies last year. 

The first ceremony, held in the morning, saw graduates from the Centre for Veterinary Nursing, IDEAschool, Te Uranga Waka, Schools of Education and Social Sciences, Primary Industries, Tourism and Hospitality, Trades and Technology, and Viticulture and Wine Science graduate.

The afternoon saw graduates from the Schools of Business, Computing, Health and Sport Science, and Nursing cross the stage.

Attending both ceremonies were Andrew McSweeney, Te Pūkenga Deputy Chief Executive – Learner & Employer Experience and Attraction and Kieran Hewitson, Te Pūkenga Tumu Whenua ā-Rohe 2 | executive director. Napier MP Katie Nimon was also in attendance.

Glen Harkness, EIT Executive Director Operations, congratulated all those who graduated.

“It’s great to see these students succeed after some challenging years with the move to online because of COVID-19 and Cyclone Gabrielle. These students can take pride in how they overcame that to achieve their diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate qualifications.”

He thanked the lecturers and tutors involved for all their hard work as well.

“Once again EIT | Te Pūkenga is seeing a talented cohort graduating, which is a testament to the high quality programmes that we offer across the board. We have no doubt that these graduates will go on to make a mark in their chosen careers.”

A graduation ceremony was held for the Tairāwhiti Campus in March, while students at the Auckland campus of EIT will graduate on May 28.