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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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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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Dream of starting own business leads student to enrol in business at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

4 mins ago

James McKinley-Blake is currently in his second year of the Bachelor of Business Studies (Marketing and Management).

James McKinley-Blake always had a dream of starting his own business, so he decided to act on it by enrolling in a business programme at EIT.

James, who was born in Australia and grew up in Hawke’s Bay, decided to take a gap year to work in retail and ponder his future after completing his final year at Napier Boys’ High.

“I was really interested in the arts and science and thought that’s what I wanted to do, but when I got to the end of my final year at school, I was a bit unsure of where I wanted to go to.”

“I took a gap year to think about what I actually wanted to do before I hopped into making this decision. But during that time, I always had the passion to start up or eventually manage my own business.”

“I thought business studies would be perfect. I saw that it was advertised at EIT and I thought, why not? Let’s do it, see what happens and I’m really enjoying it.”

James, 20, is currently in his second year of the Bachelor of Business Studies (Marketing and Management) at EIT Hawke’s Bay and he is loving it.

However his time at EIT got off to a tough start because the programme started the day before Cyclone Gabrielle struck, and the campus had been closed as a precaution. The classes were moved online and then moved off campus.

“The lecturers were great. They handled it well and just got into it. But when we ended up getting back to campus, you could tell a significant difference with that interaction because, personally, I prefer that face-to-face interaction.”

“Personally, I didn’t know what to expect with the business studies. I did go to an open day and heard about it for a bit, but when I got into it, it was a lot more than what I thought.”

James says that he would have no hesitation in recommending the Bachelor of Business at EIT.

“I may explore the sciences or arts a bit later in life, but at the moment just to build a steady foundation for my business, the business studies course is really enjoyable.”

He says that he is interested in starting his own business within horticulture or agriculture, but is keeping his options open.

He says he is also open to continuing  studying and may look to do the Postgraduate Diploma in Business at EIT after he finishes his degree.

“James has already proven himself to be a conscientious student who is focused on his goals and impressed his lecturers with a positive and mature attitude,” says Russell Booth, Programme Co-ordinator for the Bachelor of Business Studies at EIT.

“He has also been discussing with me ways he can expand his experience whilst at EIT through applying for the Prime Minister’s Scholarship and has volunteered his time to help other students as a valued peer mentor. James is already making his intentions clear that he intends on taking advantage of every opportunity he can whilst studying at EIT and for someone like James, we are more than happy to help in whatever way we can!” says Russell.

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Protecting and preserving EIT Hawke’s Bay’s outdoor learning sanctuary | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 hours ago

A recent Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre (ŌOLC) staff meeting on the EIT Hawke’s Bay Campus.

Protecting and preserving an EIT Hawke’s Bay campus outdoor learning sanctuary is important environmentally and culturally for the future, says EIT new kaitiaki (guardian) of the Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre (ŌOLC).

Gerard Henry, a tutor in EIT’s School of Primary Industries, takes up the role while maintaining his teaching duties in EIT’s environmental management and horticulture programmes.  Gerard will be supported by the wider Primary Industries team.   

The ŌOLC has been inspirational for students and staff across numerous EIT Schools as well as local schools and organisations, and Gerard believes it can play an even greater role in connecting the campus with nature.  “There are many opportunities for programmes to utilise this special space as part of their delivery, enriching the learning experience for ākonga”.

Initially the ŌOLC was established as the base for the Learning in Nature (LIN) education initiative, an innovative collaboration between EIT, Ngāti Pārau (the mana whenua hapū for Ōtātara), Te Papa Atawhai (the Department of Conservation), Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, and local environmental groups.  Financial support from the Air New Zealand Environment Trust helped get the OOLC underway. In 2021, EIT won the Benefiting Society Category of the prestigious Australasian Green Gown Awards for its ‘Ko au te taiao, ko te taiao ko au: I am nature, nature is me’ project.

Gerard Henry is the new kaitiaki (guardian) of the Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre (ŌOLC) on the EIT Hawke’s Bay Campus.

The ŌOLC has a steady stream of local school children and community groups utilising the facility.  The team recently hosted ākonga from seven Ōtatāra Kāhui kura where children participated in various outdoor activities and enjoyed helping to organise some planting “Part of my role is to liaise with different community groups so that they can enjoy what ŌOLC has to offer” says Gerard.

Students and staff from a wide range of EIT programmes are invested in the space and work collaboratively on various projects to improve and celebrate the spaces and the amazing resource we have.

Gerard says “it was at the first planting project at ŌOLC in 2018 with a Sustainability cohort that he understood the meaning the place will have for ākonga, kaimahi and visitors”.  EIT are privileged to be connected with “Ōtātara, one of the most outstanding Pa sites in New Zealand”.  Kaitiakitanga and Mātauranga Māori will be guiding principles in leading the development of ŌOLC into the future.

Paul Keats, the Assistant Head of School for Primary Industries, said the ŌOLC is a perfect fit with our School and as well as benefiting our teaching, it’s an asset for the community.

It is important for people to know that the ŌOLC is now fully functional after the cyclone for EIT and community use. For inquiries, contact the team at OtataraOutdoorLearningCentre@eit.ac.nz

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Supporting age-friendly communities and improving health access for rainbow people key areas of EIT lecturer’s research | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

2 hours ago

Jeffery Adams is a Postgraduate Health Science Lecturer at EIT Auckland.

Supporting age-friendly communities and improving health access for rainbow people are key parts of an EIT Auckland lecturer’s research.

Jeffery Adams, Postgraduate Health Science Lecturer at EIT Auckland, says that he has undertaken research and programme evaluation across a number of health areas and settings – including physical activity, alcohol, gambling, mental health and wellbeing, workforce issues, volunteering, and community development/community action.

A recent research project has been an evaluation of the Office for Seniors age-friendly fund. Jeffery is working with Stephen Neville from Te Pūkenga, who is the lead researcher.

“We are looking at this funding scheme that the Office for Seniors offers and trying to work out how effective it has been in helping councils and communities either develop an age friendly plan or to implement age friendly projects.”

“It’s a New Zealand-wide sample with more than sixty different projects that have been funded. We are trying to make a determination about the fund as a whole as to whether it’s achieving outcomes and contributing to communities to be more age friendly.”

Another project that Stephen and Jeffery are involved in is the validation of an age-friendly survey tool. This is a partnership between the researchers, the Office for Seniors, and the Napier City Council and in association with The Hague University of Applied Sciences. The tool has been successfully trialled by Napier City Council with the aim of rolling it out for use in other communities in New Zealand.

There are eight domains for determining an age-friendly city – community and health care, transportation, housing, social participation, outdoor spaces and buildings, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, and communication and information. For the Napier study,  validation process involved receiving feedback from a consumer panel in Napier.

Jeffery says that while New Zealand has areas of age-friendliness, there’s a growing interest among some councils and communities to create more age-friendly environments.

He says that one difficulty for cities is striking a balance between meeting the needs of everybody, while also ensuring older people’s specific needs are met.

“An example is that many places have short time limits on their parking, but this can make it more difficult for older people to go out and shop and attend appointments.”

Another focus area for Jeffery is the health and wellbeing of rainbow people (an umbrella term used to describe people of diverse sexualities, genders, and variations of sex characteristics). This research has included studies focused on mental health, alcohol consumption, HIV and sexual health promotion, and Asian gay men. It has been funded by a number of agencies including the NZ AIDS Foundation, Ministry of Health and the Health Promotion Agency and is characterised by engagement with community organisations and employment of community members as research team members.   

Jeffery’s most recent project is examining data from the New Zealand Health Survey to ascertain the healthcare experiences and health behaviours of lesbian, gay and bisexual people. This work was funded by Massey University and is set to be published soon in New Zealand and Australian publications.

Last year Jeffery and Stephen Neville wrote an article entitled Rainbow health in Aotearoa New Zealand – finally getting the attention it deserves?  which was published in the Journal of Primary Health Care.

The authors wrote that the health of rainbow people had until now largely been ignored in government health policy.

“However this has changed with the release by Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora of Te Pae Tata: Interim New Zealand Health Plan, which details priority areas to improve health outcomes and equity for all New Zealanders.”

“Te Pae Tata promises a ‘new health system’ and improved health outcomes for rainbow people. Although this plan provides welcome recognition of inequity, it offers a limited, generalised view on how to improve health for rainbow people. More specific and detailed action plans on how equity might be achieved are required.”

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Challenging but rewarding Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) journey coming to an end for EIT student | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 hours ago

Lizzie Somerville has enjoyed studying for the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) at EIT.

A challenging but rewarding Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) journey is coming to an end for an EIT student as she finishes up the final weeks of her degree.

Lizzie Somerville, 20, says that she has loved the degree, especially the placements with local schools, but there were also challenges like Covid-19, Cyclone Gabrielle and breaking a leg during rugby training that required her to have surgery.

Lizzie, who comes from a sheep and beef farm near the small coastal community of Pongoroa in the Tararua District, says that although she is pākehā, she grew up in a te ao Māori world. She says that this saw her spend a lot of time at the local marae, Te Hika O Pāpauma.

Lizzie was earmarked for success when she completed her schooling at Solway College in Masterton. Not only did she receive a Year 13 Scholarship to attend EIT, but she also won a Prime Minister’s Vocational Excellence Award from the then Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. This was a further scholarship that would help with her tertiary tuition.

She says that she had not always wanted to be a teacher.

“Originally I wanted to join the police service because I love helping people, but then in high school I worked with the juniors and did an environmental course and that led to me really wanting to  get into education. And I found that the EIT degree, because it’s so practical, was more appealing to me than going off to university.”

“But it has definitely been a challenge because there was a lot of things happening in our first year with COVID where we had to be off campus and study online. And then in our second year we had Cyclone Gabrielle, which saw us having to study in different places. I also broke my leg last year, which saw me having to get around on a knee scooter.”

“But it has been really rewarding. The lectures at EIT are small and close-knit. It’s a nice feeling being around everyone.”

The high point of the degree for Lizzie has been spending two days per week each year at an EIT partnership school and then going on two five week placements to a school.

In her first year she was placed at Frimley School in Hastings while her second year saw her at Ebbett Park School in Hastings and Arthur Miller School in Napier. This year her school was Reignier Catholic School in Napier, before doing her final placement at Ormond School in Gisborne, where her partner is from.

Lizzie says that she has no hesitation in recommending that people study the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) at EIT.

“It’s not actually that big and scary. You feel so comfortable at EIT. And in regard to the teaching degree, it is so practical and it sets you up really well for wanting to get a teaching career because of how practical it is.”

“You also get a lot of support on campus and from the school you are at.”

Lizzie says that while she enjoys Hawke’s Bay, she is hoping to start her teaching career in the Gisborne region.

Associate Professor Emily Nelson, Programme Coordinator for EIT’s Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), said: “In addition to being a fully committed Candidate Teacher over the three years of her study, Lizzie has served as a Candidate Teacher Rep, taking on a leadership role for her cohort with the degree teaching team.”

“This leadership experience as well as the resilience she has gained from studying through adversity, and her calm and caring personality, makes me really excited for her future in the teaching profession.”

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School students put through challenging but rewarding test of fitness and skills in EIT competition | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

2 mins ago

An EIT fitness competition has seen students from across Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti put through their paces in Mahia recently.

Students from across Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti were put through their paces recently in an EIT competition that tested their skills, fitness and resilience.

The competition, organised by EIT’s School of Trades and Technology, took place in Mahia last week and saw teams from East Coast and Wairoa College Services Academies and the Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti Trades Academy participate.

The teams completed a 20km circuit throughout the night carrying logs, steel bars and military packs, and throughout the circuit they stopped and completed tasks such as putting up a 11 x 11 Army tent, a stretcher carry up Mokotahi hill and rope climb out of the river onto a bridge.

Tairāwhiti Trades Academy was the first team home in 5hrs 14 mins, with all teams back to camp by 2am.

EIT Trades and Technology Head of School, Todd Rogers, who completed the challenge himself, said that feedback had been positive and EIT would like to make it an annual event.

“Absolutely awesome effort from all teams involved, a challenging yet rewarding introduction to life in the New Zealand Defence Force.”

“I’d like to make special mention to the team from Wairoa College Services Academy who were mostly year 10 students with one year 12 and performed to a high standard coming in third place. It would be great to see as many students as possible transition into EIT’s Services Pathway programme or straight into the NZDF.”

Todd thanked Defence Careers and East Coast Company of 5/7 Infantry regiment for their support.

The Trades Academy, at EIT’s Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay campuses, works with secondary schools to provide year-long trades programmes to help students achieve NCEA Level 2 or 3 and prepare for higher-level study. The Trades Academy offers programmes that include automotive, trade skills, hair and beauty, hospitality, agriculture, and health and fitness. Students attend Trades Academy each week, gaining  vocational skills and getting hands on experience.