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Big strides being made in reopening EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay Campus after devastating Cyclone Gabrielle | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

18 mins ago

One year on after being damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle, the Hawke’s Bay Campus of EIT | Te Pūkenga is about 65 per cent open with about 85% of all learners back on campus.

One year on from when Cyclone Gabrielle ravaged the Hawke’s Bay Campus of EIT | Te Pūkenga, great strides are being to fully reopen the campus.

Normal academic service came to an abrupt halt at the Taradale campus on 14 February 2023 when flood water swept through the buildings. The cyclone caused extensive damage with up to 90 per cent of the ground-floor buildings – more than 500 rooms – being damaged by flood water and contaminated silt. Fortunately neither the EIT | Te Pūkenga Tairāwhiti campus nor the Regional Learning Centres suffered any significant damage and service delivery was able to resume.

EIT | Te Pūkenga management and kaimahi (staff) moved quickly to ensure that programme delivery at the Hawke’s Bay campus got back on track as quickly as possible, first online and then in up to 45 temporary sites across Napier and Hastings. This became known as “the  EIT | Te Pūkenga extended campus”.

EIT | Te Pūkenga Executive Director Partnership and Projects Glen Harkness thanked the community for opening its doors and hearts in the institute’s hour of need.

“We have always been closely connected to our community, but this showed the depth of this bond. Whether it was council buildings or classrooms at local schools, we were made to feel welcome and our students were able to continue their education.”

While programmes were continuing, a big job of repair and rebuilding began on the campus with a dedicated team of kaimahi, volunteers and contractors pitching in.

Mr Harkness says the rebuild became an opportunity to enhance the campus for the future.

“We have been able to assess what our future needs will be and rebuild the campus accordingly.”

A big priority was to get specialist spaces, which accounted for about about 30 per cent of the campus, reopened. They include vet nursing, nursing, viticulture & wine science, some creative disciplines, plumbing, automotive and mechanical engineering. This was achieved in time for the second semester in July last year.

“Fortunately, most of the buildings used for specialist programmes had limited damage and were easier to repair. It was also hard to find specialist facilities to accommodate these programmes in the community, so it was a priority to get them back on campus,” says Mr Harkness.

A significant step was taken last month when three blocks – G, M and A – were blessed at a karakia and have since been reopened.

G block is home to the Hawke’s Bay Trades Academy as well as Hair and Beauty. M Block houses the School of Business, but will be accommodating programmes from across the institution while other buildings are repaired. A Block has departments including  the International Centre, The Education Development Centre that support staff teaching practice, and Te Kura Awarua Rangahau Māori Research Centre. The block will accommodate a range of staff and teaching delivery temporarily.

This development means that about 65 per cent of the campus is now open with about 85% of all learners back on campus.

“The goal is to have all planned works completed by the start on the 2025 academic year. Buildings will continue to reopen during 2024.”

Mr Harkness says the main goal is to provide learners with an opportunity to achieve certificates, diplomas and degrees in their chosen field.

“We are confident that we will be able to continue to provide a learning platform at our new brighter and better campus.”

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EIT | Te Pūkenga student excited about Italian experience after being selected for Bragato Exchange | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

5 mins ago

EIT | Te Pūkenga Viticulture & Wine Science student Casey Mackintosh has been chosen as the Wine-Searcher Bragato Exchange Scholar.

After an exciting 2023, EIT | Te Pūkenga Viticulture & Wine Science student Casey Mackintosh is looking forward to a new experience as she heads off to Italy later in June on a Bragato Exchange.

Casey, 28, is in her final year of the Bachelor of Viticulture & Wine Science but is finishing the programme part-time while she works in the industry at Villa Maria Winery, which is now owned by Indevin.

The exchange, which has a new principal sponsor in Wine-Searcher, is now known as the Wine-Searcher Bragato Exchange Scholarship. Other sponsors are PGG Wrightson, Taradale Rotary Club and the Ōtātara Trust. It was established in recognition of the historical connection between Conegliano and New Zealand and is named after Romeo Bragato, who was influential in identifying potential wine growing regions here and studied in this area of Italy. It is commemorated with an academic partnership between EIT | Te Pūkenga and the University of Padua.

The exchange was started in 2003 and provides an opportunity for an Italian student to visit New Zealand in August, spend time at EIT | Te Pūkenga and visit the wine areas of NZ and an EIT | Te Pūkenga student to visit Padua and then travel around the wine areas of Italy hosted by alumni in the Italian summer.

The award comes after a big year in 2023, which saw Casey, who is originally from Northland, come second in the 2023 Tonnellerie de Mercurey North Island Young Winemaker of the Year, following the competition held at Indevin’s Gimblett Gravels winery.

She says that she is excited about the year ahead.

“I feel incredibly lucky to receive the Wine-Searcher Bragato Exchange Scholarship. I am extremely grateful to EIT | Te Pūkenga and the generous sponsors for providing this incredible opportunity.”

“It doesn’t quite feel real yet and I suppose it won’t until I am there sipping prosecco, in the sun. I am looking forward to meeting new people and soaking up Italian culture.”

Renee Dale, Wine Specialist at sponsors wine-searcher.com, says: “It is wonderful to see that this exchange retains such high interest and to see such a high calibre of applicants.”

“It was a real challenge for the selection panel to choose between them. Although all candidates showed great potential, each bringing their own unique stories and outlooks, Casey in particular demonstrated a solid understanding of the exchange, its purpose and just what the experience would bring to her skillset as a future winemaker. I look forward to welcoming Casey into the Romeo Bragato alumni and following her journey, both in the exchange later this year, and in the years to come.”

Renee, who was the first female Bragato exchange recipient in 2006, is also heartened to see the significant number of female applicants this year.

Sue Blackmore, the Head of the EIT | Te Pūkenga School of Viticulture & Wine Science, said: “We are excited that this exchange will continue to provide EIT graduates with a unique life changing opportunity. The exchange enables the building of invaluable connections, as well as the opportunity to be hosted by the University of Padua and by ex-exchange scholars in different parts of Italy.”

“We are extremely thankful to our long-term sponsors and the new main sponsor, Wine searcher, who are ensuring the longevity of this valuable exchange that commemorates its founder, Kevyn Moore.”

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Karakia marks another step in reopening of EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay Campus | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

39 seconds ago

A dawn karakia was held this morning to mark the opening of three blocks – G, M and A at the EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay Campus.

A dawn karakia this morning marked a significant step in the reopening of the Hawke’s Bay campus of  EIT | Te Pūkenga.

Nearly a year after Cyclone Gabrielle caused extensive damage to the campus in Taradale, the blessing marked the opening of three blocks – G, M and A. The cyclone caused extensive damage to the Taradale site in February with up to 90 per cent of the ground-floor buildings – more than 500 rooms – being damaged by flood water and contaminated silt.

About 30 per cent of the Hawke’s Bay campus was able to be reopened for delivery in time for the start of Semester 2 in July.

The kaikarakia at this morning’s ceremony were Mana Hazel, Wirihana Raihania, Te Kaha Hawaikirangi, Piripi Smith and Chad Tareha. In attendance were EIT | Te Pukenga Staff and Management, Chris Olsen and Steve Price from Gemco Construction and Dylan Rodger from RCP.

EIT | Te Pūkenga Executive Director Glen Harkness said the opening of the three blocks was an exciting development on the road to full reopening of the campus.

“The buildings A, M and G will enable significantly more delivery and student facing services to return to campus. Of note, G block is home to the Hawke’s Bay Secondary Schools Trades Academy, which will see secondary school students return to campus shortly.”

“We are very grateful to our staff, and our contractors and consultants who have worked hard to rebuild our campus. While we have appreciated the way the community has allowed us to deliver our programmes throughout Hawke’s Bay, it is good to be coming home and resuming normal services.”

“We are part of this community and it is important that people are able to see what we have to offer. We offer a full range of qualifications from certificates to postgraduate level, with full-time, part-time and online study options available.”

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Information and enrolment day an opportunity to choose career path at EIT Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay Campus | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

6 mins ago

The EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay campus will be open for an information and enrolment day between 9am and 6pm on Thursday, 25 January 2024.

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

The information day on Thursday 25 January will be another opportunity for the partially rebuilt campus to be showcased after it was devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle a year ago. The cyclone caused extensive damage to the Taradale site in February with up to 90 per cent of the ground-floor buildings – more than 500 rooms – being damaged by flood water and contaminated silt.

About 30 per cent of the Hawke’s Bay campus was able to be reopened for delivery in time for the start of Semester 2 in July.

The information and enrolment day is open to anyone who is interested in studying at EIT | Te Pūkenga and who would like more information about what programmes are on offer.

The event will be held between 9am and 6pm at the EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay Campus. Events will also be held on the same day between 10am and 2pm at the Maraenui, Hastings and CHB  Learning Centres. An information day will be held at the Wairoa Learning Centre on 31 January between 10am and 2pm. 

EIT | Te Pūkenga Executive Director Glen Harkness says a lot of hard work has been done to ensure the they were able to reopen much of the campus.

“We are part of this community and it is important that people are able to see what we have to offer.”

“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 | Te Pūkenga 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 be also beavailable to help you complete the enrolment process,” says Glen.

Check out the EIT | Te Pūkenga website eit.ac.nz for more info or phone 0800 CALL EIT.

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EIT | Te Pūkenga student living a lifelong dream by studying te reo and reconnecting with her whakapapa | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

7 mins ago

Amy Tuhoro has enjoyed studying the Bachelor of Arts (te reo Māori) at Te Whatukura at EIT | Te Pūkenga in Te Tairāwhiti.

Amy Tuhoro grew up disconnected from te reo Māori and Te Ao Māori, but is making amends now by exploring her culture and language through EIT | Te Pūkenga in Te Tairāwhiti.

Amy (Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga a Mahaki and Tūhoe) grew up in Kawerau in the Bay of Plenty and spent many years as a caregiver before becoming a registered nurse. However a desire to learn te reo led her to enrol in a programme at the University of Waikato.

However, she felt the need to move to Te Tairāwhiti, an area where she has whakapapa to.

“We have connections to the area. That was the main reason for moving here, to get to know about Tairāwhiti and what the way of life is like here, and learning the history here.”

“It’s a different way of life here, and I wanted to learn about that.”

The move was made easier because she was able to cross-credit the courses she had done in Waikato and use it for her Bachelor of Arts (te reo Māori) at Te Whatukura at EIT | Te Pūkenga in Te Tairāwhiti.

“Our family grew up completely disconnected from te reo Māori and the Māori worldview. And I only started learning on and off night classes over the years, but I quit my job and sold my house in Hamilton and enrolled in full immersion last year.”

“It was a massive move and a lot of people thought I was crazy. I always felt like there was something missing and it has been a lifelong dream to be able to speak te reo, but I always found life happens. You can’t just do what I did, really, up and leave everything to pursue it, but the calling was that strong, I did.”

While Amy, 32, is keen to practice what she has learnt, she also wants to potentially use it in her former career in healthcare.

“While I am here, I’ve also been doing Māori medicine, and so to be able to combine both worlds would be ideal.”

Amy says the great thing about the Bachelor programme is the tutors.

“They’re not just teaching us about the language and the culture, they live and breathe it every single day. It’s not just a job to them, it’s who they are. And what more of a better example to learn from, really?”

“The other thing is that it is not just a programme. I’ve been to quite a few learning institutions in my time, but I’ve never felt the level of whanaungatanga and manaakitanga, the sense of family that you get at Te Whatukura at EIT.”

This may not be the last that EIT | Te Pūkenga has seen of Amy as she is keen to do her Honours in the Bachelor of Arts.

“EIT has just been granted to do the Honors programme here in Gisborne, so I’m weighing up whether I do that or not.”

Angela Tibble, Programme Co-ordinator and Lecturer at Te Whatukura, EIT | Te Pūkenga in Te Tairāwhiti, says: “Amy has bought humility, humour, wit, intelligence an open mind and heart to her studies this year.  We are pleased to extend the opportunity of another year of study here in the Tairāwhiti to explore further the opportunities of doing her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree, Te Pikitanga ki Awarua.”

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EIT | Te Pūkenga supports local business through sponsorship of awards | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

5 mins ago

John West, EIT|Te Pūkenga Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Technology, presents the Hospitality Star award category at the Napier CBD Star Awards to Teresa Cocktail Bar owners Andrea Marseglia and Sarah Mitchell. Photo by Ruby Bloom Photography

EIT | Te Pūkenga is continuing its investment in local communities by sponsoring two prestigious business awards this year –  the 2023 Napier CBD Star Awards and the Datacom Hawke’s Bay Business Awards.

Local businesses were honoured at separate events earlier this month and EIT | Te Pūkenga was one of a number of sponsors at each event. The Napier CBD Star Awards, with Spark Business Hawke’s Bay as the main sponsor, celebrates the best businesses based in the Napier CBD. The finalists were judged by a panel of business owners and industry experts and were scored on written entries, and site visits where they each had to pitch their business. EIT|Te Pūkenga was sponsor of the Hospitality Star award category. This year’s winner was Teresa Cocktail Bar. The Supreme Award went to Market St.

The Datacom Hawke’s Bay Business Awards is a prestigious awards process that celebrates successful businesses across the region from Wairoa to Central Hawke’s Bay. At the recent awards, EIT|Te Pūkenga was the sponsor of the Excellence in Innovation award, which was won by Wayfinder.

The Supreme Winner of this event was Topline Contracting Limited who won the Outstanding Social Impact award. EIT|Te Pūkenga has a connection with Topline, in that it supports the Topline Academy, an initiative to introduce cadets into the infrastructure industry, by delivering the Infrastructure Works level 2 programme three times a year and engaging their students in other life skills throughout the programme.

 EIT|Te Pūkenga has been supporting the Academy since its inception in July 2022 and have seen more than 60 graduates qualify in the level 2 programme.

John West, EIT|Te Pūkenga Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Technology, said that the sponsorships were an important part of the institute’s involvement in the local communities.

“We are part of our communities as we live and work in them, so we are proud to show our commitment by sponsoring categories in these prestigious awards.”

“Congratulations to all the winners. Hawke’s Bay can be proud of the calibre of businesses that we have in Napier and the rest of the region.”

“These businesses play an important part in our economy and we should all support them and wish them every success.”

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Research sparks innovation and the develops professions, says Early Career Researcher

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

Max Christie

In this feature we interview staff members who have been identified as Early Career Researchers. In the spotlight is Max Christie, an Early Childhood Education Lecturer in the Faculty of Education, Humanities and Health Science.

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

Masters of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, Finished in 2021.

Are you currently completing any other post graduate programmes?

No, unless you count learning to be a lecturer, which feels like a post-graduate programme in a way.

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

Lecturer or Kaiako. I teach a variety of courses. Next year I will be teaching;

– Education and Society

– Emergent Literacy

– Play, Pedagogy and Curriculum

– The History of Early Childhood Education

– Professionalism

– Leadership

– Artistic Languages

What areas do you specialise in?

 I would say that I have expertise within most aspects of Early Childhood Education. It is difficult to narrow this down to one or two areas of particular expertise.

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

None. I have just started work as a lecturer, previous to this I was travelling, teaching in and managing Early Childhood Centres

How important is research to you as an academic?

Vital. We must always strive to create new and interesting provocations for practitioners in order to spark innovation and the development of our profession in ECE.

How supportive is EIT in encouraging you to do research?

EIT has been very clear that I will be supported to do research and that this is a key part of my role which is very exciting

The post Research sparks innovation and the develops professions, says Early Career Researcher first appeared on EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti.

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EIT | Te Pūkenga students to showcase work produced at MTG | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 mins ago

EIT | Te Pūkenga Design Lecturer Roger Kelly (left), Level 6 Design ākonga (student) Maddie Klose and Level 7 design ākonga Micah Westrupp working to develop the visual identity for the ‘We Design’ exhibition.

Work produced by EIT | Te Pūkenga IDEAschool ākonga (students) will be on show at MTG, with a special industry showcase night to celebrate.

‘We Design’ is a multidisciplinary exhibition by Bachelor of Creative Practice (Design) ākonga, bringing together the best of 2D and 3D Design with projects in Graphic Design, Urban Design, Object Design, Product Design, Spatial Design, and Illustration.

EIT | Te Pūkenga Design Lecturer James Smith says it is the first of its kind for IDEAschool and the Bachelor of Creative Practice (Design).  

For the first semester, ākonga were based at MTG Hawke’s Bay Tai Ahuriri due to the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle on the Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale.

While they will have their annual end of year exhibition at the campus on November 24, James says they wanted to acknowledge the relationship that has developed between IDEAschool and MTG. It will be held tomorrow (Wednesday, November 8).

“We organised with them to have this end of year exhibition to showcase the students work that they made with a lot of challenges due to the cyclone and displacement. And they’ve been supported by the MTG, so it’s celebrating that relationship which we look to foster going forward as well.”

The level 6 ākonga, who are seeking internships for their final year of study, are showcasing their ‘Mobile Activity Units’ produced as part of their ‘community project’ in collaboration with the MTG.

On the other hand, work produced by the level 7 ākonga, on the cusp of finishing their degree, is more individualised.

Design Lecturer Beck Wheeler says the work produced is of a really high standard.

EIT | Te Pūkenga Level 6 Design ākonga (student) Maddie Klose taking photos of one of her team’s ‘Wonder Hubs – Mobile Activity Unit’ scale models for presentation at the ‘We Design’ exhibition on Wednesday.

MTG Hawke’s Bay Tai Ahuriri Director Laura Vodanovich says: “We were really happy to have the students with us”.

“It made it a really easy way to collaborate with them by working within the museum context and coming up with ideas for their community project.

“Being able to interact in the space all the time was, I think, really helpful for them and for us and it is exiting to have their exhibition on display so they can show some of the work they’ve done while they’ve been here.”

‘We Design’ will be held at MTG Hawke’s Bay Tai Ahuriri on Wednesday (November 8) at 4.30pm. For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/351027480923290. An end of year showcase will be held at the EIT | Te Pūkenga Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale on November 24 at 5.30pm.

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Top EIT | Te Pūkenga researcher promoted to Associate Professor | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 mins ago

A Top EIT | Te Pūkenga academic has been promoted to Associate Professor in recognition of her internationally recognised research and academic leadership.

Dr Pii-Tuulia Nikula, now an Associate Professor at EIT | Te Pūkenga School of Business, is well known for her research on the international student recruitment industry and sustainability.

She has been the author and co-editor of two books this year – Student Recruitment Agents in International Higher Education and Sustainable Education Abroad: Striving for Change.

EIT | Te Pūkenga Executive Director Glen Harkness congratulated Dr Nikula, saying: “Pii-Tuuliais an internationally recognised researcher and innovative educator with extensive industry, teaching and research experience in the fields of management, sustainability, higher education and international education.”

 “Pii-Tuulia is a good examples of the depth of research talent EIT | Te Pūkenga has and has brought much recognition for our research capabilities at EIT | Te Pūkenga.”

“With talent like this in our Professoriate, research at EIT | Te Pūkenga is in good health.”

Dr Nikula says she is excited to have been promoted.

“I want to acknowledge my academic and industry referees for their support. I’d also like to thank everyone who has supported, inspired and guided me throughout my academic journey, including my students, colleagues, managers, and academic and industry collaborators.”

“I’ll continue my leadership with the goal of making a positive impact at EIT and beyond!”

Dr Nikula teaches courses in sustainable organisations, global strategies and research methods and supervises under- and postgraduate level students. She also has extensive experience in course and curriculum design and programme and course coordination roles.

Before her academic career, Nikula worked as an entrepreneur and held management and leadership roles within the international student recruitment sector.

She is co-founder of Climate Action Network for International Educators (www.canie.org) and is the Chair of the School of Business and School of Computing Research Committee. She also serves as an editorial board member for Higher Education Quarterly and as an associate editor for Higher Education Research and Development and Journal of International Students.

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EIT Te Pūkenga farewells respected Executive Dean and animal welfare researcher | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

EIT | Te Pūkenga has farewelled respected Executive Dean and animal welfare researcher Professor Nat Waran.

EIT | Te Pūkenga has farewelled respected Executive Dean and animal welfare researcher Professor Nat Waran’

Professor Waran has also been made Professor Emeritus in recognition of her commitment to research and innovation at EIT | Te Pūkenga. Professor Emeritus appointments acknowledge normally retiring professors who are recognised nationally and internationally as having made an outstanding contribution in their discipline; have contributed significantly to the success of the institute over an extended period of time; are respected and esteemed by colleagues; and intend to maintain a continuing association with the institute.

Professor Waran has been Executive Dean and Professor of One Welfare since she joined EIT | Te Pūkenga in 2016 and has led the growth of research capabilities and structures within the institution.

Professor Waran is an internationally respected applied animal welfare scientist and educator with expertise in applied research, and the design and delivery of evidence-based education initiatives. She has more than 30 years of experience working as a strategic leader at senior level in the tertiary sector in NZ and overseas.

Prior to returning to New Zealand in 2016 she was the inaugural Director of the Jeanne Marchig International Animal Welfare Centre established at the University of Edinburgh’s veterinary school, where she collaborated with various organisations to advance animal welfare in developing countries.

EIT | Te Pūkenga Executive Director Glen Harkness paid tribute to Professor Waran, who was farewelled at a function on the Hawke’s Bay Campus on Friday, 15 September.

“In the past seven years, Nat has been an exceptional leader not only across EIT and Te Pūkenga but also in research bodies around the world. In particular, at EIT, Nat’s stewardship of the Faculty of Education, Humanities and Health Sciences, development of the EIT Research and Innovation Centre, the Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre, and contribution to developing the EIT Institute of Sport and Health has been invaluable.”

“Outside of EIT, Nat was a founding member of Te Poari Akoranga and te Ohu Whakahaere committees at Te Pūkenga, developed the new Te Pūkenga Animal Research and Teaching Code of Ethical Conduct and facilitated the Te Pūkenga Research Ethics Framework. We have been lucky to have Nat’s expertise as a world expert in equine welfare and one-welfare, all while maintaining professorial roles at leading international universities and providing leadership in research projects.”

“It goes without saying that Nat has contributed widely to the life and reputation of the institution and will be a huge loss and missed by all of us,” said Mr Harkness.

Professor Waran says she has enjoyed her time at EIT.

“I feel very proud of all that we have achieved together over the past years. I haven’t ever regretted the decision to accept the offer of the role of Executive Dean at EIT and to bring our family back to NZ from Scotland. EIT has always been about our people and our positive relationships, and it’s been an absolute pleasure to work alongside such great colleagues.”