Category: Students

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After 20 years in workforce, EIT student studies further to open new opportunities | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

17 seconds ago

Joe Symonds is about to complete his Graduate Diploma in Business at EIT.

Joe Symonds had been in the workforce for 20 years when he realised that to progress further in his career, he needed to change something.

In early 2023 he enrolled at the EIT School of Business.

Initially, Joe enrolled to do the Bachelor of Business, but he soon found that the experience he had gained in his recent years in various Management roles had enabled him to apply this experience through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), fast-forwarding his pathway towards a Graduate Diploma in Business.

Born and bred in Hawke’s Bay, Joe attended St Johns College and was a keen sportsman.  His passion for Cricket led to him spending some time in the United Kingdom as a professional cricketer following completing NCEA level 3 at school.

Following his time abroad, Joe realised that he needed to find a profession, and began his journey in the Trades sector as an apprentice Plumber/ Drainlayer. Financial uncertainty in early 2008 resulted in Joe needing to seek new employment opportunities elsewhere as hard times slowed the housing market, putting a strain on the local economy. Joe left to seek new opportunities which he found in Australia, working in various remote mining locations in the Civil Infrastructure space as a 3 Waters technician/ construction worker.  

“Initially, when I decided to come back to New Zealand after 5 years working abroad, I was looking to continue plumbing in New Zealand until an opportunity to work at Fulton Hogan as a Three Waters Site Manager arose. I must have shown potential as that then quickly developed into the vacant Department Manager role and from then on, I have never really looked back “

He says that during this time he received further training and industry qualifications, but nothing in the academic realm. My time at Fulton Hogan was amazing, they are great at identifying and developing emerging talent.

“It was towards the end of my time at Fulton Hogan, and further highlighted during my recent employment at Stantec as a Contracts Manager which exposed me to the value of higher education”.

Following these “key development years” in the workforce, Joe made the bold decision to pause, regroup, and embark on a journey of personal and professional improvement. “I had been relatively successful in what I was achieving but always felt I was missing some form of higher qualification, so I decided to pause and seek a higher education.”

“I wanted to progress and that’s basically where it was. I physically wanted to challenge myself academically, as well as a desire to come out with a piece of paper that formally recognized my experience and ability”.

This led him to EIT in 2023, where Russell Booth, Senior Lecturer and Programme Co-ordinator – Business, soon realised that with his work experience, Joe might qualify to do the Graduate Diploma. He is now set to finish his Graduate Diploma in Business next month.

It has not been an easy journey, juggling a busy family life, with part-time work opportunities when time allows, but the content within the School of Business programme, and the personal growth he has experienced throughout the process have been both rewarding and refreshing.

Joe says that following the completion of his recent studies he is keen to continue in the Civil industry.

“I look at things slightly differently these days, experience is a great teacher. Having the practical experience to draw on is great, but I feel more confident knowing I can also draw on the theory behind certain things, and have a positive influence”.

Russell Booth says: “Joe is an excellent student – and highly competent in the classroom environment.However, with Joe’s extensive industry experience we initially conducted a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) exercise. This resulted in Joe gaining six courses through RPL, needing him to only complete two more courses to complete his Graduate Diploma.”

“This has not only significantly cut down the time and cost to complete the qualification but it is an excellent way of recognising the experience and knowledge someone like Joe has against a qualification framework.”

“It is a tried and tested process we think many people in Hawke’s Bay can also benefit from and we welcome applications from people who think they qualify!”

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Scholarship helps EIT Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) student fulfil promise to late mother | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

EIT Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) student Olivia Thomas has been awarded the Margaret Hetley Scholarship.

Being awarded the Margaret Hetley Scholarship has given EIT student Olivia Thomas a much-needed boost to fulfil the promise she made to her late-mother of becoming a primary school teacher.

The 24-year-old is currently in her second year of a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) at the Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale. She says it is “surreal” to have been chosen for the scholarship.

The scholarship, worth $2,500 is in memory of Margaret Hetley, who gifted the land on which EIT Hawke’s Bay is located, for the purpose of tertiary education in the region. The scholarship is awarded annually by the Ōtātara Trust to assist women to undertake tertiary study.

“I feel a massive wave of gratitude,” Olivia says of the scholarship.

“I just went for the scholarship. But I thought there’s probably heaps of people that would go for it and I’ll never be able to be one of them. So, I was very surprised.”

Olivia says she would like to think her mum Jacqui, who passed away in June 2022, would have been proud of her.

“That’s the first thing that my uncle said, how excited she would be. Because she was the first person that I thought about calling when I heard that I got the scholarship. She is always the first person I want to call to tell good news to.”

Her mum, an Occupational Therapist, was a huge inspiration and motivator for her.

“One of the promises that I made to her was that I was going to get in and try studying to be a teacher. And I got into the course a couple of months after she had passed.”

“It just felt like it was meant to be and I had something positive to look forward to after losing her. It also felt like it was a sign that she wanted me to continue on with my dreams even though I was still grieving.”

“She’s my main role model. She always inspired me to be the best version of myself. She always believed that I’d be a great teacher someday and she inspired me to fulfil my dreams.”

The 24-year-old first started working with children at an after school care programme at 17.

Her first year was challenging due to Cyclone Gabrielle, but she is now enjoying being back on campus.

“The main reason I chose EIT was the placement opportunities throughout the year, compared to other universities where they do it at the end of the year. It’s great to be able to apply everything I’ve learnt in the classroom.”

Last year, she was at Irongate School in Flaxmere and this year, she is at Napier Intermediate, which happens to be the school she attended in Year 7 and 8.

“It’s fun coming back and being on the other side.”

Careers Counsellor Shelley Oliver says the Scholarship Panel were “very impressed” with Olivia’s application and references provided.

“We wish Olivia well for her Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) studies for 2024 and look forward to hearing about her progress.”

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

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

7 mins ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

5 mins ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prospective students will be given a tour of the campus and a chance to chat to the student liaison team and tutors about what is on offer.

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

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

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

9 seconds ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Former EIT Head of School returns as Executive Director, Student and Academic Services | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

13 seconds ago

Dr Ondene van Dulm is EIT’s new Executive Director, Student and Academic Services.

EIT’s former Head of School for Health and Sport Science, Dr Ondene van Dulm, is returning from a secondment at Te Pūkenga to take up the role of Executive Director, Student and Academic Services.

Prior to working at EIT, Dr van Dulm was a lecturer and researcher at the University of Canterbury and the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. When EIT became part of Te Pūkenga, Dr van Dulm was seconded to the new institute to lead programme unification. She was later appointed as Head of Domain, Kaiāwhina and Health.

With the Government indicated change in direction for Te Pūkenga, Dr van Dulm has now returned to be part of EIT’s Executive team.

It is a role that she is not only qualified for, but one she is looking forward to.

“It’s going to be an interesting time ahead, with a lot of challenges and opportunities for our sector, so that’s pretty exciting. I think we have a great balance at EIT, with existing executives who have been in their roles for a while, and a few newcomers.”

“I’m really looking forward to contributing to strategic planning as we navigate the path forward for tertiary and vocational education in our region.”

EIT’s Executive Director, Kieran Hewitson, welcomed Dr van Dulm to the team.

“Ondene has played an important role in the establishment of Te Pūkenga and now she will bring that expertise to EIT as we go forward.”

“This is an important time for EIT as we continue to offer quality programmes. Ondene will add value to the Student and Academic Services role.”

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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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EIT BA Māori graduate enjoyed studies so much, she is now teaching one of the programmes | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

30 seconds ago

Tamara Whenuaroa (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Tūwharetoa & Ngāi Tūhoe) is now teaching at EIT Tairāwhiti after completing her Bachelor of Arts (Māori).

Tamara Whenuaroa (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Tūwharetoa & Ngāi Tūhoe) enjoyed studying for her Bachelor of Arts (Māori) at EIT Tairāwhiti so much last year, that she has been back on campus this year teaching the certificate programme.

The Tairāwhiti graduation for last year’s students was held at the War Memorial Theatre in Gisborne in March. Although Tamara did not attend the ceremony, she has still graduated with the rest of her cohort.

Tamara, whose first language is te reo, had studied at EIT previously, obtaining a Bachelor of Visual Art and Design. She says she began her second degree in 2022 after being attracted to the programme at Te Whatukura on the Tairāwhiti campus.

“I had a couple of friends who studied at Te Whatukura with EIT and did the Māori degree there. And I really enjoyed the environment that they had there.”

“When they had their graduation ceremonies, I went along with them and met a few of the tutors and saw how they operate. That really inspired me to go there. I think one of the key aspects that I enjoyed, and that was a point of difference in the teachings, was that they taught the reo of this region, of this rohe.”

“In 2022, I did the diploma in te reo. Then I did a couple of extra papers through Massey University so that I was able to fast track my journey and have those cross-credited to be able to complete the degree last year.”

Tamara, 25, who went to school at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Ara Hou in Napier, says she enjoyed learning the dialect of the region.

“I learned a lot on the grammatical side of our language. I learnt a lot about the histories and traditions of this region. I was brought up in Napier, so in Ngāti Kahungunu as opposed to the Tairāwhiti, Ngāti Porou region.”

“The Ngāti Porou language is very much its own, and I really wanted to come and learn about that here on this whenua, in this region, from the people who were brought up here because my mum is from this region. So it just made it that much more special to be able to do that.”

Tamara says that after she finished her degree, new opportunities opened up for her.

“After graduating I was approached to teach the level two te reo Māori course. They are night classes for adults. And it’s been such a cool journey to go from student, directly into teaching because being a learner, you learn all these skills and grasp an understanding of how you learn whether that’s visual or just by repetitive learning etc.”

“I always thought I’d be a teacher, but I never thought I’d be an adult teacher. I’ve been well-supported by EIT staff.”

It has been a long and winding journey for Tamara, who grew up with te reo as her first language, but never thought she could have a career in it.

“When I finished my degree in Napier, I moved to Tūranga to undergo an apprenticeship in tā moko, that’s why I actually moved to Gisborne.”

“And when I moved, I decided I may as well do the honours programme here at Toihoukura to really connect back to Toi Māori and te ao Māori. “

“I finished the honours and then worked at the Māori Land Court for a few years, whilst finishing my apprenticeship in tā moko. Shortly thereafter I underwent my reo studies. And now I’m doing the level two teaching part-time and lucky to have had a few other employment opportunities pop up, including mahi with rangatahi of Te Tairāwhiti, through Nōnā Te Ao Charitable Trust. And actually, all of my employment opportunities I acquired thanks to my reo.”

Pareputiputi Nuku, Pouarataki, Te Ūranga Waka and Te Whatukura, says: “Tamara is a talented and clearly focused, committed young wahine.

“We are very fortunate to have Tamara on our Te Whatukura and Te Ūranga Waka team as a kaiako for Te Pōkaitahi Reo (Level 2) with her skills and knowledge in te reo and toi Māori.”

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

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

5 mins ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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