Category: Tairāwhiti

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Living in emergency housing did not stop social work student from studying at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

4 mins ago

Harata Gordon is in her fourth year of the Bachelor of Social Work at EIT Tairāwhiti.

Living in emergency housing with her two young children has not stopped Harata Gordon (Ngāti Porou) from pursuing her dream of studying at EIT Tairāwhiti.

Thankfully, Harata has recently moved into a Kāinga Ora home with her two children, but her hardships have not deterred her from continuing with her studies.

Having left Campion College in year 12, Harata enrolled NZ Certificate in Beauty Therapy (Level 4) at EIT. She spent a number of years after that working  in customer service and in a packhouse, however, she always wanted something more for her life and this has led her to pursue a career in social work.

“I’m a very simple person. Throw me in anywhere and I have the drive or the aroha to find a way to help.”

Harata, 29, is currently in her fourth year of the Bachelor of Social Work at EIT Tairāwhiti, but has decided to split the final year into two which means that she will finish up next year.

“Studying full-time made it a long year. It is just more manageable with my two babies as well. I can  re-set my goals, so it makes more sense and is more fitting for me now.”

The journey has had a few disruptions with Harata splitting the degree between EIT and Ara Institute of Canterbury falling pregnant in her second year, and dealing with COVID. She did her first year at EIT before moving down to Christchurch for personal reasons where she did her second year at Ara. She returned to EIT Tairāwhiti for the rest of her degree.

Harata says that she believes the tough times she has endured with her children recently will shine through when she becomes a social worker.

“I think that having lived the way I have for the last year will give me more appreciation and make me more understanding.”

“I hope that I can inspire or give hope to a mama who hasn’t got anywhere for her or her kids to live to realise that she can do something with her life.”

Harata is enjoying her studies, especially her placement at Ngāti Porou Oranga where she got work experience in the community.

“It was such a positive experience and I was able to make some great connections and have some good networking opportunities.”

While the degree is taking longer than she intended, Harata realises that she needs to be patient.

“I have the same passion, the same drive, the same fire inside. I will always love helping people.”

Harata acknowledges that she could not do what she is doing without whānau or as she puts it “my village sprinkles everywhere”.

Charlotte Chisnell, EIT’s Social Work Programme Coordinator, says: “Harata’s journey is a powerful example of resilience and determination. Despite the challenges of living in emergency housing with her two young children, she has remained committed to her studies and her dream of becoming a social worker.”

“Harata’s perseverance, even in the face of adversity, is inspiring. Her ability to balance her education with being a parent, while overcoming significant obstacles, highlights her strength and dedication. Her story will undoubtedly inspire others, showing that achieving your goals is possible with passion, patience, and strong community support.  Harata’s journey illustrates the profound impact that lived experiences can have in shaping compassionate and effective social workers.”

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EIT journey starts as student and continues through to senior staff role | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

5 mins ago

Tash Hau was recently appointed as Assistant Head of Te Ūranga Waka.

Tash Hau’s journey at EIT began when she enrolled in the NZ Certificate in Te Reo Māori (Level 2) and 16 years later it is still going strong, with her recent appointment to Assistant Head of Te Ūranga Waka.

Since 2007, Tash (Ngātiwai) has gained much experience in the education sector, having recently returned to EIT after three years as Professional Learning and Development Facilitator with the University of Waikato. There she was responsible for supporting Kāhui Ako clusters, principals and teachers to deliver educational opportunities that accelerate success and support equitable outcomes for Māori students.

Prior to this, Tash worked at EIT as a Programme Coordinator/Tutor for more than 10 years. She is also a graduate of all the qualifications from all levels of the te reo certificate, Bachelor of Arts (Māori) and Bachelor of Arts Māori  (Honours)  as well as the Master of Professional Practice (shared with the School of Education and Social Sciences).

Tash, 44, who grew up in Wairoa, says that her interest in learning te reo was sparked when she was about 12 years old and attended a Kapa Haka wānanga at Rangiahua marae.

“Everyone had an opportunity to share with the group and as one of our elders spoke in te reo Māori, laughter filled the wharenui. I remember vividly wishing I was able to understand and it was at that moment I knew learning my native language was something I needed to do. I realise now, that was my tīpuna (ancestors) guiding me”.

“And although it took probably 25 years from where the journey actually started, during which time I had my children, that I realised what pathway I needed to take”

After finishing school at Wairoa College, Tash spent some time in Gisborne before she travelled to Australia for five years where she has family. Coming from a small town, she felt it was important to see “what else was out there”. It was there that Tash started her family.

Tash moved back to New Zealand with her two eldest children, Alayh and Ibanez which has been a rewarding decision.

“My two youngest daughters Kheyz and Jhrsey have both been part of the Te Ūranga Waka whānau, with Jhrsey accompanying me to classes during the certificate level from eight days old. I was really grateful that within te ao Māori our babies are able to be included and cherished. I believe that as māmā, we shouldn’t have to choose between parenting and education, we are most definitely capable of both”.

She says she felt a number of emotions when she started learning te reo.

“The journey of reclamation was a combination of feeling overwhelmed in the initial stages and a calm sense of being exactly where I needed to be, a healing journey I was unaware I needed.”

“I just fell in love with the place, the people and the kaupapa.”

She is also grateful for the support she had right through the levels of study.

“I have to acknowledge my peers and the tutors across the years who supported me to actually achieve all of this.”

The transition from student to part-time tutor of the certificate programme is something to this day she is grateful for as it presented a pathway to give back to the place that has given her so much.

“I am indebted to the belief that our special kui, Nan Materoa Haenga had in me to pursue this pathway”.

 “When we’re students, sometimes we can lack the belief in ourselves and our own abilities, but what I really appreciated was that as a kaiako, Nanny Materoa could see the potential in us and offered opportunities to nurture that.”

Being a Nan herself now to two beautiful mokopuna, Tash plans to continue sharing those teachings with them.

Since then it has been journey forward for Tash, with her efforts recently being rewarded with her appointment as Poutuara, Assistant Head of Te Ūranga Waka.

“EIT is home for me. I’m really invested in the people and the place. I’d like to thank my colleagues, friends, family and my partner Matenga for their ongoing support. It really does make all the difference.”

Pareputiputi Nuku, Pouarataki, Te Ūranga Waka and Te Whatukura, welcomed Tash back to her “whare”.

“We are so happy that Tash is returning to us not only with the amazing skills she left us with, but also the new knowledge and expertise she has gained over the past three years.”

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EIT lecturer’s biomechanics research reaps rewards as shot-putter wins Olympic medal for New Zealand | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

9 seconds ago

Mike Schofield with New Zealand shot-putter Maddison-Lee Wesche, who won a silver medal at the Olympic Games in Paris this year.

EIT lecturer Mike Schofield’s research into biomechanics is reaping rewards as the shot-putter he coaches recently won a medal at the Olympic Games in Paris.

Mike, who is a lecturer in strength and conditioning at EIT, was a high performance coach for track and field throws for Athletics New Zealand in Auckland.

It was there that he became coach for New Zealand shot-putter Maddison-Lee Wesche, who won a silver medal at the Olympic Games earlier this month.

Speaking from Paris where he has been supporting Maddi, Mike said that the journey to the Olympics has been “awesome”. He has been coaching Maddi for about seven years.

“I’ve been lucky enough to apply some of the research that I’ve done within Maddi’s programme over the years, and to see it come to fruition. It’s been neat.”

Mike, who is normally based at the EIT Institute of Sport and Health (EIT ISH) at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Sports Park in Hastings, says that this semester he has been teaching a course in innovation where he has drawn on his own experience for examples.

“Part of this is showing the students that I lecture what innovation is in sport in a real-world context, and so I’ve been lecturing online from over here for ten days or so.”

“I have been going through some of the innovative tools we use in training, and in an Olympic Games programme.

“It provides a little bit of context around the application of some of the theory that they learn, to try to bridge the gap between theory and performance. It is quite a cool scenario that probably very few people, and especially students in a degree course, get to see inside an Olympic campaign, and in real time.”

Mike says there are a number of programmes that are used.

“These are iPad-based programmes, a few little sensors and bits of tech that we attach to bars and to Maddi, to measure certain variables that we’re interested in, and we’ve covered that off in class.”

Mike says that for him personally it has been important to see his historical research being used in a real world context through Maddi’s training process.

“My area of research is biomechanics and it is about evolving a technical model from a theoretical basis. Obviously it seems to have gelled with Maddi’s abilities, traits and personality, which has been quite cool.”

“The biggest thing that I’ve probably learned is that performance is a little more complex than research allows you to see, and it’s a blending of multiple pillars of sports science.”

“That’s broadened my horizons to skill acquisition and the peripheries of human behaviour combined with strength and conditioning and biomechanics. So the experience of working with someone like Maddi has broadened my understanding of performance.”

While Mike has enjoyed being in Paris, he says that the Olympic experience for him is more about performance.

“I get a real buzz out of trying to figure out the puzzle of how we throw it further?”

He says that sport science is probably a pretty new science and it is evolving year on year.

“That’s the challenge for us as lecturers and researchers is to keep up with the science and the practice. What we know today might not be what we know tomorrow.”

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Childhood dream of becoming a teacher on the way to becoming reality through EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

2 mins ago

Ella Ralph is in her second year of the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) at EIT.

As a child Ella Ralph (Ngai Tahu) always dreamt of becoming a teacher and she is now on her way to achieving that through the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) at EIT.

Currently in her second year of the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), Ella, 19, won a Year 13 Scholarship which paid for a year of her study at EIT. The Year 13 Scholarship, which is offered annually by EIT, covers one year of tuition fees.

The Scholarship supports school leavers across the Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti regions to study any one of EIT’s degrees or selected diploma programmes that lead into a degree by providing one year FREE study.

Ella, who attended Napier Girls’ High, says that while the scholarship was an incentive to go to EIT, what sealed the deal was that the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) allows candidate teachers to spend two days per week at a partner school.

“I looked at a few different universities, but what sold it for me was that you actually work in a school for two days per week.”

Ella, says she also loves the programme.

“It’s really awesome. It’s heaps of fun and the lecturers make it really  hands-on .”

“When we are in our lectures, it’s almost like we’re in a classroom. They implement heaps of things that you could use in the classroom.”

Last year Ella was placed at Te Awa Primary and this year she is at Bledisloe School.

She says that apart from the placement she also enjoys the fact that the programme allows students to connect with the community.

“We do quite a lot with the community, including visiting maraes.”

As for the future, Ella says that she is looking forward to becoming a fully-fledged teacher when she finishes her degree, but also does have ambitions to one day become either a Principal or Deputy Principal or even to work for the Ministry of Education.

She is keen on staying in Hawke’s Bay, but also would like to travel as well. As for studying further, she has not ruled that out, but would like to spend a few years practicing her craft.

Associate Professor Emily Nelson, the Programme Coordinator for the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), said: “We love the energy our students bring to our programme and our educational community as Candidate Teachers.”

“We are really enjoying supporting Ella along her journey and we are looking forward to seeing where teaching takes her.”

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Public lecture highlights impact of nature-based learning at EIT’s Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

5 mins ago

Associate Professor Emily Nelson presented the fourth public lecture in a series: ‘Reconnecting Through Research’, at MTG Hawke’s Bay, organised by EIT’s Research and Innovation Centre (RIC).

The ‘Learning in Nature’ research project at the Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre on EIT’s Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale shows the benefits of children connecting to nature, Associate Professor Emily Nelson says.

Dr Nelson, of EIT’s School of Education and Social Sciences, presented the fourth public lecture in a series: ‘Reconnecting Through Research’, at MTG Hawke’s Bay, organised by EIT’s Research and Innovation Centre (RIC).

EIT Emeritus Professor Kay Morris Matthews, also Associate Researcher and Curator at MTG, introduced Emily as a “good academic citizen”.

“Emily Nelson was raised in Hawke’s Bay and has made a significant contribution to growing teachers in our region.”

Her lecture titled: ‘Learning in Nature: Emerging Values, Visions, Cautions and Potential’ focused on the research which began life as a developmental evaluation of the establishment of EIT’s Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre and was conducted jointly by Associate Professor Nelson and Professor Bronwen Cowie, University of Waikato.

The Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre promotes biodiversity management, connection to nature and sustainable futures and was sponsored by the Air NZ Environment Trust and spearheaded by Ngāti Pārau, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and the Department of Conservation.

Dr Nelson explored the value gained by educational groups who visited the Ōtātara Outdoor Learning Centre over the 2020/21 period.

The research involved over 40 participants, including contributions of 509 photographs, 13 interviews, 22 voiceovers, and 90 visual data nuggets. This comprehensive data collection highlights the transformative potential of nature-based learning environments.

She reflected on the perspectives on learning and connecting to nature shared by local primary school students and their teachers, particularly those from Bledisloe School who was an early adopter.

“At a time when we are grappling with a global ecological crisis and growing disconnection from nature in our daily lives, the stakes for connecting with nature are high.

“Young people are positioned increasingly as the hope for humanity’s future. But beyond adult-centric agendas, the Learning in Nature research paints a refreshing picture of human and more-than-human agency, very personal connections with the land and its inhabitants at Ōtātara and children’s bespoke visions for their futures.”

Dr Nelson said children’s bespoke connections with the natural world during their visits stimulated their curiosity and care for nature.

“In a time where children’s independent mobility is increasingly limited, they had adventures and free-exploration in a diverse landscape. The questions they asked, the interests they followed up at Ōtātara indicated that they were making the place their place. This care and belonging for nature is identified in research as pivotal for pro-conservation and pro-environmental behaviours flourishing.”

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Thousands of New Zealanders failing to get proper bowel cancer screening, EIT-led research finds | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

4 mins ago

Dr Chey Dearing, a Principal Academic Staff Member (PASM) in EIT’s School of Nursing, has led research that shows that tthousands of New Zealanders, especially people of Māori ,Pacific, or Asian ethnicity are not getting proper bowel cancer screening.

Thousands of New Zealanders, especially people of Māori ,Pacific, or Asian ethnicity are not getting proper bowel cancer screening, EIT-led research has found.

The new research, led by Dr Chey Dearing, a Principal Academic Staff Member (PASM) in EIT’s School of Nursing, shows that in ten years more than 7,000 eligible people tried but failed, due to an error with the bowel cancer screening test or it not being done properly.

The research has just been published in the New Zealand Medical Journal with Dr Dearing as the lead author. The article is entitled Attempt to engage, yet failure to obtain successful bowel cancer screening: more likely in Māori, Pacific peoples, Asians, men and high deprivation areas. Other authors are Louise O’Connor, Gastroenterology Nurse, Gastroenterology Department, Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital; Georgia C Dearing, Health Science Student, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland; and Bernard McEntee, Consultant General Surgeon, Gastroenterology Department, Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.

Dearing says the people who are most likely to miss out on proper screening are people of Māori or Asian or Pacific ethnicity. Males were also more likely to miss out.

In New Zealand, bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer (CRC), is the second highest cause of cancer death. The researchers sought to characterise a unique population, the individuals who attempt to engage one or multiple times with screening yet fail to ever obtain successful screening. They did this by analysing data from the New Zealand National Bowel Screening Programme from 2012 to 2022.

The research shows that more than 7,000 individuals (1.26% of all participants) have attempted but failed to be successfully screened in the national bowel screening programme. In the first place, many factors including ethnicity, gender, language barriers and socio-economic status reduce participation in such screening. Targeted interventions to improve Māori and Pacific peoples’ participation show modest 2–5% increases or even reduced participation.

Dearing says that 7,126 (1.26 percent) failed to get tested properly for a variety of reasons. Bowel cancer screening tests that were returned but were unable to be processed are known as “spoilt kits”.

“Spoilt kits are technical errors, including reasons such as consent forms not being signed or dated, barcodes not being attached to the sample, insufficient sample collected, kits being outside expiry dates and other similar errors,” says Dearing.

Further compounding the issue was that when someone submitted a first “spoilt” kit, even though they were sent another (with some even contacted directly) they failed to respond or sent a second faulty kit back.

Dearing says that there are important variations in the failure to successfully receive CRC screening by gender, age, ethnicity, deprivation level and screening year, but says there are some solutions available.

“We suggest drop-off location checking services for all participants are required at locations determined after consultation with stakeholders. This might be in high-deprivation areas, or where culturally appropriate, perhaps located on maraes and other community centres.”

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Using exercise to improve mental health and tackle obesity persuaded woman to study sport and exercise science at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

2 mins ago

Toni Palermo is enjoying the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science at EIT.

Toni Palermo decided to change careers and enrol in EIT’s Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science in a bid to set an example that exercise can improve mental health and tackle obesity.

After years of working in finance and administration in Australia and New Zealand, Toni , 43, realised that she wanted more and to set an example for her children. This led her to enrolling at EIT.

“What prompted me to do it is probably mental health and my children. Over the last few years I really got into my exercise and I found it really good for mental health.”

“After seeing statistics on obesity among New Zealanders in general, especially children, made me think that maybe I could help change things. So, I’m trying to influence my children and prove that you’re never too old to do anything.”

“A bit of sport and exercise every day in anyone’s life is a benefit, no matter if it’s just a walk down the road or you’re playing hockey, netball or rugby.”

Toni, who had enrolled in the Certificate in Te Reo (Level 2) at EIT a few years ago, says she did some research on where to study, but chose EIT because it is close to home.

“I live in Waipukurau, so there’s a bit of travel each day, but it was the closest institute to home and this was the best option for my family.”

While Toni dabbled with pursuing a career in the police, she is now set on becoming a high school PE teacher after her studies.

She has no doubt that she is doing the programme for her, but it was an adjustment to begin studying again.

“To study so long after I was at high school has definitely been a huge change for me, but I love the content. I think that the programme itself is incredible and the opportunities we’ve had are really cool.”

“The tutors that I’ve had are amazing and they definitely care about everybody. They’ve been really supportive when I’ve had struggles. They have encouraged me to keep going and said that they see me as being quite an influence within the class.”

Dr Andrew Garrett, EIT’s Head of School, Health and Sport Science, says: “It’s great to see Toni’s return to study, as a mature candidate. With real and definitive goals of integrating exercise into people’s lifestyles to enhance their health and quality of life.”

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Having an impact on people’s lives at heart of EIT educator’s philosophy | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

16 mins ago

Dr Gareth Allison is EIT’s new Head of the School of Business

An EIT educator who spent time working at an Indigenous tertiary institute in Australia’s Northern Territory, says that having an impact on people’s lives and in communities is key.

Dr Gareth Allison, who is EIT’s new Head of the School of Business, says that his job as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Tertiary Education and Research at Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education gave him an insight into the role that education can play in people’s lives. He also spent part of his time there in the acting CEO role.

“What was great about the roles was what you were doing as an organisation was making a real impact on people’s lives. In that context it was changing the lives of people, families and communities that had been damaged by colonialism“

“We had a wide variety of offerings from very low level literacy and numeracy programmes delivered in the prisons, right through to postgraduate courses. I enjoyed my time there and it really was a place where I learnt a lot of lessons.”

Gareth, who joined EIT in May as postgraduate programme coordinator and lecturer in the Schools of Business and Computing, is looking forward to his new role heading the School of Business. He has also been appointed Head of the School of Tourism and Hospitality and the English Language Centre.

He is originally from Kaikōura and has worked extensively within the tertiary education sector since receiving his PhD from Lincoln University. He has worked at Lincoln University, Auckland University of Technology, Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai, the University of Canterbury and Ara Institute of Canterbury as well.

Gareth, who ran his own business in Christchurch for about a year after returning from Australia, says that he decided to come to EIT because it had always had a good reputation in the Polytech sector.

“I enjoy this sector a lot, its applied and real and I feel that you can make more of a difference.”

“I think that after what this community has been through, it’s a chance to make an impact and to do something meaningful, which is, to me,  quite important.”

Research has been an important part of Gareth’s career and he is enjoying connecting with EIT’s rich research culture. His own doctoral thesis examined Cross-cultural motivations for the consumption of luxury products, but his interests are now more about multicultural marketplaces, food marketing, and ethical consumption.

He says that he is looking forward to the challenge of being Head of three distinct schools (Business, Tourism and Hospitality and the English Language Centre).

“My job in that space is to help to grow those areas till they are sustainable and vibrant and doing all the things they need to do.”

He says that while an important part of the School of Business was the postgraduate programmes in Auckland which focused on international students, he is keen to grow the undergraduate offering in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti, as well as postgraduate offerings for domestic students in Hawke’s Bay.

“What i’d like to see is for the business school as a whole to be more engaged with the region that we’re in, to be more relevant, to be more a part of the community that we live and work in, and to be a real contributor to the economy of this region in terms of developing skills and creating opportunities for businesses and for students.”

“I’d also like for us to be more connected to all of our stakeholders, including Māori, and to increase our relevance in that space over time.”

John West, EIT’s Executive Dean: Faculty of Commerce and Technology, says: “EIT is delighted to be able to appoint Gareth who brings a breadth of Australian educational leadership and management experience, and a deep understanding of delivering educational outcomes to learners that often find access and success at tertiary education difficult.”

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EIT Bachelor of Accounting student awarded two further scholarships | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

1 hour ago

Photo Caption: EIT Bachelor of Accounting student Cory Newman (Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki) has been awarded two scholarships to help him complete his degree. Photo/SHURE NZ

EIT Bachelor of Accounting student Cory Newman (Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki) says being awarded two scholarships in his final year of study is “completely life-changing” and will allow him to graduate without any debt.

The 21-year-old, who is studying at EIT’s Tairāwhiti Campus, was awarded the Suzanne Spencer Memorial Scholarship by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) worth $6000 for Māori ākonga.

accountingHe has also received $3000 from the Gisborne Region Financial Assistance Fund.

“This scholarship is completely life changing as it will allow me to graduate without any student debt at all. This, in turn will potentially open many doors and pathways to further postgraduate study and professional development in my chosen specialty in the tax accounting and accounting legal field.”

Cory, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, says he is proud to have been awarded the scholarships.

“It does give me confidence because people are willing to back me and stake quite significant amounts of money on me doing well.”

It is not the first award Cory has received, having previously been awarded a Year 13 scholarship by EIT in 2022.

“I’ve effectively come out of the degree with zero debt because I had the government fees-free for my first year as well as the Year 13 scholarship, the BDO business studies scholarship and now the CA ANZ and Gisborne Region Financial Assistance Fund scholarships.

“But it’s not just the money, the other benefit of these scholarships is that they have allowed me to meet some cool people and start networking which is awesome. I’d highly encourage people to apply so that they can do that and begin building their careers as accountants in a manner that will be really strong and will set them up really well going forward.”

Cory says his time at EIT has been very positive, made even better by supportive and encouraging lecturers.

“I would recommend EIT because the class sizes are nice. I see my lecturers every day and if I have any issues they’ll give me and my classmates that extra support. It’s generally a really supportive vibe and I like it.” 

While he enjoyed business studies and accounting at high school, Cory says his passion for tax only developed at EIT with the help of lecturer Mark Scott.

“He is super passionate about tax and that passion was contagious. He gave me the tax bug, shall I say, and I’ve been into it ever since. It’s something I’d love to learn more about and actually do in a working environment.”

Joanna Frain, Programme Leader in EIT’s School of Business says: “The Year 13 Scholarship, along with the other awards he has received have enabled Cory to make his study at EIT his number one priority.”

“This financial support, along with Cory’s motivation and infectious enthusiasm have been fundamental in his academic success.  We are all so proud of Cory’s achievements and look forward to being part of his journey as he progresses towards his goal of becoming a Chartered Accountant.”

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EIT leads sector for student retention despite Cyclone Gabrielle | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

2 hours ago

EIT has done well in the annual educational performance indicators (EPI).

EIT’s retention of first year students from 2022 into 2023 was the highest among all New Zealand’s Polytechnics despite the destruction and disruption of Cyclone Gabrielle last year.

In addition, EIT was also above the national average in the three other indicators of learner achievement and success, namely course completion, progression, and qualification completion.

The newly released  data from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) as part of its annual educational performance indicators (EPI), assesses the performance of tertiary education organisations.

The EPIs reveal that EIT’s first year retention rate from 2022 to 2023 was 81 percent, with students returning for their second year despite the Cyclone damaging the Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale and disrupting students in Tairāwhiti. The average for all former Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITP) was 65 percent. All ITPs are currently part of Te Pūkenga which the government has begun disestablishing. 

All four of the indicators put EIT above the ITP average when it comes to Māori and Pacific peoples.

EIT’s Executive Director Portfolio and Performance Patrick Jones says the figures are remarkable considering what EIT students and staff went through last year.

“These statistics highlight the dedication of our staff to continuing the delivery of high-quality education despite some severe challenges.”

“The cyclone hit on the second day of semester for most of these students, and while you can say that it only hit the Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale, which is a big cohort anyway, you’ve got to remember that Hawke’s Bay serviced all of our other sites, Tairāwhiti and Auckland.

Patrick says that the data also shows the ongoing resilience of Tairāwhiti students who came back to study last year despite the fact that many of them were personally affected by multiple weather events even before the Cyclone.

Cyclone Gabrielle caused extensive damage to the Taradale site in February last year with up to 90 percent of the ground-floor buildings – more than 500 rooms – being damaged by flood water and contaminated silt. EIT had to find teaching space across Hawke’s Bay to continue its programmes and the community responded enthusiastically. Up to 45 temporary sites across Napier and Hastings  were operating in what was described as EIT’s “extended campus”.

“The figures also show a really strong connection to our community and their response to working with us to find places to teach in after the Cyclone. It also shows the resilience of both staff and students,” says Patrick.

“We are really pleased that we are able to offer support to our students and also thank Te Pūkenga for the allocation of hardship funding for students.”