Category: Tairāwhiti

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EIT’s new Pouarahi Māori brings passion for mātauranga Māori to role | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 mins ago

EIT’s new Pouarahi Māori (Executive Director Māori), Layelin Stewart, with his wife Stella.

EIT has a new Pouarahi Māori (Executive Director Māori), Layelin Stewart, who brings a passion for Mātauranga Māori to the role.

Layelin (Rongowhakaata, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Maniapoto) was welcomed to EIT at a pōwhiri on the Hawke’s Bay Campus yesterday (Monday). He has been one of eight National Ako Directors at Te Pūkenga, responsible for Mātauranga Māori, since April last year.

Layelin says  that he is pleased to be coming back to his East Coast roots.

“One of the really standout things for me when considering my application to the role was how vibrant the mātauranga Māori community is over there on the East Coast and Hawke’s Bay.”

“I think it’s a role of service to supporting and promoting  success for Māori students and  staff, as well as navigating the way in which EIT might support iwi aspirations.”

“Of equal importance is supporting our organisational understanding of Te Tiriti excellence and how we explore what that might look like. It is also about how I serve and support my fellow executive staff members, colleagues, and our broader EIT staff collectives , in their understanding of tikanga Māori and how mātauranga Māori or Māori ways of being, doing and knowing might serve as a bridge towards nationhood, albeit at the EIT local level.”

Layelin, 45, first came to Te Pūkenga as Senior Māori Advisor in the office of the Deputy Chief Executive of Academic Delivery Innovation. Before that he was involved in Māori education for more than 20 years.

His most recent role before Te Pūkenga was as Deputy Principal at Te Wharekura o Ngā Purapura o te Aroha in Te Awamutu from 2017 to Oct 2021. His career has seen him work as Kaiako in Kura Kaupapa Māori, Kura ā-iwi and Wharekura in Gisborne and Waikato, including his hometown of Te Kuiti.

He also had a stint as a radio broadcaster for Iwi Radio Station Te Reo Irirangi o Maniapoto between 2006 and 2009.

Layelin has whakapapa links to Te Kūiti, Ruatoki and Gisborne, but grew up in Gisborne, where he attended Gisborne Boys High, before finishing his last year at Te Awamutu College. He enjoys the outdoor life and spending time with his wife Stella and their blended family of six children and 2 mokopuna.

EIT’s Executive Director Kieran Hewitson welcomed Layelin, saying that he would add value to the Executive Team.

“We are pleased to have Layelin join the Executive team. Layelin brings insights and experience to this role that will advance our relationships with our Tiriti Partners and set the strategic direction for responding to the opportunities to deliver better outcomes for Māori.”

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Personal tragedy and working at EIT Tairāwhiti proves to be motivation to study further | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

3 mins ago

Hailey Keepa has worked and studied at EIT Tairāwhiti and is now in her first year of a Bachelor of Midwifery, through the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) where her study is a mix of classes based at EIT’s Tairāwhiti Campus and block courses in Hamilton.

Her personal experiences and working at EIT Tairāwhiti’s Hub Café has inspired a local woman to study a career preparation programme at EIT and now midwifery.

Hailey Keepa left Gisborne Girls’ High School in year 11 in 2002 and proceeded to do a number of jobs before starting her own cake business, which she ran for five years out of her registered kitchen from home.

However, circumstances changed when she and her whānau were unable to buy the house they had rented for 15 years. The loss of their home meant the loss of Hailey’s business and weeks later they also experienced the loss of their son Kyrei who was born stillborn. These life altering events that all happened within six weeks of each other, made her assess her life.

A job at the Hub Café on the EIT Tairāwhiti Campus, led her to realise that studying further was a way forward for her.

“Working there I met heaps of students, and especially adult students. It inspired me to realise that I could still study at my age, and that I was determined to do better for not only myself, but for my whānau.”

“I always thought I’d love to be a midwife, but I always put it in the too hard basket, as I thought that it would be terrible to go back to school as an adult student. But working at the Hub Cafe, meeting all those people, I was like, ‘man, I am actually going to do this’.”

Because she had been out of study for so long, 37-year-old Hailey first had to enrol in the NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3 and 4).

“I didn’t think I needed to do the level three, but I’m actually so glad that I did it, it helped transition me into level four. These courses just prepare you so much more for further study in degree level. They take you back to the basics, which I needed as I wasn’t at school long enough to even learn those. I actually did way better than I thought I would academically too.”

“My tutors were amazing, and all the staff at EIT are so encouraging. It’s a very close-knit community at EIT.”

Hailey is now in her first year of a Bachelor of Midwifery, through the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec).  And with her first semester completed she was pleased to announce she received straight A’s, and hopes to continue her learning journey at a high level.

Hailey, who is married and the mother to five children, says that her experience with her stillborn son Kyrei is a big part of her midwifery journey.

She says that while she realised that she wanted to be a midwife when her daughter was born 12 years ago, it was the birth of Kyrei that pushed her to make it happen.

“I always thought that it would be an amazing career to have and to be part of that moment in a woman’s life. What held me back was that I did not do too well at high school. School was never for me, I’m much more of a hands-on person.”

“But then after everything with Kyrei, I thought: ‘Gosh, how many women could I support through their healing process if I actually was in this career.”

EIT’s Study and Career Preparation programmes provided the foundation for Hailey to fulfil that ambition.

With three more years to go of her degree after this one, Hailey is keen to learn what is needed to become a midwife and to equally care for and work in partnership with all women, and give back to the Tairāwhiti community.

EIT’s Acting Head of School Education and Social Sciences, Mandy Pentecost, says: “Hailey’s story is a shining example of the way the Study and Career Pathway courses are doing a great job getting people ready to enter higher level study, and we wish Hailey every success as she continues to pursue her dream.”

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EIT pilot study into vaping among students extended beyond Hawke’s Bay | EIT Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

4 seconds ago

Left to Right: Melody Khan (Masters Student), Dr Sue Scott-Chapman (Secondary Supervisor), Associate Professor Anita Jagroop-Dearing (Principal Supervisor/Lead Researcher) and Associate Professor Rachel Forrest (Student Mentor).

An EIT research project addressing the epidemic of youth vaping among intermediate and high school students in Hawke’s Bay has been extended outside of the region following interest from a Bay of Plenty High School.

The extended out-of-region study titled ‘Vaping Landscape’ complements an existing study ‘Scoping solutions to address the epidemic of youth vaping in Aotearoa’ which is currently being conducted by a team led by Associate Professor Anita Jagroop-Dearing from EIT.

Vaping Landscape will focus on Pāpāmoa College and is being conducted by EIT Masters of Health Science student Melody Khan, who has been involved in the original study.

It is funded by a second grant from the Health Research Foundation Hawke’s Bay, which adds to the pool of funding for the project including grants from the Health Research Council and EIT.

Both studies hope to capture the stories, experiences and health awareness of e-cigarette vaping by youth. It will also make for a comparison of regional variations in vaping behaviours.

Anita says it will be the first comprehensive investigation into vaping among intermediate and high school students between two areas in New Zealand.

“We are working with a number of schools across Hawke’s Bay and additional funding has enabled the involvement of out-of-region schools.

“Pāpāmoa College approached us to say that they were experiencing issues to do with vaping in their school and that they would like to be a part of our study. After confirming the feasibility, obtaining the necessary ethics approval, and securing funding for an out-of-region school, we included them to conduct comparative studies.”

The college has more than 1700 students, of whom 28 percent are Māori and six percent are Pasifika.

 “Previous data indicated higher vaping rates among Māori and Pacific students compared to their non-Māori and non-Pacific peers. Therefore, we aim to compare the vaping behaviours in this school with those in Hawke’s Bay.”

Anita hypothesises that there may be regional differences between vaping behaviours in youth with distinctions in narrative of experiences and self-awareness.

Melody previously graduated with a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science at EIT. After being displaced due to Cyclone Gabrielle, she was able to pivot and extend this study for her masters.

“Initially I started with nutrition. My original masters thesis was nutrition and nutritional labelling, but when this opportunity opened up, I jumped on it because it’s something that’s going to need further research and is becoming more prevalent.”

Pāpāmoa College Deputy Principal (Tumuaki Katiriwā) Ben Ormsby says when they heard about the study, they thought why not reach out and see if they could be a part of it.

“Like most schools, we have been seeing an increase in vaping related incidents. Our rationale was that, while we are trying to find ways to educate students, we might as well volunteer to be part of the study.”

Ben says that the feedback from their community has been really positive about them being involved in the trial.

“We would suspect that whilst schools are struggling with youth vaping, the wider community is also seeing the impacts. The feedback to date would suggest the community is glad we are trying to do something about it.”

They are now looking forward to seeing what comes out of the study.

“If the information our students give forward contributes to something positive to tackle youth vaping, whether that be strategies or messaging then we thought it will be well worth it.”

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EIT says farewell to long-standing research director | EIT Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

14 mins ago

EIT is farewelling its Research Director Associate Professor Jonathan Sibley.

EIT has farewelled its long-standing Research Director, Associate Professor Jonathan Sibley, who has been at the forefront of driving research at the institute.

Jonathan, who joined EIT’s School of Business in 2016 and has headed EIT’s Research and Innovation Centre (RIC) since 2018, is retiring from the role to pursue other interests.

Together with former Executive Dean Natalie Waran, he led the push towards increasing grants for researchers at EIT and encouraging them to participate in the Performance-Based Research Fund (PBRF) process.

Jonathan says that a strong research culture was built at EIT under the direction of former Chief Executive Chris Collins.

“Chris, along with the then Executive Deans Susan Jacobs, Natalie and Professors Bob Marshall and Kay Morris Matthews, ensured that we were very research active in the ITP sector.”

“We built an enviable position for regional polytechnics in research and were able to establish a research centre with Te Kura i Awarua, to engage in research as a principle. Great thanks are owed to Professors David Tipene Leach and Annemarie Gillies for their leadership in the development of the Centre and our rangahau Māori capability.”

Jonathan says despite challenging times during COVID-19 and Cyclone Gabrielle, research has continued.

“We built a really strong, nationally recognised research culture with a number of researchers who had an international reputation.”

“As we move back to independence, we have an excellent platform for further developing our research culture.”

“EIT can also be proud that it hosts the largest number of international postgraduate students among New Zealand polytechnics,” says Jonathan, who also teaches and supervises students in the postgraduate business programmes.

EIT’s Executive Dean, Faculty of Commerce and Technology John West paid tribute to Jonathan for his professionalism and research leadership.

“Jonathan has led the evolution of the School of Business’ postgraduate studies. He has also played an important role in fostering research and mentoring our researchers.”

“We thank him for everything that he has contributed and wish him well in the future.”

Jonathan will continue teaching in the School of Business’ postgraduate programme on a part-time basis.

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EIT Student leaves swimming behind to focus on business studies | EIT Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

4 mins ago

Cody Anderson is enjoying the Bachelor of Business Studies (Business Management and Marketing) at EIT Tairāwhiti.

An EIT student, who made a name for himself as a national qualifying swimmer, is now focusing on his Bachelor of Business Studies (Business Management and Marketing) at the Tairāwhiti Campus. 

It has proved to be the right decision for Cody Anderson (Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Porou), who is currently in his second year of his degree, as he has received a number of scholarships.  

Cody, 19, still has his 100+ medals in his room that he received in freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke, but he is pleased with the new direction his life has taken. 

“I left swimming in 2020 just after the COVID 19 lockdown because I had to make a choice about whether I wanted to continue with my sport or focus on my academic qualifications. After achieving UE in my final year at school and receiving the 2022 BDO Business Studies Award, I chose to come to EIT.” 

Cody, who went to Campion College in Gisborne, was awarded a Year 13 Scholarship from EIT. The Year 13 Scholarship, which is offered annually by EIT, covers one year of tuition fees including any course related costs which have been approved to be included as part of the scholarship. This meant that his second year of studies was covered because at that stage the Government Fees Free policy covered his first year. He is thankful to EIT as it has helped him a lot financially. 

He has also been awarded Westpac’s Te Waiu o Aotearoa Trust Scholarship, which was established in 1994 in partnership with Māori and Iwi entities to promote, develop and provide for the education and advancement of Māori in the general business, banking, and finance industries.  

Each year, at the trustees’ discretion, Māori recipients throughout Aotearoa are each awarded a $5,000 scholarship towards their tertiary study costs.  

Cody says that he saw an advert for the scholarship and decided to take his chance. 

“I was really stoked when I got the scholarship and am very grateful to Westpac and the Trustees as it will help me towards my fees for next year”. 

He says that he chose EIT for his studies because he had heard so much about how good the lecturers were, and the smaller environment which in his opinion gives more quality.

“They helped me to succeed in my academic journey. And the other reason why I chose EIT was because of the work placement in the last semester of the degree, so the degree gives you both practical and theoretical skills, so you not only have the knowledge but get real work experience as well.” 

At present, Cody has just started working part-time as a commercial sales specialist at Waste Management in Gisborne. Cody says “this is great because it gives me a chance to put what I have learnt so far into practice”.  

As for the future, Cody is keen to continue to grow in the business industry but is not closing the door on studying further. 

“The company I am working for is incredible, so who knows, maybe one day I will be CEO.” 

Jaikaran Narula, a Lecturer in Management in the School of Business, said: “Cody Anderson is a dedicated student who actively participates in class work and displays a high level of commitment to his studies. He is a hardworking student and has displayed qualities of teamwork and time management.”

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Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills meets with regional leaders at EIT | EIT Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

8 mins ago

Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst (left), Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills Penny Simmonds and Executive Director Region 2 – Te Pūkenga Kieran Hewitson at the EIT Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale.

Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills Penny Simmonds met with regional government, business and community leaders at the EIT Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale on Wednesday (3 July).

The purpose of the meeting was to hear what the region needed from EIT and to better understand the challenges the region faced.

Minister Simmonds has had a long association with EIT, having previously worked as Chief Executive of Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) for 23 years.

She says EIT has been a successful polytechnic all the way through, and has always had close connections with the community, and industries.

“EIT has been a real shining light in the polytechnic sector, particularly for regional polytechnics. There has been stable, sensible governance and management for not twenty years but decades.”

Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said: “We told the Minister that we have been very proud of how EIT has served our regions of Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay over the years, providing quality education pathways under a sustainable financial model”.

“Our region has long faced challenges in reducing the number of youth not in employment, education or training, and the progress we have made has been in part due to the broad range of quality programmes on offer through EIT and their campuses.

“The transition to Te Pūkenga has been very difficult for the leadership and governance team, compounded by the cyclone from which the Taradale campus is still recovering.”

As a region, Hazlehurst says our councils will invest $4b over the next 10 years on infrastructure related to recovery and growth.

“More than ever, we will need a skilled workforce to complete this mahi, and many of these workers are yet to be trained.

They also stressed to Minister Simmonds that given the urgency of our recovery, Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay should be a priority to get a locally governed and led training institute working effectively for our communities.

The ministers visit precedes the start of consultation on the future state of vocational education and training following the post-election decision to disestablish Te Pūkenga. Minister Simmonds encouraged those in attendance to provide feedback to the consultation to ensure the regions education and training needs are best served.

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Napier auto technician completes EIT EV programme to keep up with fast evolving industry | EIT Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

5 days ago

Scott Kyle, an auto-technician with the Notman Motor Group in Napier, has benefited from doing the NZ Certificate in Electric Vehicle Automotive Engineering (Level 5) at EIT.

A Napier auto technician decided to complete an Electric Vehicle programme at EIT as he felt he needed to keep up with an ever-evolving industry.

Scott Kyle, who works for the Notman Motor Group in Napier, has been an auto technician for close to 25 years. He says that he has seen changes in the industry in that time, the most significant being the move to electric vehicles.

“It’s certainly a new style of vehicle to work on, with some big differences. It is not only the motor side of things, but also the systems that run alongside them.”

“I definitely enjoy it as the electrical aspect certainly appealed to me.”

Scott says that he realised that he needed to study further in order to keep up with industry changes.

He said that he was attracted to the NZ Certificate in Electric Vehicle Automotive Engineering (Level 5)  at EIT because he had done his pre-trade qualifications at EIT and he had heard good reports about one of the tutors Scott Cunningham.

“My employer helped me with funding to do the programme, which was a bonus, but you’ve got to keep up with the times and keep learning.”

“Working on electric vehicles every day means that you need to have a solid understanding of what you are working with.”

Scott, who completed the programme at the end of last year, says that attending classes fitted in well with his working schedule. He said he also enjoyed doing the practical block courses during the year.

“They go right back to step one of what you would need to know, you know, the basic electrical principles and then build that up slowly all the way through so you’ve got a really good understanding and a refresher of some of the stuff you probably haven’t looked at for a few years with electrics.”

“The best thing for me was that I went from where we had all these electric cars coming in and feeling that I did not have a full understanding of how all those systems worked, to feeling a confidence in working with them when I finished the programme.”

Scott says that another important part of the programme was learning about the safety aspect of electric vehicles.

He says that he has no hesitation in recommending the EIT programme to anyone who wanted to progress further as an auto-technician.

Automotive Tutor and Level 5 Electric Vehicle Programme Coordinator Scott Cunningham says having technicians like Scott step up to further their knowledge in our ever-changing industry is great to see.

“Electric and hybrid vehicles are here to stay for the foreseeable future. Technicians who are great in their field need to adapt and upskill to be able to safely diagnose and understand this emerging technology. Scott is definitely a student that absolutely exceled in this programme, now putting his newly gained knowledge to use in industry.

“Having developed a year long, part-time programme in conjunction with Otago Polytechnic, we have spent the past four years delivering this programme, adding content and resources each year to keep up with technology. Having our programme gain overseas recognition from America, wishing to implement our programme and training there speaks volume.

“We have even tailored our delivery to meet the demands for students in Rarotonga that have had an influx of EVs on the Island, and have realised they will have to upskill to meet the new demand. If you are considering upskilling in this area like Scott, I highly recommend you get onboard.”

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Indigenous USA Lakota People contingent welcomed to EIT’s Te Ūranga Waka | EIT Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

4 days ago

An Indigenous United States Lakota People contingent was recently welcomed to EIT’s Te Ūranga Waka on the Hawke’s Bay Campus.

An Indigenous United States Lakota People contingent was recently welcomed to EIT’s Te Ūranga Waka to discuss and celebrate te reo Māori.

A pōwhiri was held on Monday, 24 June for the group, which was accompanied by Sir Tīmoti Kāretu KNZM QSO CRSNZ, a leading New Zealand academic of Māori language and performing arts. The contingent visited Aotearoa to learn how te reo Māori has been and continues to be revitalised. They have experienced the breadth and depth of Māori culture during their tour of New Zealand which included visiting Auckland, Rotorua, Taupō and Hawke’s Bay.

Puti Nuku, Pouarataki – Te Ūranga Waka and Te Whatukura, says that it was a privilege of EIT to not only welcome the indigenous contingent, but also Sir Tīmoti, who is one of the country’s foremost proponents of te reo.

“It was a real honour to be included in the itinerary of the Lakota Peoples. We had a wonderful kōrero about the importance of indigenous cultures and languages.”

“They were most interested in hearing about how te reo continues to be revitalised. We were pleased to be about to show them the kaupapa we are involved in at Te Ūranga Waka,” says Puti.

The group left the country at the end of June.

Te Ūranga Waka Senior Kaiwhakaako, Hiria Tumoana, Sir Tīmoti Karetū and EIT Kaumātua, Matiu Eru during the visit by the Lakota People contingent.

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Young mum says she is fitter and more confident after completing EIT’s Services Pathway programme | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

26 seconds ago

Quinn Sidney (Ngāti Porou), pictured here with son Roha, completed the NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Services Pathway) (Level 3) at EIT Tairāwhiti this year.

A young Tolaga Bay mum says that she is fitter and more confident after completing EIT’s Services Pathway programme and now she is hoping to join the police services.

Quinn Sidney (Ngāti Porou) completed the NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Services Pathway) (Level 3) at EIT Tairāwhiti this year.

Quinn, 24, who is mum to her toddler son Roha, says that she has a deep love for the outdoors and enjoys spending time with her horses and Roha.

Born and bred in Tolaga Bay, Quinn went to school at Gisborne Girls High, leaving in Year 11 and then enrolled in the NZ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3) at EIT.

“I didn’t follow through with that, but I did a couple years apprenticeship for an electrical trade.”

“I enjoyed the money but I didn’t really enjoy the job too much. COVID made things a bit hard but my biggest change was becoming a mum as well, doing another jump in careers.”

Quinn worked in a number of roles in retail, farming and administration, but had wanted to join the police. A previously unsuccessful attempt to join the police led her to enrol in the Services Pathway programme.

“I was super-duper unfit after having baby and I’ve actually tried to join the police previously when I was a lot fitter so I had some sort of idea on what I needed to do to get in.”

“I just knew I wouldn’t make it on my own and I just needed some help.”

“I love the whole aspect of working in a career that shows not one day being the same, and feel the police force could provide this, I knew beforehand that I’m pretty good with my words and showing understanding and empathy towards people from all walks of life, I know one day I’d make a great police woman..”

“Being a new mum made establishing a regular fitness routine challenging. Before the course, I struggled to find motivation and didn’t know where to begin. With the  biggest support from my mum, who helped with childcare and encouraged me throughout the 19 weeks, I overcame initial doubts.”

Quinn says she has no hesitation in recommending the programme for others and says that even if she is not accepted into the police, there are options to get into the army, navy or airforce.

“The course was well-structured, allowing me to complete assessments efficiently, with minimal additional study time needed, making it manageable to balance life as a studying mum.”

Quinn credits Services Pathway tutor Adaam Ross for being supportive and understanding.

“His guidance inspired me to consider joining the territorial forces one day, something I hadn’t known much about before. There was not one day he wasn’t pushing us when we needed it. Adaam definitely helped us learn a thing or two, mentally and physically preparing us for the forces.”

“As I reflect on my time on the course, I now have more energy to be a mum. I have overcome a lot of my anxieties not just with my physical abilities but with being able to give 110 percent effort every day, as well as knowing when to rest and recover.”

EIT Services Pathway tutor Adaam Ross says that Quinn was a really good student who had a lot on her plate.

“She managed to juggle studies and home life really well and was a real leader in the group. At the start of the programme she struggled a lot with the physical side of things. Being a new mum made it hard for her to get back into running and PT (Physical Training), especially on those days when she would turn up after a sleepless night with a teething baby, which I could relate to.”

“She knew what it was going to take to meet the standard physically for the Police and she knuckled down and worked extremely hard, knocking at least 4 minutes off her 2.4km run time.”

“I believe Quinn would make a great Police Officer because she has had a few life experiences, interacting and communicating with people are just a couple of her strong points.”

“It was an absolute pleasure to have her on my programme and I would recommend her to any organisation, I wish Quinn all the very best for her future career and it was great to play a small part in her journey to becoming a Police Officer.”

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Black Sticks preparation for Olympics heats up at EIT Institute of Sport and Health | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

6 mins ago

EIT Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (BSES) students Erin Hurtgen (left) and Maia Colman Savage with Vantage Black Sticks men’s physio Emma Komocki (right) at the EIT Institute of Sport and Health (EIT ISH).

Preparations for the Paris Olympics next month are heating up for the Vantage Black Sticks men’s squad who have been using a Heat Training Facility at the EIT Institute of Sport and Health (EIT ISH).

The squad, who have just finished a five-day camp in Hastings, spent two active heat exposure sessions this week in the facility with the temperatures exceeding 30 degrees and a high humidity.

Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (BSES) students Erin Hurtgen, Maia Colman Savage and Toni Palermo assisted EIT Technician Michael Bush.

Michael says they had a conversation with the coaching staff who were keen to use the facility.

He says there is strong research to suggest the benefits of heat training sessions for athletes competing in hot environments

Black Sticks Head of Athletic Performance Nick Webb says it’s been fantastic to use the facility based at Mitre 10 Park Hawke’s Bay.

“We reverse engineer everything, so we know that in Paris we are going to be hitting around 32-35 degrees celsius with about 60 per cent humidity so part of this training is to allow the guys to prepare for those environmental demands.”

EIT Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (BSES) students Maia Colman Savage (left), Erin Hurtgen and Toni Palermo with some of the Black Sticks men’s players at the EIT Institute of Sport and Health (EIT ISH).

Webb says the first session was based around strength training in the heat, while the second session introduced metabolic stress in the heat.

Hawke’s Bay-based Shea McAleese, now one of three assistant coaches, trained at the facility ahead of his performance in the squad at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. However, it is the first time the full squad has trained at EIT ISH.

“When I used to live here, I was on the working committee to start the facility build and plans but it’s awesome to see it be brought to life. It’s an amazing facility,  fully integrated with what high performance teams need,” Webb says.

Michael says the training sessions also provided good exposure to their students.

“We believe it is important to ensure our degree students get real life experiences such as these to prepare them for the future sport and exercise workforce.”

Maia, who is in her second year of the BSES programme, said: “It is quite cool to see what preparation is required at a high-performance level”.

Player Kane Russell says it is important that when they get to Paris, the humid conditions are nothing new.

Players from the Vantage Black Sticks men’s squad spent two sessions in a Heat Training Facility at the EIT Institute of Sport and Health (EIT ISH) to prepare for the upcoming Paris Olympics.

“This is awesome. A real high-class facility. Hopefully we can get back in the future.”