A Milestone Celebration Amid Record Enrolments
The Napier Municipal Theatre buzzed with excitement today as the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) Hawke's Bay campus hosted its 2026 graduation ceremonies. Two sessions—one at 10:30 AM focusing on the Centre of Veterinary Nursing, Schools of Education and Social Work, and Health, Sport & Human Performance, and another at 2:30 PM—saw hundreds of graduates cross the stage. Despite light rain, the atmosphere remained festive, underscoring the resilience of students who navigated challenging times, including the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.
This year's events mark a high point for EIT, following a record-breaking 2025 with 11,038 learners across its campuses, equivalent to 5,125 full-time students (EFTS). Enrolments into 2026 continue to surge, with programmes filling rapidly, reflecting EIT's appeal as Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti's premier tertiary provider.
Spotlight on Exceptional Valedictorians
Two standout valedictorians embodied the spirit of perseverance and ambition. Candice D’Acre (Ngāti Porou), 34, earned this honour for her Bachelor of Creative Practice (Fashion), her second EIT degree after a Bachelor of Business Studies in 2021. As a mother of two, she balanced Kmart shifts, breastfeeding during classes, and received the Sir James Wattie Scholarship. Her fashion label, Athcara, now thrives, with experiences like New Zealand Fashion Week and competitions fueling her PhD aspirations.
Dylan Simonsen (Rongomaiwahine) graduated with a Bachelor of Accounting, already securing a role at a leading Hawke's Bay firm before the ceremony. His early career start highlights EIT's practical focus, preparing students for immediate workforce entry.
Diverse Programmes Driving Student Success
EIT Hawke's Bay offers over 160 qualifications, from certificates to postgraduate levels, spanning business, creative arts, health, veterinary nursing, education, computing, and sport science. Degrees like Bachelor of Accounting, Bachelor of Business Studies, Bachelor of Creative Practice, and Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science equip graduates with hands-on skills. The campus in Taradale, supported by regional centres in Hastings, Maraenui, Central Hawke's Bay, and Wairoa, ensures accessible education.
Today's 687 degree and diploma graduates represent fields critical to regional needs, from nursing to viticulture, aligning with Hawke's Bay's agricultural and tourism economy.
Strong Employability Outcomes
EIT boasts impressive graduate outcomes, with recent surveys showing 87% of employed alumni in roles relevant to their qualifications. Around 62% work in Hawke's Bay, contributing to local industries. For instance, 80-95% programme satisfaction rates underscore the practical, industry-aligned training that leads to high employment—many full-time within months of graduation.
- 84% job relevance in 2023 survey
- 97% of 2012 graduates working in New Zealand
- Hands-on placements boost readiness
Resilience and Rebuild Post-Cyclone
Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 severely damaged the Taradale campus, yet EIT's recovery exemplifies community strength. Recent Cabinet approval of $10 million from the contingency fund accelerates the rebuild and upgrades, ensuring modern facilities. This investment supports growing enrolments and positions EIT as a hub for sustainable, innovative education in the East Coast region.
Government announcement on EIT rebuild funding
Traditions and Community Spirit
While no formal parade occurred this year due to weather, past ceremonies featured vibrant marches through Napier's Emerson Street, drawing cheers from locals. Livestreams on YouTube allowed global families to join, with academic regalia collection and professional photography capturing memories. Accessibility provisions and guest limits ensured smooth events.
Regaining Independence in New Zealand's Higher Education Landscape
From January 2026, EIT regains full autonomy as one of 10 independent polytechnics, post-Te Pūkenga merger. This shift promises agile decision-making tailored to regional needs, enhancing programme innovation and industry partnerships. EIT's role in Hawke's Bay—producing skilled workers for wine, horticulture, health, and tech—bolsters New Zealand's vocational higher education sector.
Inspiring Stories from Across Disciplines
Beyond valedictorians, graduates like those in veterinary nursing and sport science shared tales of transformation. Many first-in-family achievers, supported by scholarships and flexible study, exemplify EIT's inclusive approach. Māori success, evident in iwi-affiliated valedictorians, aligns with cultural competence initiatives.
Future Outlook: Enrolments Filling Fast
With 2026 programmes open and spots vanishing, EIT eyes expansion in sustainability research, international students, and onshore growth. CEO Lucy Laitinen notes sustained demand post-record year, positioning EIT for continued impact. Graduates today step into a robust job market, armed with credentials valued regionally and nationally.
For those inspired, explore EIT's offerings and join Hawke's Bay's next cohort shaping tomorrow's workforce.
Photo by Moses Malik Roldan on Unsplash
