Marking a Milestone in Regional Tertiary Education

The Eastern Institute of Technology, known as EIT or Te Aho a Māui, has marked its 50th anniversary with the unveiling of a striking new taonga at its Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale. The waka maumahara sculpture stands as a powerful symbol of the institution’s enduring connection to its communities and its fresh start as an independent entity once again. This cultural and educational milestone arrives at a pivotal time, reflecting both deep historical roots and a forward-looking vision for vocational and higher education in New Zealand’s regions.

From Community College to Multi-Campus Provider

EIT traces its origins to 1975, when it opened as the Hawke’s Bay Community College under the vision of founding chief executive John Harré. The institution was established to break down barriers to education and expand opportunities for people across the region. Over the decades it evolved, becoming Hawke’s Bay Polytechnic in 1987 and adopting the name Eastern Institute of Technology in 1996. Today it operates campuses in Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti (Gisborne), and Auckland, along with multiple learning centres, delivering more than 130 programmes from certificates through to master’s level.

The institute supports over 11,000 learners each year, including international students, with education delivered on campus, online, in workplaces, on marae, in orchards, and on farms. This flexible, community-embedded approach has remained central to its identity since the earliest days.

The Path Through National Reforms and Back to Independence

Like other institutes of technology and polytechnics, EIT was incorporated into the national entity Te Pūkenga in 2020 as part of a major restructuring of vocational education. The unified model aimed to create consistency across the sector but faced significant challenges. In mid-2025 the government announced that ten polytechnics, including EIT, would regain regional independence effective 1 January 2026. EIT received transitional funding of $34.5 million to support the return to standalone governance.

This shift restores local decision-making authority, allowing EIT to tailor programmes and partnerships more closely to the needs of Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti, and Auckland communities. The timing aligned the 50th anniversary celebrations with this new chapter, turning what might have been a purely historical reflection into a moment of renewal.

The New Taonga: A Waka Maumahara Anchoring Identity

At the heart of the celebrations stands the new waka maumahara, unveiled and blessed on 29 May 2026 near the entrance to the Taradale campus. The sculpture was designed and carved collaboratively by artists Chris Bryant-Toi and Manuel Dunn, then blessed by Professor Joe Te Rito in a dawn ceremony. An evening event the previous day brought together staff, alumni, civic leaders, iwi and hapū partners, former council members, and community supporters.

Pouārahi Māori Robin Fabish described the carving as a beautiful tribute to whakapapa and purpose. It features Māui, directly linking to the institution’s Māori name Te Aho a Māui, and Kiwa, the navigator and atua of the Pacific Ocean associated with ancestral waka such as Horouta and Tākitimu. The design honours the distinctive figurative style and pūhoro kōwhaiwhai of renowned Ngāti Kahungunu tohunga whakairo Taka Walker. The waka maumahara functions as a pūtahi, or central point, from which EIT’s other campus locations radiate, symbolising unity across the network while welcoming both local and international learners.

Leadership Reflections on Legacy and Opportunity

Chief Executive Lucy Laitinen emphasised that the milestone celebrates not only history but also the opportunities of independence. She noted the institution’s deep regional connections and the transformative power of education for individuals, whānau, and communities. Laitinen referenced the founding vision of access, inclusion, and opportunity, values that continue to guide EIT today. Council Chair David Pearson joined staff and guests at the unveiling, underscoring the collective strength captured in the whakataukī “Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini” – strength comes from the many.

These perspectives highlight how the return to independence allows greater agility in responding to regional workforce needs while maintaining strong cultural foundations.

Photo by Nem Malosi on Unsplash

Current Reach and Programme Diversity

EIT continues to expand access through a wide range of qualifications in areas such as business, computing, nursing, trades, creative arts, and primary industries. Delivery occurs across physical campuses and flexible modes, supporting both school leavers and mature learners, including those in remote or workplace settings. International enrolments add diversity, with students drawn from the Pacific and beyond, reflecting the welcoming symbolism of the new taonga.

The institute maintains Category One status with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, signalling strong educational performance and quality assurance. This reputation supports pathways into employment and further study, contributing to regional skill development in key sectors like horticulture, viticulture, tourism, and health.

Regional Impact and Community Partnerships

Located in Hawke’s Bay and serving Tairāwhiti, EIT plays a vital role in the economic and social fabric of these areas. Partnerships with iwi, hapū, employers, and community organisations ensure programmes remain relevant and responsive. The taonga’s placement at the campus entrance reinforces this connection, serving as a daily reminder of shared history and aspirations.

Events surrounding the anniversary strengthened ties with alumni and civic leaders, many of whom have contributed to the institute over generations. Such engagement helps sustain the collaborative spirit that has defined EIT since its community college beginnings.

Broader Context of New Zealand’s Vocational Education Landscape

The return of EIT and similar institutions to independence forms part of ongoing adjustments to the vocational education system. Policymakers and providers continue to balance national consistency with regional autonomy, particularly as workforce demands evolve in areas such as sustainability, digital skills, and health. EIT’s experience offers insights for other polytechnics navigating similar transitions, demonstrating how cultural integration and community focus can coexist with high-quality programme delivery.

Stakeholders across the sector watch these developments closely, recognising the importance of stable, well-resourced institutions for meeting New Zealand’s skills needs.

Perspectives from Staff, Students, and Iwi

Long-serving staff members have reflected on the changes, noting both challenges during the Te Pūkenga period and renewed optimism with independence. Students appreciate the personalised support and practical focus that characterises EIT programmes. Iwi partners value the strengthened emphasis on Māori perspectives, evident in the taonga and ongoing initiatives such as marae-based learning.

These voices illustrate the human dimension of institutional change, where decisions at governance level directly affect learning experiences and community outcomes.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Like many tertiary providers, EIT faces pressures around funding, enrolment patterns, and competition for students. The transitional support from government provides a buffer, yet long-term sustainability will depend on strategic programme development and partnerships. Opportunities exist in growing international education, expanding micro-credentials, and deepening research collaborations that benefit regional industries.

The new taonga serves as a tangible anchor during this period of adaptation, reminding the community of resilience built over five decades.

Photo by Martin McCormack on Unsplash

Looking Forward: Education as a Force for Regional Transformation

As EIT enters its next 50 years, the combination of renewed independence, cultural symbolism, and established community ties positions it strongly. The waka maumahara will continue to welcome generations of learners, embodying the institution’s commitment to access, inclusion, and excellence. For academics, administrators, and prospective students in New Zealand and overseas, EIT represents a compelling example of how regional tertiary institutions can honour their past while embracing future possibilities.

Further details on programmes and the anniversary events are available on the official EIT site. Additional reporting appears in Scoop and Waatea News.