NZ Engine

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

1 day ago

After struggling to break into viticulture, Dylan Martin enrolled at EIT to get his foot in the door and is now set to begin work at a winery in Australia’s Yarra Valley.

The 29-year-old from Whanganui began the New Zealand Certificate in Viticulture (Level 4) at EIT last year, with a clear goal in mind.

“I just wanted to do one year, get a foot in the door into viticulture, and then look to work overseas.”

Before enrolling at EIT, Dylan had studied agriculture at Massey University and worked in a range of roles, including tractor driving and biological soils consulting, but found it difficult to break into the viticulture industry.

His passion for soil science runs in the family. His father runs a biological fertiliser business, and that early exposure to organic and regenerative approaches to farming shaped the direction Dylan wanted to take.

Over time, viticulture offered a way to apply that interest in a more precise, quality-focused environment.

“In viticulture, they’re growing for quality, not just quantity. You’re really fine-tuning the soil.”

Dylan says the smaller class environment at EIT made a significant difference to his learning.

“When I began, we only had a really small in-class group, so it was easy to ask questions and get that one-on-one support.”

While studying, Dylan secured a seasonal role as a vineyard operator at Craggy Range, gaining hands-on experience during his first full season in the industry.

He says the role had been challenging at times but had accelerated his learning.

“I’ve learned a lot through the process.”

Dylan believes his study at EIT, and Viticulture and Wine Science Lecturer Tim Creagh, played a key role in helping him secure work.

“With the help of EIT, I got in almost instantly. Having Tim as a reference definitely helped me get my foot in the door.”

Among the highlights of his time at EIT were the people he studied alongside and the opportunity to volunteer at the New World Wine Awards.

“That was quite cool. I think the people have been a big highlight too.”

Dylan is currently completing his final paper while preparing to relocate to Australia next month, where he will take up a role with Mac Forbes Winery in the Yarra Valley.

He said the move will expose him to a different style of viticulture, with more hands-on vineyard work and new growing conditions.

“There’s going to be a lot that’s different, and that’s what I’m excited for.”

For others considering a similar path, Dylan says EIT is an “absolute must”.

Programme Tutor Tim Creagh says: “Dylan’s journey shows how EIT’s viticulture programmes open real pathways into the industry”.

“EIT has been proudly delivering wine and viticulture programmes longer than any other provider in New Zealand, with graduates building successful careers throughout the country and around the world. If you’re looking to get a head start in the viticulture industry, there’s no better place to begin than EIT.”

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

1 day ago

After more than two decades away from te reo Māori, Antony Ruru returned to study at EIT Tairāwhiti and rediscovered his language and culture.

Antony (Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Nga Ariki Kaiputahi, Ngāti Porou), who works as a Senior Advisor Community Readiness and Recovery in Gisborne, says returning to study at EIT helped him reconnect with te reo Māori.

Although he grew up speaking te reo Māori at home, the 40-year-old spent more than two decades after leaving school focused on trades and music, with little time for te reo Māori.

“I had done nothing for like 20 plus years. And then I just decided one day that I wanted to get back into that side.”

Encouraged by a friend already studying at EIT and his whānau, he decided to visit Te Whatukura.

Though he was initially hesitant to walk through the door.

“Just as I grabbed the door handle, I said, ‘oh nah’, and walked back to the car. I walked back again and went to grab the door and walked back to the car. Just as I went back the third time, the door opened from the inside and Kaiako Angela Tibble said, ‘oh kia ora, do you want to come in?’”

Antony began with the NZ Certificate in Te Reo me ōna Tikanga (Level 4) before quickly progressing through the Bachelor of Arts (Māori), completing the degree between 2015 and 2017.

“Studying at Te Whatukura was one of the best journeys I’ve had—truly one of the highlights of my life.”

Returning to study gave him the space to build on the foundation he had carried with him since childhood.

“It had been a long break, but coming into the whare and seeing the smiling faces, it just really uplifted me. Also, for myself as a student, I found how easy and approachable the lecturers were.”

Following his studies, Antony went on to teach te reo Māori me ōna Tikanga at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa for five years before moving into Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).

In his current role, he works with communities, schools, hapū, iwi, and marae to educate and support fire safety and emergency preparedness.

He says the values he learned through his studies at Te Whatukura sit alongside the teachings he received from his nanny and papa, forming a strong foundation that continues to guide his work today.

“It is still about utilising our tikanga and te reo kaupapa and instilling those values into the work we do.”

He adds that Te Whatukura provided a space where students could grow in confidence and deepen their connection to te ao Māori.

“The safe space created at Te Whatukura and EIT enabled that to flourish.”
Eight years on from graduating, Antony still returns each year for hākari with former classmates and lecturers.

“You make lifelong friends. Even if you do not have whānau here or you are studying alone, the relationships always find you.”

For those wanting to learn te reo Māori and tikanga in a safe and supportive environment, Antony often shares a whakataukī from his lecturer Joe Pihema: “Me patua te taniwha o whakamā ki waho!”

“Kick shyness out the door and come along to Te Whatukura today.”
Angela Tibble, Programme Co-ordinator and Lecturer, Te Uranga Waka, says Antony’s journey shows the ripple effect of Māori education.

“When one tauira reclaims te reo and tikanga, that knowledge flows back into whānau, workplaces and communities. As a programme, our greatest measure of success is seeing graduates use what they’ve learned to serve others with confidence, purpose and aroha. Ka nui te mihi ki a koe Ants, e rere!”

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

1 day ago

A Hawke’s Bay music graduate is working behind the scenes of major live events across the region after completing her Bachelor of Creative Practice (Music) at EIT.

Brooke Rowe (Ngāti Kahungunu), 24, completed the degree at the end of last year after returning home from Wellington, where she had been working as a barista.

“I was living in Wellington, and I was missing home, so I decided to come back to Hawke’s Bay.”

Having grown up playing guitar and taking singing lessons, Brooke says music was one of the only things she had ever been truly interested in pursuing.

“I’ve always loved music. It was really one of the only things I was actually ever interested in.”
During her studies, Brooke was drawn to the performance side of the programme, which offered regular opportunities to perform at local venues.

“I’ve always loved performing, so the music degree was great because there were lots of opportunities for live performance.”

Highlights included performing at venues such as The Cabana and Paisley Stage, as well as a performance at Ōtātara Pā.

Through the degree, Brooke also gained an internship working behind the scenes at local events, including Outfield Festival and the setup for a UB40 concert.

“Those opportunities have come through my tutors and EIT.”

The experience helped her discover a passion for the production side of live music she had not expected.

“Through EIT, they have really helped me realise that I do like stage management and the detail work that goes into putting on live performance.”

“You can see the crowd and how they are enjoying it right away. There is more connection to your audience. When you are putting on a show, you get to see all the details come together in an instant. There is always a certain energy at live events which I love.”

Brooke says the support of tutors and the close-knit class environment made a significant difference to her experience.

“All our tutors were on the ball. They were really patient and helped us through everything. The class sizes were quite small, which was really helpful, especially in a degree like music where you are working closely with each other and forming bands.”

She graduates next month and is keen to keep building her experience in the live events sector.

Music Lecturer Svetlana Eliason said: “Brooke is a passionate and enthusiastic performer who brings both creativity and care to everything she does”.

“Sometimes she would step confidently into the spotlight with an acoustic guitar; at other times, she was the driving force behind beautifully choreographed theatrical performances. Her final student performance showcased her growth as a songwriter and performer, as well as her professionalism as stage manager for the entire event.”

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

2 days ago

Enrolments at EIT have reached their highest level since the institute’s 2011 merger with Tairāwhiti, with early 2026 figures tracking ahead of the same time last year.

So far this year, 4,637 learners have enrolled, around two percent ahead of the same time in 2025 and at 61 percent of the institute’s Equivalent Full-Time Student (EFTS) target.

This follows a record 2025, when EIT enrolled 11,038 learners across the year, representing 5,125 EFTS.

EIT Chief Executive Lucy Laitinen says the continued growth reflects renewed confidence in the institute and strong demand from industry for skilled graduates.

“We are seeing more learners choosing EIT as we re-establish ourselves, and that is closely linked to the needs of our regional industries. Our focus is on ensuring learners are gaining the skills and experience that employers are looking for, and that those pathways remain strong.”

EIT’s 2025 EFTS total reached 5,125, made up of 3,585 domestic EFTS, 675 international onshore EFTS, and 866 EFTS from other revenue sources, reflecting a diverse learner base across multiple delivery modes and funding streams.

Lucy says the result marks a significant achievement given the ongoing impacts of Covid 19, severe weather events, and sustained disruption across the tertiary education sector and the wider regions EIT serves.

International education continues to play an important role at EIT. In 2025, international students made up about 16 percent of the onshore student body, with 675 international EFTS representing just over 1,000 students from 38 countries.

Lucy says this diversity contributes to the learning environment and the wider social and economic vitality of the region.

Māori participation at EIT remains a key strength, continuing to sit well above regional population demographics and the national sector average.

However, EIT acknowledges the significant impact of major regional events between 2021 and 2023, including Covid 19, the 2023 cyclone, and a series of less visible but highly disruptive weather events in Tairāwhiti.

These events led to a decline in priority learner engagement, including a drop in Māori learner participation during that period.

“It is therefore particularly encouraging to see participation rates increase in 2025, moving back toward pre disruption levels and signalling renewed learner confidence and engagement across EIT’s communities.”

Higher-level qualifications remain a core part of EIT’s academic portfolio. In 2025, Level 7 (degree level) programmes account for 26 percent of total enrolments, up from 24 percent in 2024.

“This growth highlights sustained demand for degree study and reinforces EIT’s role in supporting advanced skills development and workforce readiness across the region.”

Lucy says the continued growth reflects both the resilience of learners and staff and the institute’s continued commitment to accessible, high quality education.

“As communities recover from recent challenges, EIT remains focused on supporting learner success, strengthening regional pathways, and contributing to long term social and economic recovery.

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

1 day ago

An EIT graduate who rebuilt his life after a serious spinal injury is one step closer to becoming the physiotherapist he never had, following a study pathway through sport and exercise programmes.

Mason Moeke (Ngāi Takoto, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu) began studying at EIT in 2024, first with the NZ Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) before completing the NZ Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise last year.

Mason, who had been working as a truck driver, said his decision to study came after a spinal injury in 2021 left him struggling both physically and mentally.

“It left me in quite a bad state. I went through chronic depression and feeling like I didn’t belong,” he says.

“I was talking to my friend one day, and I changed my mindset. I made a conscious choice that right then and there, I was going to change my life and my way of living.”

With no formal background in exercise, he began slowly reintroducing movement into his daily routine, rebuilding his strength consistently over time.

“Honestly, it took me probably about a good year of being consistent, implementing small changes into my daily life to get off my crutches and onto a walking stick, and then off the walking stick. When I got to that point, I felt really accomplished. But I felt like, why stop here? I’ve got so much more to look forward to.”

That realisation led him to EIT, where Lecturer Ormond Heather played a key role in reassuring him that, despite his injury, a career in health and fitness was within reach.

“The way he explained it to me, it lit that spark of reassurance back in me.”

He and a friend turned up expecting an information session and ended up staying for the first day of class. “We were surrounded by good people and had a great support team.”

Alongside his studies, Mason also worked as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at the Strength Room in Havelock North.

It was during this time that his ambition grew beyond personal training, inspired by Physiotherapist and EIT PASM Lecturer Lee-Anne Taylor.

“She was amazing at what she did. I really looked up to her and wanted to follow the same path. She helped guide me.”

Mason has since been accepted into the Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Wintec in Hamilton, where he began his four-year degree last month.

He can’t speak highly enough of EIT.

“There’s a great support system at EIT. If you give 100 per cent, those lecturers will give you 1000. I can’t thank those who were involved with my learning enough; they’ve been a huge part of my growth. I highly recommend EIT to anybody wanting to further their studies. No matter what it is.”

His long-term goal is to return to Hawke’s Bay and establish a physiotherapy business deeply rooted in Māori and Pasifika culture, and accessible, affordable and welcoming to those who might not otherwise seek help.

“I want to be the physio that I didn’t have. The person to help bring that light back into people’s lives and actually feel like they belong.”

Throughout the journey, his mother and three sisters have been his greatest source of support.

“My mum and my three sisters have been my backbone through everything, from my injury all the way up until now.”

Reflecting on his journey, Mason says what once felt like his darkest moment has ultimately shaped his purpose.

“At that point in time when I had my injury, it was really dark. But now I look at it, it is sort of a blessing because without the injury happening, or EIT, I would not be in the position I am today.”

Lecturer Lee-Anne Taylor says: “We all noticed in the level 5 qualification that Mason was bright and keen, but probably didn’t believe that.

As he worked through the year, the more belief he had in himself, the greater he excelled.

“It was so heartwarming to see his growth, the culture and connection he brought to the classroom and overall, how far he journeyed. We are looking forward to watching him grow further and look forward to seeing what he will accomplish.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Taylor:

Police acknowledge the sentence handed down to Daniel James Work in the Whanganui High Court today.

The 39-year-old has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum non parole period of 10 years, 6 months after pleading guilty to the murder of Albert Coe in Ohingaiti on 21 January 2024. 

No sentence will bring back Albie or lessen the deep hurt his loved ones have felt since his death, but this a positive outcome for the community.

Police would like to thank everyone that assisted throughout the case, and to bring this matter to justice.

Police will not be making further comment.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre