Lucy Laitinen new chief executive of Eastern Institute of Technology

Hastings-based Lucy Laitinen, who formerly lived at a cattle station at Ruatōria, is the new chief executive of Eastern Institute of Technology Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti.

The Eastern Institute of Technology’s council has appointed Lucy Laitinen as its new chief executive.

The appointment comes as the Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay institute prepares to stand again as an independent polytechnic, from January 1.

Laitinen said she was excited to join the organisation.

“EIT has been an anchor of our community for 50 years,” she said. “I am excited to work with the new council, our staff, learners and the wider community as we re-establish our independence and lead EIT into its next era.”

Laitinen brings extensive experience across international development, social services, local government and regional economic development.

She was chief executive of Anglican Care Waiapu and, more recently, led the Hawke’s Bay Regional Economic Development Agency.

Laitinen grew up on a farm in Kererū and then lived with her family on a sheep and cattle station in Ruatōria.

She now lives near Hastings with her husband and two children, and maintains strong relationships with iwi and hapū throughout the East Coast.

“Our regions face serious skills shortages and our industries are evolving rapidly.

“At the same time, living standards and educational attainment across Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti remain below the national average. There is a clear link between educational attainment and higher incomes and improved regional economic performance.

“Our challenge will be to lift learner success, particularly for Māori, strengthen industry partnerships and offer flexible, relevant learning for all ages so we can start to turn those dials.

“I would like to acknowledge the dedication of EIT’s staff, who have stayed focused on learners through these challenging recent years.”

EIT council chairman David Pearson said the council was pleased to welcome Laitinen to the role.

“Lucy brings a very strong skillset and a breadth of leadership experience across key sectors. We are looking forward to her leadership of our highly capable executive and staff.”

Laitinen remains active in community initiatives. She chairs Connect Community Trust, which operates Kuhu Mai – the community hub for the homeless in Hastings – and serves on the Sacred Heart College school board.

She has recently been working as an independent consultant.

Laitinen begins her role on January 19.