New programmes, such as primary teacher training, plumbing and gas-fitting began.
Maori student participation remains one of the highest in New Zealand with increasing success of Maori students, too. The merger of the Tairawhiti (Gisborne) and Hawke's Bay campuses into one integrated and effective institution continues strongly, with key milestones being achieved and strong support from businesses and communities across the two regions.
The trades training offering and trades academy at EIT deserves praise as well. Contracts were awarded for further training for work programmes with the minister congratulating EIT on reaching out to students aged under 25 through its successful Trades Academy scheme.
Success stories continue to flow from the Trades Academy @ EIT Tairawhiti. Each Friday, more than 100 high school students from the region head to the Tairawhiti campus to try their hands at subjects including agriculture, automotive, building and construction, hair and beauty, health and fitness, hospitality and trades' skills.
The academy gives schools great curriculum choice, expands students' horizons as to career opportunities, and instils in them the confidence to move into apprenticeships or further tertiary options whilst they are also achieving NCEA credits.
All secondary schools from the wider Tairawhiti take part in the academy, which has just entered its third year.
Meanwhile Hawke's Bay Schools Trades Academy @ EIT has 260 high school students enrolled in its highly successful partnership between the region's secondary schools and EIT.
Similar programmes are offered in other parts of New Zealand but EIT's programme has been standout for student enthusiasm and uptake.
In talking of the successes above, it's also worth acknowledging that the year was not without its challenges.
The end of year financial result was significantly better than the budgeted deficit position, with a small surplus being recorded in what the chief executive describes as, from a financial perspective, one of the most challenging years ever faced by EIT. Importantly, however, the financial position of the institution remains strong.
Challenges for the future include maintaining this strong financial position whilst also delivering the Government's objectives in an increasingly competitive and financially constrained tertiary education environment. Being responsive to local industry needs is also among top priorities, with further strengthening the connections and relationships EIT has with potential business partners, potential students and the wider community. The need to develop further social and pastoral-type support to ensure our students remain vibrant, healthy, engaged and achieving has also been identified.
I could go into depth about many of these issues but this is just a quick snippet. I didn't really realise how well EIT performed until now and I think, amongst other organisations, EIT is and can continue to contribute very positively towards our region's future economically and socially.
