EIT has a dedicated support team to help Pasifika students succeed in tertiary education. 

The role of Pacific student support coordinator Mary Suni Robertson is to support all Pasifika on campus and to encourage their participation, retention and success.  “I work closely with the various schools at EIT to better help our students and mentor them when necessary,” says Mary.  “I also provide pastoral support.”  

Increasing Pasifika participation in tertiary education is a focus for liaison advisor Rhys Thurston.  Rhys works with organisations and schools throughout Hawke’s Bay to assist with Pasifika study options, recruitment and support.  He also works closely with Eddie Carson, EIT’s careers counsellor, who is available to students needing careers advice.

EIT’s Te Ara o Tākitimu coordinator, Lee Kershaw-Karaitiana oversees the Māori and Pasifika Trades Training grants scheme and provides holistic support for Pasifika entering trades-related study.   Lee says:  “The main goal for us is to see students not only succeed in their programmes but also provide them with a direct pathway into apprentices, employment or further education.”