Mark Oldershaw, Deputy Chief Executive

The Reform of Vocational Education (ROVE) project are wide-sweeping reforms and will impact significantly on the Institute of Technology and Polytechnic Sector.

“EIT will continue as strongly as it can possibly be in its education delivery across all of its campuses.  The Minister recognises the significant pride many communities have in their institution and EIT is clearly one of those,” said Mark Oldershaw, Deputy Chief Executive. 

“This is a potentially unsettling time for some staff and we will aim to ensure staff and students are kept well informed around the reform process.”

EIT will consult with staff, students and stakeholders.  The Government’s consultation phase for the ROVE project closes on April 5, which is a six week period.  

“EIT is a sound and strong institution and a key regional educational leader with a reputation at the national level as a leading tertiary education provider.  A continued strong presence in tertiary education is essential for the regions of Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti.

“For any reform process to be successful, a continued strong regional presence and ability to influence and shape decisions at a regional level are really important.  EIT has a long standing reputation as a high performer.  We have had a good reputation as a sound financial institute of technology with solid academic results. 

“2018 saw EIT grow by 10% in terms of the number of students.  There were over 10,000 students, which equated to 4,820 equivalent fulltime students, the largest student roll in the institute’s history.

“At this stage, it is too early to comment on the full impact of the proposal.  While still early in the year, the forecast for 2019 looks strong with the latest enrolment numbers tracking ahead of last year,” said Mr Oldershaw.