An Open Letter to our Hawke’s Bay Community

On 1 August, the Minister of Education, Chris Hipkins, released the decisions of the Review of Vocational Education (RoVE).

From 1 April 2020 onwards, there will be only one ITP, with a working name of the NZ Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST). NZIST will include all existing 16 ITPs. On 1 April 2020, EIT will become a subsidiary of the new national institute. On the same day the EIT Council will be replaced by a subsidiary Establishment Board of the new national institute.

EIT is delighted that EIT Council member Kim Ngārimu was appointed as the Deputy Chair of this Establishment Board.

However, the Minister’s reform plans have caused quite rightly some uncertainty amongst students, employers and our community.

We can assure you that, as an EIT student, you will be able to complete any study or training you start, whether it is a certificate or a multi-year degree. You can confidently continue enrolling at EIT as you normally would. In the next few years you will graduate with an EIT-branded qualification.

It is important to know that EIT is a strong performing ITP. The institute has a sound financial position with strong financial reserves. According to the latest report from the Tertiary Education Commission EIT is amongst the strongest educational performers in the country. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) ranks EIT as a highly confident Category 1 tertiary provider. In 2018, student numbers hit new records, and 2019 enrolments are also strong.

If you have any concerns or questions about the future of vocational and degree / postgraduate study through EIT, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

Our staff can talk you through your education and training options to meet your needs and ambitions.

Thank you for your support over the last 40-plus years. EIT has a proud tradition and we look forward to serving the communities of Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti in the future.

Geraldine Travers, MNZM
Council Chair