Regan Cotter (EIT), Belinda Sleight (University of Waikato), Paula Wilhelm (NCC) and David Skelton (EIT).

Today, EIT re-opened the City Student Studio in Lower Emerson Street to continue the success story of last summer.

The vibrant co-working office is a collaboration between EIT, the University of Waikato and Napier City Council. As a creative drop-in space it brings together students, industry, local business and members of the community.

City Student Studio opened for the first time last year and led to a variety of student industry projects with Napier CBD businesses.

Napier City Council’s Paulina Wilhelm, Manager of City Development, came up with the idea, having seen student studios in action in Canada.

“I saw the potential of this project in Napier so I am delighted it is happening again this year,” says Paulina.

“It provides a win-win outcome for everyone. The students gain real work experience and credits for the studies. EIT and the University of Waikato promote their courses, businesses get free help from students and Council benefits by activating Lower Emerson Street and gaining more meaningful engagement from the community.”

Student coordinators Candice Dacre, Satyam Saha and Abby Neill

Regan Cotter, EIT Business School lecturer and work placement coordinator, says, “The City Student Studio really facilitates the connection between students and local industry. It’s not only a great opportunity to network but also to showcase the calibre of both students and lecturers.”

The studio will open weekdays from 10am to 4pm. It is managed by EIT business lecturer Regan Cotter and EIT students Rylie Edwards, Candice Dacre, Abby Neill and Satyam Saha.

This year EIT will also use the space for a variety of workshops open to the public. Another novelty is a rotating exhibition from EIT’s fashion students. As an added bonus the City Student Studio will have two “artists in residence.” IDEAschool students Sharleen Gamble and Amy Barclay will have exhibition space within the City Studio, giving them a unique opportunity to launch their careers and contributing a creative buzz to the place.

Napier City Studio will be open until mid-February.