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COVID-19- what you need to know

March 25, 2020

You may have questions that could be answered by our Frequently Asked Questions.

As Aotearoa/New Zealand is preparing for COVID-19 Alert Level 4, here is some important information to help you.

1. EIT IS CLOSED.

All EIT campuses, regional learning centres, and learning locations are closed.

During Alert level 4 lockdown period, there is NO building access for any student, staff (or contractors) other than those approved by EIT’s Chief Executive or the Incident Controller acting on behalf of the Chief Executive.

We are under Government directive for this lockdown and the only exemptions are strict requirements for specified essential or critical (national) services.

All campuses and sites will remain closed until we advise you that you can return, following direction from the Government and Ministry of Health.

2. STUDYLINK

STUDYLINK have updated their information for COVID-19 for students getting Study Allowance and Loan. Please read it here if you wish to know more

3. Library key contacts for support

Library and Learning Services support is now fully operational online and is providing a distance service to students studying online. You can get help by phone, email or video call.

You can make bookings for online appointments with learning advisors, librarians, disability and wellbeing, and student support staff from all campuses. All the links for booking appointments are on MyEIT.

4. IT Help Desk

The IT Help Desk will continue to operate during this close down with increased staffing.
(Monday to Thursday 8am to 5pm, Friday 8am to 4:30pm).

You can contact via email by using the ITSupport@eit.ac.nz or phone 0800348457.

You may be asked to prove your identity during the call. Please bear with us while we do this. We will never ask you for your password over the phone.

5. Student Farm

Student Farm is currently being upgraded. We are aiming for this upgrade to be complete on Friday March 27.

6. Keep in touch with your school

Please contact your Lecturer regarding your courses or your Programme Coordinator if you have questions about the programme.

Teaching staff are working on alternative teaching methods, and some of these have already been implemented.

7. Feeling overwhelmed?

Emergencies are usually unexpected, sudden and overwhelming. It’s natural to feel emotionally and physically drained.

You can get more help from:

  • EIT’s Library and Learning Support, access them through MyEIT.
  • Your GP or local community health centre.
  • Youthline – 0800376633 or www.youthline.co.nz.
  • Need To Talk by calling or texting 1737.
  • The new dedicated health phone line – 08003585453.  Healthline has translators and interpreters available 24/7 in 150 languages and they do have Mandarin and Cantonese speaking staff available.
  • In an emergency always call 111.

March 22, 2020.

  • Some EIT teaching and assessments have been suspended short-term.  Where possible, EIT staff are completing preparations for alternative delivery approaches to normal face-face class teaching, including online and other teaching and learning methods.  There are some programmes that are fully online, and are not affected by the closure, and others that might be available sooner. Your Programme Coordinator or Lecturer will be in touch with you to let you know if this is the case.
  • EIT student accommodation remains open.  We encourage physical distancing and good hygiene practice.
  • As always, we encourage people to stay safe and follow all guidance of the government at https://covid19.govt.nz/

You may have questions that could be answered by our Frequently Asked Questions.

Telecommunications companies have also lifted their data limits, so this should help you if you need to increase your online study. 

Check them out here:

We recognise that this is a changing situation and we will be constantly reviewing our teaching and learning in line with the most up to date information and continue to communicate with you. 

We understand that students, staff and families are concerned about COVID-19. We continue to monitor the situation closely and follow the advice and requirements of the Government, Ministry of Health and other relevant government agencies.

We have made plans to act quickly and communicate widely if anything changes.

Please keep yourself informed and continue to consult the FAQ pages on our website, check EIT’s Facebook page, EIT’s website and your email inbox for updates from us.

It’s a challenging time in Aotearoa/New Zealand at the moment. Take care and look after yourself and your family. We are here to support you.

For further information please visit the following websites:

New Zealand Ministry of Health

Hawke’s Bay District Health Board

Unite Against COVID-19

World Health Organisation

New Zealand Education (ENZ)

You may have questions that could be answered by our Frequently Asked Questions.

Keep safe and stay well.