International students at Eastern Institute of Technology were officially welcomed to Hawke’s Bay at the region’s annual Mayoral Welcome ceremony.
More than 40 EIT students attended the event at Toitoi in Hastings on February 27, part of a cohort of new international students enrolled at the Hawke’s Bay campus, alongside newly arrived international students from secondary schools across the region.
International students at EIT attended a Mayoral Welcome ceremony in Hastings.
EIT Master of Nursing Science student Anne Margarette Zausa Nacar, who is originally from the Philippines, was among the student speakers.
“Coming to New Zealand has been a dream of mine. Hawke’s Bay has given me opportunities not only to grow academically, but also personally and professionally.”
The 31-year-old moved to New Zealand in July last year with her husband, and says she has experienced supportive lecturers, diverse classmates and a learning environment that values both knowledge and compassion.
“As a current postgraduate student, I’ve personally experienced how supportive and encouraging our academic environment is.”
Cultural performances from EIT students and family members included Punjabi Bhangra by Jasmine Kaur and Muskanpreet Kaur, Tai Chi by Jack Wu, and Sri Lankan Kandyan Ves dance by Lakshitha Wijekoon and Imasha Kariyawasam.
Philippa Jones, EIT Executive Director International, says: “Ensuring our students feel warmly welcomed and supported is important as they embark on a new chapter in their lives.
“For many, this journey is more than a move to a new place of study – it’s an introduction to a new culture, a new environment, and a new way of living. Fostering meaningful engagement, building deeper connections, and creating a lasting sense of belonging can help ease the transition for new international students and positively impact communities throughout the region.”
Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum said having international students across Hawke’s Bay secondary schools and EIT is great for the region.
“International students bring outside perspectives that help us grow. It also benefits our local students and allows them to see the world without needing a passport.”
Napier City Councillor Sally Crown, who attended on behalf of Napier City Council, said it was a privilege to welcome the students.
“It is really humbling to think that so many people choose Hawke’s Bay. Having EIT here is crucial in attracting international students and then it is the community infrastructure that wraps around that as well. But it is so important economically, socially to have international students coming into our region.”