Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
19 hours ago
Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) student Emily Strong helped iwi identify remnants of the historic Seventy Mile Bush during a summer internship with Sustainable Hawke’s Bay.
The internship was part of her third year of study, delivered by EIT in partnership with Unitec.
EIT graduate Michael Strand (left) with current Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) student Emily Strong.
During her internship, Emily worked under the guidance of EIT graduate Michael Strand, who works at Sustainable HB and secured a role as a geospatial analyst there before completing his studies. She contributed to a project focused on locating and assessing remaining areas of native bush in Southern Hawke’s Bay.
The project involved the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to overlay historical maps with satellite imagery, classify forest remnants, and assess vegetation health by calculating tree canopy height. Historical aerial imagery was also used to track vegetation change over time.
“The Seventy Mile Bush was a massive podocarp forest that once stretched from Southern Hawke’s Bay to Wairarapa. Being able to contribute to a project that connects iwi with the remaining fragments of that landscape has been really rewarding.”
Emily previously completed the Level 5 and 6 Diplomas in Environmental Management (Terrestrial strand) at EIT before progressing into the degree.
Her interest in GIS and conservation has grown throughout her studies. In 2024, she completed a level 6 project focused on revegetation at Cape Sanctuary, comparing aerial images from the 1950s, 2014 and 2024 to assess habitat restoration over time.
“I compared some aerial photography from the 1950s with current satellite images and then classified and analysed the difference. There was very much an increase in native vegetation. It was quite substantial actually and really cool to see.”
Originally from Hawke’s Bay, Emily first enrolled at EIT in a teaching degree. After taking time off following the birth of her daughter, Eloise, she decided to return to study and pursue environmental management.
“I’ve always had an interest in the environment, and once I started the primary industries course, I really enjoyed it,” she says.
Balancing study and parenting hasn’t always been easy, but Emily says she’s had strong support around her.
“It’s been quite tough but again I do have a fair amount of family support so that’s definitely been very helpful.”
She credits her lecturers and tutors for being “really amazing”. “I’ve learned lots and lots and definitely improved from when I started in level 5.”
Now 22, Emily is also involved in a local bat monitoring project with environmental researcher Kay Griffiths and is exploring future career opportunities that combine her skills in conservation and GIS.
“There are so many different directions you can go with this degree, but I’d love to do something where I can use GIS to support conservation work.”
EIT Environmental Management Senior Lecturer Dinusha Jayathilake said she is especially proud of this achievement.
“This internship is a valuable opportunity for Emily’s professional growth and also benefits the Hawke’s Bay region, Sustainable HB, and EIT. In our Environmental Management programme, we always prefer community engagement. Through the GIS course, I am able to support the local community while introducing the latest Geographic Information technologies to our region – something I am very proud of.”
Dinusha said internships give students valuable work experience before they finish their studies, which helps them continue to produce skilled and experienced local graduates who are ready to join the workforce.
