Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
18 seconds ago
EIT Council has appointed Lucy Laitinen as its new Chief Executive of the Eastern Institute of Technology Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti.
Lucy brings extensive experience across international development, social services, local government and regional economic development. She is the former Chief Executive of Anglican Care Waiapu and more recently led the Hawke’s Bay Regional Economic Development Agency.
She says she is excited to join EIT as the institute prepares to stand back up as an independent polytechnic for Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti from January 1, 2026.
“EIT has been an anchor of our community for 50 years. I am excited to work with the new Council, our staff, learners and the wider community as we re-establish our independence and lead EIT into its next era.”
Lucy studied History and International Relations at Victoria University of Wellington, including half a year at the University of Idaho in the United States, and later completed a Master of Philosophy in Development Studies at the University of Cambridge in the UK. She also worked with the International Organisation for Migration in Europe and in senior roles with World Vision New Zealand and Manukau City Council.
She has deep personal and professional ties to the region. She grew up on a farm in Kererū and later lived with her family on a sheep and cattle station in Ruatoria. She now lives near Hastings with her husband and two children and maintains strong relationships with iwi and hapū across the East Coast.
Lucy says her time at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Economic Development Agency gave her a strong understanding of the local economy and the region’s need for skills and qualifications.
“Our regions face serious skills shortages, and our industries are evolving rapidly. At the same time, living standards and educational attainment across Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti remain below the national average. There is a clear link between educational attainment and higher incomes and improved regional economic performance.
“Our challenge will be to lift learner success, particularly for Māori, strengthen industry partnerships, and offer flexible, relevant learning for all ages so we can start to turn those dials.
“I would like to acknowledge the dedication of EIT’s staff, who have stayed focused on learners through these challenging recent years.”
EIT Council Chair David Pearson says the Council is pleased to welcome Lucy to the role.
“Lucy brings a very strong skill set and a breadth of leadership experience across key sectors. We are looking forward to her leadership of our highly capable Executive and staff.”
Lucy remains active in community initiatives. She chairs Connect Community Trust, which operates Kuhu Mai, the community hub for the homeless, in Hastings, and serves on the Sacred Heart College school board. She has recently been working as an independent consultant.
Lucy will begin her role on January 19.
