Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
45 seconds ago
EIT is remembering Sir Selwyn Cushing, a prominent Hawke’s Bay business leader and honorary graduate, following his recent passing.
Sir Selwyn passed away on February 10, aged 89. He was awarded an honorary Bachelor of Business Studies by EIT in 2000, recognising his outstanding contribution to business and his strong support for education in Hawke’s Bay.
EIT Sir Selwyn Cushing was awarded an honorary Bachelor of Business Studies by EIT in 2000 in recognition of his contribution to business and education in Hawke’s Bay.
He was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 1994 for services to business management and was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1999 for services to business, sport, and the arts.
Hastings Deputy Mayor Michael Fowler, who was a senior accounting lecturer at EIT from 1997 to 2018, said Sir Selwyn would be remembered not only for his professional achievements, but also for his character and commitment to the region.
“He was a really humble, honest man that loved Hawke’s Bay,” Michael said. “He never lost his down-to-earth roots.”
Sir Selwyn was a natural choice to receive the honorary degree when EIT began conferring its own Bachelor of Business Studies qualifications, Michael said.
“We were awarding our own Bachelor of Business Studies degrees for the first time in 2000, and I came up with the idea that he should be awarded an honorary BBS because he was one of our foremost business leaders in Hawke’s Bay.”
Sir Selwyn’s connection to education began early in his career. He qualified as a chartered accountant at just 19, becoming the youngest person in New Zealand to do so, and later taught accounting through the former night school system to support others entering the profession.
“He had a passion for education and believed in education. He taught accounting at night school because he wanted to help other people.”
Michael said Sir Selwyn was deeply honoured to receive recognition from EIT, reflecting both his professional achievements and his strong connection to the region.
“He was absolutely thrilled to receive it,” he said. “He was a Hawke’s Bay man and was proud that education had developed to the point where you could qualify to be an accountant at a polytechnic in Hawke’s Bay.”
John West, EIT Executive Dean, Faculty of Commerce and Technology, said: “EIT is glad to have been able to recognise such an important Hawke’s Bay leader through the award of an honorary degree. Sir Selwyn leaves a business legacy, not only through our region but national and internationally.”
