Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
23 seconds ago
The Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) has welcomed Cabinet’s approval of $10 million from the Government’s contingency fund to support the rebuild and improvement of its Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale following Cyclone Gabrielle.
Cabinet’s decision, announced yesterday, follows the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023, which resulted in catastrophic flooding across the campus.
About 90 per cent of ground-floor buildings were inundated with floodwater and contaminated silt, damaging more than 500 teaching and support spaces and forcing widespread disruption to learning and operations.
Many buildings were unusable for months, with teaching delivered across temporary sites throughout Napier and Hastings while repairs progressed.
EIT has since worked to restore campus functionality, using limited insurance proceeds to carry out essential remediation and keep programmes running. While significant progress has been made, insurance funding has not been sufficient to fully meet long-term rebuild needs.
EIT Chief Executive Lucy Laitinen (left) and Council Chair David Pearson have welcomed Government funding to support the rebuild and improvement of the institute’s Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale.
EIT Council Chair David Pearson said the Government’s decision was a turning point.
“This funding is a genuine game-changer for EIT. We have rebuilt as much as we could with the resources available, but there have been clear gaps that insurance simply will not be able to cover.
“This investment gives us certainty as we complete the next stage of our rebuild and plan for the future. I am delighted and deeply appreciative of the Government’s support.”
EIT acknowledged the support of Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills Hon Penny Simmonds, along with local MPs, regional leaders, iwi partners and the wider community, who supported the institute through its recovery and return to independence following the disestablishment of Te Pūkenga.
Chief Executive Lucy Laitinen said the funding comes at a pivotal time as EIT moves forward as an independent institution.
“EIT is well and truly back in business. Our student enrolments are strong, our staff are energised by our independence, and we are reconnecting with local industry and our wider communities to ensure we are meeting their needs. This funding will help fill critical gaps in our rebuild and ensure our Taradale campus can continue to serve Hawke’s Bay for generations to come.”
She said the recovery reflects the commitment and resilience of staff, students and supporters across the region.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received through thick and thin from government, our local MPs, regional and civic leaders, iwi, industry partners and the community. We never stopped delivering for our learners, and this investment allows us to focus on rebuilding a campus that is resilient, fit for purpose, and aligned with Hawke’s Bay’s future skills needs.”
The funding will enable EIT to accelerate rebuilding work, improve campus infrastructure, and strengthen its long-term sustainability as Hawke’s Bay’s regional institute of technology.
