Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
1 day ago
An EIT graduate who rebuilt his life after a serious spinal injury is one step closer to becoming the physiotherapist he never had, following a study pathway through sport and exercise programmes.
Mason Moeke (Ngāi Takoto, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu) began studying at EIT in 2024, first with the NZ Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) before completing the NZ Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise last year.
Mason, who had been working as a truck driver, said his decision to study came after a spinal injury in 2021 left him struggling both physically and mentally.
Sport and exercise graduate Mason Moeke credits his journey at EIT for believing a career in physiotherapy was possible.
“It left me in quite a bad state. I went through chronic depression and feeling like I didn’t belong,” he says.
“I was talking to my friend one day, and I changed my mindset. I made a conscious choice that right then and there, I was going to change my life and my way of living.”
With no formal background in exercise, he began slowly reintroducing movement into his daily routine, rebuilding his strength consistently over time.
“Honestly, it took me probably about a good year of being consistent, implementing small changes into my daily life to get off my crutches and onto a walking stick, and then off the walking stick. When I got to that point, I felt really accomplished. But I felt like, why stop here? I’ve got so much more to look forward to.”
That realisation led him to EIT, where Lecturer Ormond Heather played a key role in reassuring him that, despite his injury, a career in health and fitness was within reach.
“The way he explained it to me, it lit that spark of reassurance back in me.”
He and a friend turned up expecting an information session and ended up staying for the first day of class. “We were surrounded by good people and had a great support team.”
Alongside his studies, Mason also worked as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at the Strength Room in Havelock North.
It was during this time that his ambition grew beyond personal training, inspired by Physiotherapist and EIT PASM Lecturer Lee-Anne Taylor.
“She was amazing at what she did. I really looked up to her and wanted to follow the same path. She helped guide me.”
Mason has since been accepted into the Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Wintec in Hamilton, where he began his four-year degree last month.
He can’t speak highly enough of EIT.
“There’s a great support system at EIT. If you give 100 per cent, those lecturers will give you 1000. I can’t thank those who were involved with my learning enough; they’ve been a huge part of my growth. I highly recommend EIT to anybody wanting to further their studies. No matter what it is.”
His long-term goal is to return to Hawke’s Bay and establish a physiotherapy business deeply rooted in Māori and Pasifika culture, and accessible, affordable and welcoming to those who might not otherwise seek help.
“I want to be the physio that I didn’t have. The person to help bring that light back into people’s lives and actually feel like they belong.”
Throughout the journey, his mother and three sisters have been his greatest source of support.
“My mum and my three sisters have been my backbone through everything, from my injury all the way up until now.”
Reflecting on his journey, Mason says what once felt like his darkest moment has ultimately shaped his purpose.
“At that point in time when I had my injury, it was really dark. But now I look at it, it is sort of a blessing because without the injury happening, or EIT, I would not be in the position I am today.”
Lecturer Lee-Anne Taylor says: “We all noticed in the level 5 qualification that Mason was bright and keen, but probably didn’t believe that.
As he worked through the year, the more belief he had in himself, the greater he excelled.
“It was so heartwarming to see his growth, the culture and connection he brought to the classroom and overall, how far he journeyed. We are looking forward to watching him grow further and look forward to seeing what he will accomplish.”
