Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
6 minutes ago
(Left to right) Patricia Blake, Katarina Kelly, EIT tutor Paki Dewes and Una Tuhura at EIT Ruatōrea’s learning centre.
EIT Ruatōrea Learning Centre has been providing educational courses in the region since 1980. For many, the courses aren’t just about learning, they’re a chance to make connections in a space of whanaungatanga, support and belonging.
We caught up with three ngā wahine who may be from different places and are at different stages in their life, but they have a common love, not only for carpentry (which is what they are studying) but also for lifelong learning.
Retired kuia, 75-year-old Una Tuhura spent decades working in health and social services but was looking for a fresh challenge and wanted to pursue learning carpentry, which has been a lifelong passion.
“I wanted to do carpentry even when I was at school, but during that time, it wasn’t possible. I didn’t think I would ever have the opportunity to do it at my age, but I’m happy I have”.
64-year-old Patricia Blake (Ngāti Kahungunu), didn’t get out much, didn’t see herself capable of learning new things and was hesitant to try something new, especially something she thought was just designed for rangatahi.
“I put my name down about six months before the course, but I thought EIT would only take students. I used to think I was hopeless at maths, but I’ve learned a lot being on this course.”
56-year-old Katarina Kelly (Ngāti Porou) is no stranger to EIT Ruratōrea Learning Centre but had reservations about joining the Carpentry course.
“I’ve actually done quite a few courses at EIT, it keeps me socialising and motivated, but I always saw this course and thought it was out of my reach with all the paperwork and measurements”.
But nothing could be further from the truth. Everyone agrees that EIT Carpentry Tutor, School of Trades and Technology, Paki Dewes couldn’t be more encouraging and has created a culture focused on learning and problem-solving rather than criticism.
“They started out together enrolling on the BCATS L2 and BCATS L3 and were unfamiliar with anything to do with carpentry but since completing L2 and L3, they’ve all grown in confidence”, shares Paki.
“Using power tools was a big challenge for them as they were apprehensive starting them up, but after some intense training and supervision they are now full of confidence to use any power tool for the various tasks to complete our builds. Their attitude and commitment towards the course have been amazing.”
As well as gaining useful building techniques and practical skills, Patricia says the course has provided a support network, where strong personal connections are developing alongside the learning.
“The people I’m with have helped me a lot, and I’ve developed friendships with strangers.”
Katarina also feels a strong sense of family and community at EIT and appreciates having a place where personal challenges can be left at the door and people are met with aroha.
“EIT has become my wellness space. I don’t have whānau and I live rural so coming here, might be the only time I am with other people, socialising and creating friendships.”
A strong advocate for life-long learning, embracing this new chapter after retirement has changed how Una views the world and she encourages others to pursue study, regardless of your age.
“It’s been a new beginning that’s so worthwhile for me, learning something totally different.”
“You can do wonderful things and make changes at any age, there’s so much value in giving study a go, it’s so worthwhile”.
As we acknowledge World Mental Health Awareness week, we recognise the positive impact institutions like EIT Ruatōrea have on our communities, and how connection is helping ngā tangata lead fuller and happier lives.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/09/eit-ruatorea-a-place-of-akoranga-and-whanaungatanga-for-these-wahine-and-kuia/