Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
32 minutes ago
Two graduates of EIT’s Services Pathway programme, Vae Kitiona and Keighan Hikawai (Ngāti Kahungunu), have experienced the trip of a lifetime as part of a New Zealand Army deployment to Antarctica.
Twenty-year-old Vae, and Keighan, 19, enlisted as Movement Operators, a role that sees them deploy worldwide, providing logistical support to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and other nations’ armed forces.
In January, they were deployed to Antarctica and stationed at McMurdo Station, for six weeks to support the unloading of supplies from ships ahead of the off-season on the ice continent.
For Vae, this deployment was particularly meaningful.
“This was my first big exercise, and I was so grateful to be chosen for it. It’s one of the reasons I picked this trade—I knew it would give me the chance to travel.”
She also enjoyed the camaraderie and the opportunity to engage in different activities during downtime.
“On days off, we could explore activity trails, play sports with the Americans, or even watch movies. It was an amazing experience.”
Keighan Hikawai (Ngāti Kahungunu) was one of two graduates from EIT’s Services Pathway programme to be deployed to Antarctica with the New Zealand Defence Force.
Keighan described the trip as both challenging but rewarding.
“The deployment was an amazing experience. It is a destination not many people get to visit. Antarctica is freezing, but the best part was working with my peers,” says Keighan who has further deployments in her sights for 2025.
She has already participated in missions abroad, including a deployment to Fiji, where she assisted in logistics and personnel movement for returning gunners.
“I love my job. I’ve finished all my training, so now I’m just keen to deploy more and get more experience.”
Both women credit EIT for helping them secure their roles in the Army so quickly.
Vae, who attended William Colenso College, and Keighan, who attended Karamū High School, both completed the NZ Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Services Pathway) (Level 3) at EIT in 2023.
The programme helps students achieve their goal of joining the Armed Forces and Police. In July of that same year, they had already received their acceptance letters into the Army.
“Without EIT and my instructors, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Keighan said. “They taught me what to expect and guided me through the application process.”
Vae echoed this, emphasising the ongoing support from her tutors.
“They’d check in and give me extra steps to make sure I got in. I’m so grateful.”
Tutor Andrew McCrory expressed his pride in their achievements.
“These ladies were awesome students when they completed the Services Pathway programme in 2023. It’s great to see them now deploying around the world.”
