Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
19 hours ago
The inaugural meeting of the new EIT Council was held today as EIT celebrated preparations to stand back up as a stand-alone independent polytechnic under local leadership and governance.
The Council met today on the Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale, in readiness for EIT standing back up on 1 January 2026, after the Governor-General signed off the Orders in Council re-establishing regional polytechnics.
Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds announced ministerial appointments to the inaugural governing councils of New Zealand’s ten re-established polytechnics. The Minister noted this was a milestone in returning decision-making and accountability to the regions, restoring local leadership and strengthening connections with communities and industries.
The Minister’s appointments to EIT’s governing council brings together a highly experienced group of inaugural Council members. The new Council knows and understands EIT well, and all are committed to the regions of Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti.
Chair David Pearson brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as EIT Council Chair for 14 years. Chris Collins, as Deputy Chair, served as EIT’s Chief Executive for more than 18 years. Kerry Marshall was a long-serving EIT Corporate Services Director and lecturer, while Tam Tex-Blake brings significant governance experience across the education and primary industry sectors.
The EIT Council met with the goal of overseeing EIT’s stand-up on 1 January 2026.
Chair David Pearson says the Council is “excited and absolutely committed to this task”.
“EIT was widely recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading institutes of technology. Our goal is to see EIT stand back up with that same success and to continue to see EIT grow and develop further.”
“EIT led the way in regional reach and provision in New Zealand, and it did this by focusing on the needs of our communities, iwi, businesses, and industries.”
At the same time, Mr Pearson noted EIT also developed wide ranging international partnerships offshore, all with the aim of supporting delivery into Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti.
“We’re very proud of our regions of Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti. Our goal is to see EIT serving the needs of our people and communities. We’re highly committed to the Minister’s goal of local leadership and governance. We all feel very privileged to have this opportunity to help EIT stand back up.”
At the first meeting, EIT Council members praised the outstanding work of EIT staff and management over the last four years.
“They have faced unprecedented challenges and changes,” says Mr Pearson. “With the reforms, and a cyclone which flooded and closed the Hawke’s Bay campus and impacted both regions, staff and management have been absolutely outstanding. It is a credit to what they have achieved through some very difficult times. Our thanks to Glen Harkness and his team for what they have achieved.”
The meeting was mainly focused on several key initial administrative establishment matters. Mr Pearson says the Council will be making an announcement on the appointment of a new Chief Executive in the coming days.
