Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
7 minutes ago
Minister for Vocational Education Penny Simmonds visited EIT’s Tairāwhiti campus today to see how the newly independent institute is helping build the region’s future workforce.
During the visit, the Minister, along with East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick, toured several facilities including the Drone Research Lab, Electrical Lab, Hospitality Kitchens and the Trades Training Centre.
Minister for Vocational Education Penny Simmonds with EIT Senior Lecturer Dr Anastasia Mozhaeva at the Tairāwhiti campus.
EIT Chief Executive Lucy Laitinen said the visit was an opportunity to highlight how the institute is supporting regional economic development.
“The Tairāwhiti Economic Plan is clear that building local capability and investing in our people is fundamental to the region’s future. Now that EIT has regained its independence, we are refocusing squarely on the needs of our region,” she said.
“That means responding to industry, whether that’s pioneering new drone technology with partners like the Port, or creating trades pathways for rangatahi through our Trades Academy. We’re committed to strengthening the regional economy by developing the workforce of both today and tomorrow.”
EIT returned to independence on January 1 following amendments in late 2025 to the Education and Training Act 2020, enabling the institute to sharpen its regional focus and strengthen collaboration with industry.
EIT Executive Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Technology John West said the institute was delighted to welcome Hon Penny Simmonds to the Tairāwhiti campus.
“During her visit, the Minister was interested in the organisation’s 2026 enrolment picture, which continues to show a return toward education across our communities with strong enrolments.”
As part of her visit, the Minister learned more about EIT’s emerging drone technology research, led by Dr Anastasia Mozhaeva and developed through a dedicated research lab supported by Trust Tairāwhiti.
John said the work explores how drone technology can be applied to business and industry while helping develop specialist skills in the region.
“Drone technology is a specialised and emerging field, and it’s an area where we see real potential for Tairāwhiti,” he said.
EIT Executive Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Technology John West with Minister for Vocational Education Penny Simmonds EIT’s Tairāwhiti campus.
“While visiting the EIT Drone Research Lab, the Minister shared her observations around the need to connect strongly with industry. She was impressed with what EIT had achieved in an emerging technology area and encouraged us to think broadly around the technology’s application.”
The Minister also met students participating in EIT’s Trades Academy programmes, where secondary school students gain hands-on experience across a range of vocational pathways including automotive, engineering, carpentry, hospitality and electrical trades.
John said demand from local schools for Trades Academy places was strong, with enrolment numbers exceeding funded levels.
“We’ve seen incredibly strong demand from local high schools for students to participate in these programmes, which is great,” he said.
Tairāwhiti Campus Executive Director Tracey Tangihaere said the visit was an opportunity to showcase the work being done in the region.
“It was great to have the Minister here to meet some of our students, staff and community partners and to see the programmes we’re delivering in Tairāwhiti. Students and staff enjoyed talking to Minister Simmonds and sharing their passion and aspirations,” she said.
Workforce development remains a key priority in the Tairāwhiti Economic Plan, with employers continuing to face skills shortages across a range of sectors.
Hon Penny Simmonds said she enjoyed visiting EIT, and it was fantastic to see students, tutors and industry partners in action at the Tairāwhiti campus.
“Touring the Drone Research Lab, Electrical Lab, Hospitality Kitchens and the Trades Training Centre gave me a real sense of the practical learning taking place. It was also great to meet secondary school students taking part in Trades Academy programmes and getting a taste of trades training, which shows the strong relationships EIT has with local schools.
“It’s exciting to see the institute preparing students for today’s jobs while fostering innovation, and it really shows the difference a regionally governed, community-focused polytechnic can make in preparing the workforce of tomorrow.”
