EIT has taken a welcome step back to normalcy with its new local governance team now in place and, as of next 19 January, a new Chief Executive.

The new EIT Council held its inaugural meeting this week as EIT prepares to ‘return’ as a stand-alone independent polytechnic under local leadership and governance officially on 1 January 2026, after the Governor-General signed off the Orders in Council re-establishing regional polytechnics.

Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds has appointed a highly experienced group of inaugural Council members who know and understand EIT well.

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.

Chair David Pearson commented: “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. 

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 Council has moved promptly to put its own stamp on the institution, by naming Lucy Laitinen as Chief Executive, beginning 19 January. Lucy is the former Chief Executive of Anglican Care Waiapu and more recently led the Hawke’s Bay Regional Economic Development Agency.

Lucy has HB roots and is active in community initiatives. She chairs Connect Community Trust, which operates Kuhu Mai, the community hub for the homeless, in Hastings, and serves on the Sacred Heart College school board.

She commented: “Our regions face serious skills shortages, and our industries are evolving rapidly. At the same time, living standards and educational attainment across Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti remain below the national average. There is a clear link between educational attainment and higher incomes and improved regional economic performance.

“Our challenge will be to lift learner success, particularly for Māori, strengthen industry partnerships, and offer flexible, relevant learning for all ages so we can start to turn those dials.”