The Cabinet has approved $10 million targeted specifically at supporting the rebuild and improvement of the Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale following Cyclone Gabrielle.

As BayBuzz reported in this video at the time, Cyclone Gabrielle caused catastrophic flooding across the campus. About 90 per cent of ground-floor buildings were inundated with floodwater and contaminated silt, damaging more than 500 teaching and support spaces and forcing widespread disruption to learning and operations. 

Many buildings were unusable for months, with teaching delivered across temporary sites throughout Napier and Hastings while repairs progressed. 

EIT Chief Executive Lucy Laitinen commented to BayBuzz: “While we have brought the majority of programmes back onto campus, space remains tight, and a small number of programmes, such as hairdressing and beauty, are still operating from leased premises in Napier. Bringing all programmes back on campus as soon as possible is a priority, as it supports stronger staff and student engagement and will also reduce our operational costs.”

EIT has received only a portion of its insurance proceeds, with claims still not finalised. Completing those insurance claims is a key priority. But insurance funding is not sufficient to fully meet long-term rebuild needs.

Laitinen commented: “To date, decisions have had to be made on a case‑by‑case basis as funds have become available. We are currently undertaking seismic strengthening work in one of our larger buildings and carrying out major refurbishments in others, including the nursing block, while a number of buildings have yet to be addressed.”

EIT Council Chair David Pearson said the Government’s decision was a turning point.

“This funding is a genuine game-changer for EIT. We have rebuilt as much as we could with the resources available, but there have been clear gaps that insurance simply will not be able to cover. This investment gives us certainty as we complete the next stage of our rebuild and plan for the future. I am delighted and deeply appreciative of the Government’s support.”

Chief Executive Lucy Laitinen said the funding comes at a pivotal time as EIT moves forward as an independent institution (from 1 January, reversing the Labour Government’s Te Pūkenga consolidation). 

“Now that we are operating as an independent organisation, we are able to take a more systematic and strategic approach to our capital planning. 

“EIT is well and truly back in business. Our student enrolments are strong across all our campuses, our staff are energised by our independence, and we are reconnecting with local industry and our wider communities to ensure we are meeting their needs.

“We never stopped delivering for our learners, and this investment allows us to focus on rebuilding a campus that is resilient, fit‑for‑purpose, and aligned with Hawke’s Bay’s future skills needs.

“We are grateful to Minister Penny Simmonds for her support and to our local MPs, regional leaders, and the wider community for their advocacy for EIT and their continued support. 

“Our staff have been through a tough time over the last few years with COVID, the Te Pūkenga, and the Cyclone and it was fantastic to share this good news  today before staff head off to an Easter break after a busy first quarter.”