The Eastern Institute of Technology, originally established as Hawke’s Bay Community College by Minister of Education Phil Amos on October 4, 1975, was renamed Hawke’s Bay Polytechnic in 1987. In 1996, it adopted its current name to commemorate its 21st anniversary. The Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) is a publicaly-owned institution of higher learning It is often referred to as EIT Hawke’s Bay, EIT Tairāwhiti, and EIT Auckland. EIT serves as the principal center for higher education in the Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne areas. EIT is organized into two faculties. The Faculty of Education, Humanities, and Health Science includes Te Ūranga Waka – Te Whatukura, Toihoukura, and schools dedicated to Education and Social Sciences, Health and Sport Science, and Nursing, along with an Ideaschool. The Faculty of Commerce and Technology features schools focused on Tourism and Hospitality, the English Language Centre, Trades and Technology,
EIT had 10,000 students, including approximately 400 international students from over 40 countries as of 2014. The institution features a Student Village located near the Hawke’s Bay campus. EIT offers a campus-wide wireless network called EIT Anywhere, allowing students to use laptops and mobile devices throughout the campus. The learning management system, EIT Online, enhances communication and interaction among students and staff through online platforms.
EIT Hawke’s Bay hosted the annual Moodle conference in October 2008, featuring keynote speaker Martin Dougiamas, which received positive feedback for its organization and speaker quality. In January 2011, EIT Hawke’s Bay merged with Tairawhiti Polytechnic in Gisborne. On April 1, 2020, it became part of the New Zealand Institute of Skills & Technology, joining 15 other Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics.
The institute operates three campuses located in Hawke’s Bay, Auckland, and Gisborne. The Eastern Institute of Technology features a primary campus that spans 28 hectares (69 acres) in Taradale, a suburb of Napier. This campus is strategically positioned between the twin cities of Napier and Hastings, which together form New Zealand’s fifth largest urban area. Additionally, there are campuses in Tairāwhiti and on Queen Street in Auckland. EIT also maintains learning centers in Hastings, Waipukurau, Ruatoria, Tokomaru Bay, Wairoa, and a center in Maraenui, a suburb of Napier.
