Māori and Pasifika Student Support

The role of the Pouwhirinaki Staff is to provide on-campus support for Māori and Pasifika students studying at EIT | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. We achieve this by providing a confidential setting for students to discuss their educational needs.

The Pouwhirinaki aims to encourage participation, retention and success of Māori and Pasifika students.

Pouwhirinaki Services aim to:-

  • Provide cultural support and pastoral care
  • Provide a confidential setting where students are able to come in and talk freely

We will support students with:

  • Iwi grants and Māori Scholarships
  • Mihi and basic te reo
  • Access to course required texts
  • Academic mentoring
  • Filling out forms
  • Studylink for student loans and allowances
  • Tangihanga support
  • Provide information and support for students dealing with unacceptable behavior

Hawke’s Bay Campus

The Pouwhirinaki office is located in B Block. Feel free to come and visit us anytime during the office hours, if we are not available you can make an appointment at the service desk.

Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 3:00pm

Pouwhirinaki 

Atawhai McDonnell-Toto
Phone: 06 830 1059
Email: AMcDonnellToto@eit.ac.nz
Office: Te Pae Hono

 

 

Tautua Studylink and Pasifika Support Officer

Arohaina Tupuola
Phone: 06 830 1342
Email: ATupuola@eit.ac.nz
Office: Te Pae Hono

Tairāwhiti Campus

The Pouwhirinaki staff are located in the Student Support Services offices in R Block.

Hours
The team are available Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm, or contact them below to make an appointment.

Pouwhirinaki Staff

Student Wellbeing Advisor
Nikki Keepa
email hihaka@eit.ac.nz 

Phillipa Harrison
Student Support Advisor
Phone: 06 869 0810 ext. 7331
Email: pharrison@eit.ac.nz

Payton Latimer 
Student Support Advisor – Pacific Learners
Email: platimer@eit.ac.nz

Simone Shivnan-Ruru
Student Support Advisor – Disability and International Learners
Email: sshivnan@eit.ac.nz