EIT farewells respected Executive Director of Māori
EIT farewells respected Executive Director of Māori
EIT has farewelled its respected Executive Director, Poutahu – Māori, Tuhakia Keepa, who
has moved on to new opportunities.
Tuhakia, who has been in the role since 2014, has driven EIT’s strategy to engage and uplift
Māori students and also ensured there has been a strong focus on honouring Te Tiriti o
Waitangi principles. He has also helped adapt and transform EIT into a provider that reflects
and celebrates te ao Māori .
A major milestone that Tuhakia engaged in recently was EIT’s Te Pae Tawhiti self-evaluation
report where valuable feedback was received to ensure EIT’s services work well and respond
to the needs of Māori learners and their whānau, as well as the aspirations of the local iwi and
Māori communities.
Tuhakia, who is of Te Aitanga a Māhaki, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti
Ruanui descent, has also been influential in formulating engagement plans for Māori in the
new Te Pūkenga network of polytechnics.
At a farewell function on EIT’s Hawke’s Bay Campus last week, EIT Chief Executive Chris
Collins thanked Tuhakia for his contribution to EIT.
“Tuhakia has provided outstanding leadership across the institution, influencing thinking and
changing practises, and has put in place strategies that advance Māori success in our mahi.
We’ve still got a long way to go, but he has made a real difference and we shall miss his
friendship, and leadership.”
“He goes onto new opportunities with all our blessings.”
Tuhakia said he had enjoyed his time at EIT and believed that EIT’s strength was that its
people came from the community it served and it was part of that community.
EIT is a member of the Steering Group who worked on the Matariki Hawke’s Bay Regional Development Strategy (HBRDS).
Supporting our businesses and sectors to grow; and to be innovative, productive, sustainable and inclusive is key Pou 4 of
Matariki HBRDS.
Photos EIT’S respected Executive Director, Poutahu – Māori, Tuhakia Keepa (left) was
farewelled by EIT Chief Executive Chris Collins at a function recently.
Mana Ake