March 23, 2026

#education: Tairāwhiti graduates celebrate milestone at EIT ceremony

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 23, 2026

Graduates from across Tairāwhiti have been celebrated in Gisborne, marking a significant milestone for both students and the region’s tertiary education sector.

Fifty-seven graduates crossed the stage at the War Memorial Theatre in the latest ceremony hosted by the Eastern Institute of Technology, bringing together whānau, community leaders and supporters to acknowledge the achievements of tauira and the journeys behind their qualifications.

The event carried added significance as it was the first Tairāwhiti graduation since the institute re-established itself as a standalone organisation, signalling a renewed focus on regional delivery and local outcomes.

Data from the institute shows that a total of 443 qualifications were completed by Tairāwhiti-based students in 2025. Of those, 73 were degrees or diplomas, while the majority were certificates delivered across a range of programmes and training pathways.

The graduating cohort reflected the diversity of the region, with students ranging in age from 16 through to 76 and an average age of 30. Māori made up the majority of enrolments at 69 percent, alongside a further 7 percent identifying as Pasifika.

Nearly 1,000 students were enrolled at EIT Tairāwhiti during 2025, with a completion rate of 86 percent for those due to finish-exceeding the institute’s overall rate across Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti.

The ceremony also highlighted the role of education in strengthening whānau and communities, with graduates recognised not only for academic success but for the resilience and commitment required to complete their studies.

Community leaders, including local representatives and iwi figures, attended the event alongside guest speakers and student leaders, reinforcing the connection between education, identity and regional development.

The occasion was also a moment of reflection, acknowledging the contribution of longstanding community figures and the importance of leadership and cultural guidance within the graduation process.

For many graduates, the ceremony marked the beginning of the next chapter-moving into employment, further study or returning skills and knowledge back into their communities-underscoring the broader impact of tertiary education across Tairāwhiti.