What are the details of EIT Hawke's Bay 2026 graduation ceremonies?

Two ceremonies on April 22, 2026, at Napier Municipal Theatre: 10:30 AM (Veterinary Nursing, Education, Health & Sport) and 2:30 PM. Livestreamed on YouTube with academic regalia.

Who were the 2026 EIT Hawke's Bay valedictorians?

Candice D’Acre (Bachelor of Creative Practice - Fashion, second EIT degree) and Dylan Simonsen (Bachelor of Accounting, immediate job placement). Both Māori, showcasing perseverance.

How many graduates participated in 2026 ceremonies?

Approximately 687 degree and diploma graduates, reflecting EIT's record 2025 enrolments of 11,038 learners.

What programmes does EIT Hawke's Bay offer?

Over 160 qualifications including Bachelor of Accounting, Business Studies, Creative Practice, Veterinary Nursing, Education, Health, Sport Science—hands-on, industry-focused.

What are EIT graduate employability rates?

87% in relevant jobs, 62% in Hawke's Bay; high satisfaction (95%) per recent surveys. Strong regional ties boost outcomes.

How did Cyclone Gabrielle impact EIT Hawke's Bay?

Campus damaged; $10M government funding approved for rebuild, enhancing facilities amid growing enrolments.

Is EIT independent in 2026?

Yes, regains autonomy from Te Pūkenga, enabling region-specific decisions for Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti.

Are there livestreams or recordings of the ceremonies?

Yes, available on EIT's YouTube channel for global viewing.

What support does EIT offer for Māori students?

Cultural programmes, scholarships like Sir James Wattie; valedictorians from Ngāti Porou and Rongomaiwahine highlight success.

How to enrol at EIT Hawke's Bay for 2026?

Programmes filling fast; apply via eit.ac.nz. Flexible options for full-time, part-time, online.

What facilities are at EIT Hawke's Bay campus?

Modern post-rebuild spaces in Taradale, regional centres; focus on practical learning environments.

EIT Hawke's Bay Graduation 2026 Napier

a group of people standing on top of a stage — Photo by Johnnathan Tshibangu on Unsplash

A Milestone Celebration Amid Record Enrolments

The Napier Municipal Theatre buzzed with excitement today as the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) Hawke's Bay campus hosted its 2026 graduation ceremonies. Two sessions—one at 10:30 AM focusing on the Centre of Veterinary Nursing, Schools of Education and Social Work, and Health, Sport & Human Performance, and another at 2:30 PM—saw hundreds of graduates cross the stage. Despite light rain, the atmosphere remained festive, underscoring the resilience of students who navigated challenging times, including the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.

This year's events mark a high point for EIT, following a record-breaking 2025 with 11,038 learners across its campuses, equivalent to 5,125 full-time students (EFTS). Enrolments into 2026 continue to surge, with programmes filling rapidly, reflecting EIT's appeal as Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti's premier tertiary provider.

Graduates celebrating at Napier Municipal Theatre during EIT Hawke's Bay 2026 ceremonies

Spotlight on Exceptional Valedictorians

Two standout valedictorians embodied the spirit of perseverance and ambition. Candice D’Acre (Ngāti Porou), 34, earned this honour for her Bachelor of Creative Practice (Fashion), her second EIT degree after a Bachelor of Business Studies in 2021. As a mother of two, she balanced Kmart shifts, breastfeeding during classes, and received the Sir James Wattie Scholarship. Her fashion label, Athcara, now thrives, with experiences like New Zealand Fashion Week and competitions fueling her PhD aspirations.

Dylan Simonsen (Rongomaiwahine) graduated with a Bachelor of Accounting, already securing a role at a leading Hawke's Bay firm before the ceremony. His early career start highlights EIT's practical focus, preparing students for immediate workforce entry.

Diverse Programmes Driving Student Success

EIT Hawke's Bay offers over 160 qualifications, from certificates to postgraduate levels, spanning business, creative arts, health, veterinary nursing, education, computing, and sport science. Degrees like Bachelor of Accounting, Bachelor of Business Studies, Bachelor of Creative Practice, and Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science equip graduates with hands-on skills. The campus in Taradale, supported by regional centres in Hastings, Maraenui, Central Hawke's Bay, and Wairoa, ensures accessible education.

Today's 687 degree and diploma graduates represent fields critical to regional needs, from nursing to viticulture, aligning with Hawke's Bay's agricultural and tourism economy.

Strong Employability Outcomes

EIT boasts impressive graduate outcomes, with recent surveys showing 87% of employed alumni in roles relevant to their qualifications. Around 62% work in Hawke's Bay, contributing to local industries. For instance, 80-95% programme satisfaction rates underscore the practical, industry-aligned training that leads to high employment—many full-time within months of graduation.

84% job relevance in 2023 survey
97% of 2012 graduates working in New Zealand
Hands-on placements boost readiness

Resilience and Rebuild Post-Cyclone

Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 severely damaged the Taradale campus, yet EIT's recovery exemplifies community strength. Recent Cabinet approval of $10 million from the contingency fund accelerates the rebuild and upgrades, ensuring modern facilities. This investment supports growing enrolments and positions EIT as a hub for sustainable, innovative education in the East Coast region.

Government announcement on EIT rebuild funding

Traditions and Community Spirit

While no formal parade occurred this year due to weather, past ceremonies featured vibrant marches through Napier's Emerson Street, drawing cheers from locals. Livestreams on YouTube allowed global families to join, with academic regalia collection and professional photography capturing memories. Accessibility provisions and guest limits ensured smooth events.

Regaining Independence in New Zealand's Higher Education Landscape

From January 2026, EIT regains full autonomy as one of 10 independent polytechnics, post-Te Pūkenga merger. This shift promises agile decision-making tailored to regional needs, enhancing programme innovation and industry partnerships. EIT's role in Hawke's Bay—producing skilled workers for wine, horticulture, health, and tech—bolsters New Zealand's vocational higher education sector.

Inspiring Stories from Across Disciplines

Beyond valedictorians, graduates like those in veterinary nursing and sport science shared tales of transformation. Many first-in-family achievers, supported by scholarships and flexible study, exemplify EIT's inclusive approach. Māori success, evident in iwi-affiliated valedictorians, aligns with cultural competence initiatives.

Future Outlook: Enrolments Filling Fast

With 2026 programmes open and spots vanishing, EIT eyes expansion in sustainability research, international students, and onshore growth. CEO Lucy Laitinen notes sustained demand post-record year, positioning EIT for continued impact. Graduates today step into a robust job market, armed with credentials valued regionally and nationally.

For those inspired, explore EIT's offerings and join Hawke's Bay's next cohort shaping tomorrow's workforce.