The Eastern Institute of Technology 40th birthday celebrations began last night with a 21st birthday celebration of Te Ara o Tawhaki - the EIT's marae.
About 300 guests attended the evening. The institute has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1975 and today offers more than 130 qualifications from certificate, diploma to degree and post-graduate level.
It also runs a string of regional learning centres in Hastings, Maraenui, Ruatoria and Tokomaru Bay.
Celebrations continue over the weekend, culminating with an open day at EIT between 11am and 2pm on Sunday.
