Hirata Titcombe achieved a significant life milestone on 15 April 2025
when she proudly graduated with an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)
a journey that brought decades of life and leadership experience full circle
Hirata Titcombe graduating with an Executive Master of Business Administration
the EMBA wasn’t just about gaining a qualification
“I’d been carrying an incomplete degree from my 20s
The timing felt right to finish what I started
but to do it in a way that recognised the years of experience I’d gained along the way,” she explains
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s EMBA programme provided the perfect fit
it allowed Hirata to blend academic rigour with real-life application
deepened my thinking and ultimately made me a better leader
Her goals remain focused on senior leadership roles in business
grounded in Te Ao Māori and contemporary world-class strategy.”
Hirata’s vision extends beyond personal success
paying it forward starts at home with those closest to her
“One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been the ongoing kōrero with my daughter
who’s currently studying at Otago University
she had no plans to continue her studies beyond her current degree
she’s now seriously thinking about doing her master’s in nutrition and dietetics at Massey
with an ongoing passion for making a difference for Māori
That shift in her thinking means a lot to me.”
Hirata deliberately chose Massey over other institutions
“While another university was just up the road
I was drawn to Massey’s reputation for nurturing Māori excellence
and Whaea Mavis Mullins have all contributed to that legacy
work responsibilities and whānau life required a programme that worked with her reality
“Their awhi and tautoko went far beyond financial support
They created an academic space where I could be unapologetically Māori
While Hirata was involved in a wide range of Te Rau Angitū initiatives
she says the deeper impact of the programme is what has stayed with her most
but what truly mattered was how the programme made me feel: seen and heard
regardless of where I was on my Te Ao Māori journey
I felt empowered to submit work grounded in Te Ao Māori with greater confidence on topics that held deep personal significance
That process not only affirmed my identity but stretched my thinking in ways that continue to shape me
I remain immensely proud of the work I produced.”
Highlights of Hirata’s EMBA journey included a noho marae at Te Rau Karamū Marae
where tauira learned from Māori academics about research
study strategies and mental health through a rugby lens
a symposium featuring stories from Māori PhD candidates that left her humbled and inspired
Zoom sessions with guest speakers who kept her motivated
and support on her final EMBA paper that helped her achieve an A grade
Her journey culminated at Massey’s Whakapōtaetanga (Māori Graduation)
spiritual and affirming - the perfect way to finish my EMBA.”
Hirata’s advice to future students is clear
If you’re thinking about studying at Massey
especially as a Māori or Pacific professional
know that there’s a whānau there to support you
lean on the people and bring your whole self to the table
Learn more about Executive Master of Business Administration programme below:
Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts (honoris causa) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to both the Pacific and global art scenes
Artist and new PhD graduate Dr Rebecca Ora embarked on a transformative journey for her doctoral research with Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University
Jamie Ogilvy is exploring the intersection of weightlifting and Mana Wāhine values
Email: contact@massey.ac.nzPhone (NZ): 0800 627739Phone (International): +64 6 350 5701Text: 5222
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The College of Sciences has launched a new webinar series aimed at bringing science to the forefront of the conversation in a way that’s both accessible and engaging
The expert-led discussions are designed to meet the audience where they are
using everyday language to tackle timely and relevant topics
and equip viewers with the knowledge needed to understand the current state of the world
each episode is intended to fit into busy schedules
The first season
covers a wide range of topics including the future of artificial intelligence
navigating the challenges of climate change
the role of computer science in modern life
the impact of natural disasters on construction and the connection between data
Head of School of Food Technology and Natural Sciences Professor Jamie Quinton says it’s more important than ever for people to engage with science to navigate new challenges
“We live in an information-saturated society that can feel overwhelming
and distinguishing fact from fiction is becoming more difficult
That’s where science plays a crucial role – it’s the key to understanding the world around us
Cultivating the future with Professor Chris Anderson
Professor Anderson tackles the big challenges of this day and age
he discusses the question of how to feed the world in the age of climate change
He also covers Aotearoa New Zealand’s approach to agriculture
Feed your mind, feed the future with Dr Charles Diako
Food Technologist Dr Diako explores the foods of the future
offering insights into the innovative developments shaping what we’ll eat in years to come
Discover how you can contribute to the evolution of food technology and play an active role in influencing the future of our diets and food systems
Computer Science is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes
Researchers Dr Rachel Blagojevic and Dr Amjed Tahir delve into the transformative role of computer science in today’s world
they share their expertise in software engineering
offering insights into how these fields are shaping the future of technology
Post disaster reconstruction with Professor Regan Potangaroa
a seasoned structural engineer with an extensive career in construction
as he shares his experiences from over 200 humanitarian deployments across 22 countries
Professor Potangaroa discusses his impactful visits to regions affected by natural and humanitarian disasters
offering a firsthand look at the critical role of engineering in disaster response and recovery efforts
Deciphering thoughts: journey towards brainwave communication using AI with Dr Yi Wang
Dr Yi Wang takes us on an exploration of the exciting possibilities that AI may offer in the future
delving into its potential to transform industries
He covers some of his current research in the fields of computer science and artificial intelligence
Big Data and its use in Climate Change and Disease Mapping
big data is explored for its use in climate change and disease mapping
Distinguished Professor Robert McLachlan shares how big data is being leveraged to better understand and address climate change
Associate Professor Jonathan Marshall shares insights into his research on the modelling of Campylobacter bacterial transmission through food
shedding light on the critical role of data in public health and food safety
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s College of Sciences are hosting a series of webinars over the next two months to showcase science at Massey and encourage increased participation in the sciences subjects
Senior Lecturer Dr Charles Diako recently returned to Aotearoa New Zealand after three weeks of teaching at Jiangnan University
has been awarded the Te Rangaunua Hiranga Māori Award by the Royal Society Te Apārangi
Henderson-Massey locals have more than 230 parks and reserves in their area and their views are needed to help shape how they are managed for the next decade
The feedback will help to develop the draft Henderson-Massey Local Parks Management Plan
which will guide the management of all parks and reserves
Henderson-Massey Local Board chair Chris Carter encourages residents to give feedback on what you value about our parks
the key issues you believe the local board should focus on
and how you’d like to use your parks now and into the future
“The plan describes how people use and value our parks
and things to consider before upgrading or developing a park
The plan aims to guide day-to-day management in local parks in a way that reflects the values of mana whenua and the community
Chair Carter says it will be an important document that will guide decisions on local parks for the next decade
“We will refer to the plan in many instances
such as when we approve events or grant leases to groups using parks.”
The consultation period runs from 1 May to 1 June 2025
About 20 per cent of local parks in the Henderson-Massey Local Board area are not covered by an existing management plan
Management of the remaining 80 per cent of local parks falls under 14 separate plans which are 15 years old or more
The new plan covering all local parks will provide a consistent approach to park management
Have your say online
collect a physical form from your local library and return it using one of these options:
the submissions will be analysed and a summary of feedback will be available by late 2025
Submissions from the consultation period will help to form the draft plan
which is expected to be completed and available for feedback in early 2027
This will be followed by a hearing in mid-2027
where any submitter can speak to their submission in person
Want to stay up to date with all the latest news from Henderson-Massey
Sign up for the Henderson-Massey Local Board E-News and get the latest direct to your inbox each month. You can also connect with us on Facebook
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Nicholle Bailey and Jess Massey found themselves united in a shared goal following the suspected suicide of a Olympic cyclist Olivia Podmore: to tell the truth for their friend
Nicholle Bailey rounded the corner of the grocery aisle at Cambridge Countdown and stopped in her tracks
she cursed the poor timing of her evening supermarket run
The woman before her offered a polite "hello"
which was enough to tip an incensed Bailey over the edge
"I told her to 'stay the f*** away from me' and said she was just a trouble-making bitch," Bailey says
To athletes within Cycling New Zealand's elite programmes
Jess Massey was who you wanted by your side in a crisis - she was the problem-solver
managing the eye-watering logistics of getting 30 athletes and staff
60 bike boxes and 100 cubic metres of equipment around the world for any given event
the Cycling NZ campaign manager was overly officious
had been spreading wild rumours about her husband
and appeared hellbent on destroying his career
"I didn't react," Massey says of the confrontation in late 2016
Because I totally knew at that point the depth of the lies and manipulation."
the two women sit side-by-side in the cramped public gallery of courtroom seven of the Hamilton District Court
at the 2024 inquest into the death of Olympic cyclist Olivia Podmore
grief and competing narratives of the past decade
Earlier that week - as New Zealand sport was still basking in the afterglow of the triumphant Paris Olympic campaign - Massey and Bailey had each taken the stand, and turned the spotlight on some of the darker elements of high performance sport
Together, their testimony was crucial in exposing what two major inquiries into Cycling New Zealand and the wider high performance sports system had failed to reveal - the horrifying extent of what Podmore endured in a programme that was utterly dysfunctional
but the circumstances meant that not all the facts were brought forward and the realities were watered down and minimised or hidden," Bailey says
it's been really critical this time that all of those things can be brought out into the open and addressed fully and properly
"It's just really f***ing sad that it's taken this to get there."
The sleek carbon-fibre machines used by the elite cyclists are a fixed gear without a freewheel
riders ease off the pedals and let gravity and the steep banks of the velodrome do its work
But there is no way to come to an immediate stop
Jess Massey was worried things were happening too fast for Olivia Podmore
Massey had known the prodigiously talented young rider since she was 14
when Podmore was invited to attend a national age-grade camp in Invercargill
had caught the eye of the selectors after her audacious performances at national championships that year
Podmore was a cycling "unicorn" who excelled in both sprint and endurance events on the track
at the 2015 junior world championships in Kazakhstan
that Massey got to observe Podmore up close in a pressure environment
The young rider's performances in Kazakhstan
where she won silver in the team sprint and bronze in the 500m time trial
put her on the radar of the national coaches
who saw her as a strong prospect for the Olympics
But it was what was happening off the track in Kazakhstan that concerned Massey
who worked at Cycling New Zealand for 10 years
says she saw red flags in the way the usually gregarious Podmore shut down "socially and emotionally" after being told she would not ride the scratch race - an event she believed she was capable of winning
Team officials had reasoned Podmore had already had strong success at the meet
and made the decision to give the start to another athlete who had yet to compete
given the cyclists' families had shelled out a lot of money for the athletes to be there
Massey believed Podmore's inability to cope with the disappointment of missing the event was a sign of a lack of emotional maturity
In a "hotwash" debrief with fellow team officials
Massey flagged her concerns that the then-17 year-old was not ready to be taken away from her family and support network in Christchurch and thrust into the cut-throat environment of Cycling New Zealand's elite track programme
High performance sport is challenging enough for any young athlete
but Massey was also acutely aware that the culture within the centralised training environment in Cambridge was deeply unhealthy
For much of the previous year she had been documenting concerns about the repeated misconduct of one of the coaches
including her unease about an "inappropriately close relationship" the coach had formed with one of the female athletes
Massey's concerns about Podmore's emotional readiness for the high performance environment were ignored
She was fast-tracked into the national sprint team
following a tug of war between Cycling New Zealand's sprint and endurance coaches for her talents
Initially it appeared to be going well for Podmore
Just months after joining the squad she was selected for the 2016 Rio Olympics
where she was the second youngest athlete in the 199-strong New Zealand Olympic team
Massey's fears for Podmore's wellbeing were realised
At a pre-Olympic training camp in Bordeaux
inadvertently exposed an affair between a coach and athlete
The young rider had reported her teammate missing late one night after she failed to return to the team hotel after going for a ride into town
Just as team officials were gathering in the lobby to go and search for the athlete
she returned in a taxi alongside the coach
The "highly inebriated" pair were seen kissing
it all unravelled pretty quickly after that," says Massey
"That was the start of her being targeted and bullied
Massey had strongly advocated for the coach to be sent home
Massey herself was sent back to New Zealand
when the coaching and high performance staff closed ranks
Massey says she was told it would be a "conflict of interest" for her to remain with the team for the Rio Games
Podmore would head off to her first Olympics
facing intolerable bullying from within her own team
Her insight into what was happening within the Cycling New Zealand environment was largely filtered through her husband and what she describes as "an old boys' network" of coaching and support staff
She became even more removed from what was happening in the sport after separating from her husband in 2017
and returning to her hometown in Australia while the coach "worked on himself"
Bailey came to the decision that she couldn't keep her life on hold any longer
She enrolled in further study at the University of Waikato and returned home
Bailey soon began to see signs that things were amiss
but it wasn't until the team were away at the Commonwealth Games in April that she finally learned the truth
A friend who was connected to the squad called Bailey to tell her of the escalating tensions on the Gold Coast amid another dysfunctional campaign
The cause of the disquiet: an ongoing relationship between her estranged husband and one of the athletes
Bailey immediately got in touch with Cycling New Zealand chief executive Andrew Matheson. She says he told her he had been aware of the relationship "for quite some time", but said he was unable to do anything unless Podmore stepped forward and made a formal complaint. (In his evidence to the inquest
Matheson told the court he did not recall this conversation with Bailey.)
What happened next remains one of Bailey's biggest regrets
She becomes emotional as she tells how she texted Podmore and asked if she would be willing to catch up for a coffee
"I just have so much guilt for dragging her further into this," she says
"There's so many times I've gone back and thought about that decision and I regret it so much
because that then brought a whole other shitstorm onto her
who was at that point just a few weeks shy of her 21st birthday
She went to the Cambridge home Bailey had spent two years painstakingly renovating
I spent some of the worst years of my life there
but I absolutely loved that house," says Bailey
Sitting in the large open-plan living room
the light gleaming off the newly polished concrete floors
Podmore would spend the next two hours shattering what was left of the facade of perfect order
Podmore recounted the events in Bordeaux and the bullying and intimidation that followed
She told Bailey how she had been blamed for the disruption in the camp in the lead-up to Rio and pressured to lie to protect the coach and athlete
even after complying and "covering up" for the pair
she remained the target of ridicule in the team
and how many people she had slept with on an almost daily basis
How her attempts to talk to support staff about the impact the environment was having on her would get back to the coach and the information used against her
"Don't let the crazy out," the coach would taunt her
And how she had been systematically disadvantaged in the programme
being denied access to the same top-of-the-line equipment that her teammates were
"I remember sitting opposite her and just being so stunned by how brave she was
Because I had been fed this story that she was this crazy person
she was young and silly - a pain in the arse
her view of events had been seen through the prism of her husband
But the more Podmore spoke the more things clicked into place
and the walls of alternate reality Bailey had been living came crumbling down
Then she remembered Jess Massey's words to her at the supermarket that evening back in late 2016 - "one day you'll see the truth"
Bailey reckons it took about three days for her to summon up the right words that could convey to Massey her deep sense of remorse
"It was one of the hardest things I've ever written," says Bailey
Massey knew little of what was going on in the cycling bubble at that time
having made a concerted effort to leave the toxicity behind when she went on maternity leave in early 2018
She was in Samoa on holiday with her partner and four-month old baby when a message from Bailey popped up on her phone
"It must have been 300 words long," laughs Massey
sitting next to Bailey on the terrace of her rural home
I treated you so badly and you never deserved any of it
It has taken me two years to see through the bullshit'
"From that moment we were reconnected again."
Bailey wasn't the only one to be deeply affected by the conversation at her house that day
Podmore made an arrangement to meet with Matheson and make a formal complaint about the coach
The coach resigned and in the public fallout that followed as details of the dysfunction in the sport were reported in the media
HPSNZ launched a major inquiry into Cycling New Zealand
The investigation - headed up by former solicitor general Mike Heron KC - revealed "sinister and distressing examples of bullying"
a lack of accountability and a culture where poor behaviour was accepted by those deemed critical to the success of the programme
Those same narratives Bailey had bought into not so long ago
she was now experiencing from the other side
She had officially joined the ranks of "crazy women"
bitter ex-wife who was out to screw over her cheating husband," recalls Bailey
which it couldn't be further from the truth - it doesn't change the facts of what was brought forward
An independent investigator found clear failures by a number of people
then they should question their own motivations
During the final days of the protracted inquest last week, forensic psychiatrist Dr Erik Monasterio zeroed in on the psychological impact of speaking out about an organisation
who is assisting coroner Louella Dunn as an independent expert witness
told the court that the research shows whistleblowers inevitably "don't do well"
"What happens when people release information about a person or organisation
"We know that people who are whistleblowers carry a significant burden
and there are considerable risks of serious psychological distress thereafter."
who says she has also paid the price for speaking up
"For both Liv and I for the three years post the reviews
we definitely felt tarnished by this whistleblower thing
it was pretty easy to work out where the information had come from," says Massey
"I think professionally I got pushed sideways the moment I started speaking up around anyone in senior leadership positions
If I had a differing view to the coaching network or the way [HPSNZ] was handling something I wasn't heard or listened to
I was marginalised and made to think I was the one with the problem."
the psychological scars of that period did not fully become evident until early 2021 when she returned to work after the birth of her second child
She says she found certain conversations around the office
particularly among staff who seemed to lack an understanding of what it was like to live through the dark era of the sport
Massey sought out help through Cycling New Zealand's employee assistance programme and was soon diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from her repeated attempts to get officials to act
leading to her being sidelined and ostracized
I thought Liv was in a much better place than me," she says
"But she was very good at hiding and deflecting what was going on."
spending days at the beach "getting way too burnt" and the odd night "probably drinking way too much"
"We obviously got to know each other through quite unusual circumstances
She was like my little sister," says Bailey
magnetic person that you could possibly imagine
Bailey could see Podmore's spark beginning to fade as she dealt with the crushing disappointment of missing selection for the Tokyo Olympics
Podmore once again sat down in Bailey's living room and made another confronting disclosure
"She was sitting right there," Bailey says
somberly nodding to the couch in the living room of the rural home she shares with her new husband
"She told me she was having suicidal thoughts
"I was really concerned and I remember asking if she was getting any professional help [which she was]
what sort of things she was talking to them about
but she also turned the page on the conversation quite quickly."
Bailey says she was comforted that Podmore had been referred to an external psychologist and was getting professional support outside of the high performance system
She was also comforted that despite lows Podmore was experiencing
there were moments when she was her old mischievous self
while she was in hospital following another episode of a heart arrhythmia
Podmore entertained herself by causing chaos on a local community Facebook group
Podmore posted on the Cambridge Grapevine an urgent plea to residents to keep an eye out for her miniature donkey
who had mysteriously disappeared from her pen overnight
She speculated that Mavis may have been stolen
The story of Mavis' disappearance seemed to capture the whole town
A few days later Podmore posted the good news that Mavis had been found safe and well
The post attracted more than 500 reactions from the relieved townsfolk
The saga kept Podmore's friends entertained for days
What Bailey and Podmore's other close friends did not know was the repeated episodes of heart arrhythmia in 2021 were likely a physical manifestation of her mental distress
Medical evidence presented at the inquest revealed Podmore had disclosed to three health practitioners that she was experiencing suicidal ideation
But the events of 9 August 2021 were a shock to everyone
Just hours after the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Olympic Games
Podmore was found dead in her Cambridge flat
Bailey received a bewildering phone call from a mutual friend who had seen a post on Podmore's Instagram page and was worried "she might have done something"
Bailey began frantically trying to call Podmore
When she didn't get an answer she jumped in her car and raced to the young athlete's flat
There she joined a shellshocked group of Podmore's other close friends at the front of the home
"When we got confirmation that she was gone
I can't even tell you what that did to me," Bailey sobs
She was laid up on the couch recovering from surgery and could only "tag team" with other friends making attempts to phone Podmore
before a neighbour who worked in the emergency services knocked on Massey's door and told her the devastating news
Massey did not attend Podmore's funeral in Christchurch
She says she was wrongly told by her bosses that Podmore's family had requested that no one from Cycling New Zealand be there
She instead watched a livestream of the funeral at Cycling New Zealand's offices at the Cambridge velodrome that had for so long been the scene of Podmore's torment
"I don't think I set foot in that building again [after the funeral]."
Massey says she met with chief executive Jacques Landry and handed in her resignation
She would see out her notice working remotely
Massey's final piece of work for the organisation she had worked for for more than a decade was compiling the information and documentation required for a second major inquiry into Cycling New Zealand
which had been prompted by allegations in the wake of Podmore's death that the sport still did not take athlete welfare seriously
then she closed her laptop and walked away
Massey was the first witness to be called in the inquest before coroner Louella Dunn
which captured headlines in New Zealand and around the world
the then-teen's role in the Bordeaux scandal and subsequent inquiry had been widely reported
But Massey offered a gripping play-by-play account of the chaos and confusion playing out behind the scenes
The former team manager methodically outlined the events in Bordeaux and the aftermath
offering searing insights into the actions
Despite being at the coal face of the issues during the critical 2016-2018 period
Massey only became involved in the investigation by the coroner's office after Bailey recommended they speak with her
"When the coroner's office finally got in touch they said
'Jess your name does not come up in anything we've been given'," she says
"I find that really strange given the number of reports I have compiled for Cycling New Zealand over the years
that none of this reached the coroner until someone else mentioned me."
Bailey followed with her evidence on day two
she delved deeper into the details of the bullying Podmore experienced
including the devastating revelation that she was taunted by her coach just minutes before she made her Olympic debut
even though her ex-husband has been granted permanent name suppression
I didn't speak out publicly because I would have been written off as 'oh that's just the bitter ex-wife talking'
"But also I think of Liv's last message [on social media]
I feel like she was saying 'I'm passing over the baton - someone has to do this
So I feel like this time I had to do it for her."
Massey too elected to forgo name suppression
making her identity public for the first time after a decade of trying to drive change behind the scenes
She reasoned that stepping forward into the light would ensure the full story could be told
without the need to launder crucial details that may have identified her
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A harrowing inquest has revealed the disturbing truth about the Olympic cyclist's treatment within her sport
The inquest into the death of the young athlete came to an emotional conclusion as her family addressed the court
left vulnerable from bullying within Cycling New Zealand
per week3194m²569m²FAMILY HOME IN MASSEYFAMILY HOME IN MASSEY
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owned and operated by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University
have been a cornerstone of the industry for over 35 years
They provide a platform for producers to network
Entries for the New Zealand Food Awards are open 1-30 May
Aotearoa New Zealand’s most innovative food and beverage producers - it’s your time to shine by entering the 2025 New Zealand Food Awards.
proudly owned and operated by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University
innovation and sustainability across the nation’s food and beverage sector and are widely respected for their credibility
The Awards showcase the full range of the industry, including fast-moving consumer goods, ingredient suppliers, primary producers, artisan creators and everything in between. Organisers are encouraging businesses of all sizes to enter and share the stories that set them apart between 1-30 May
creativity and key people behind each food product
Chair of the New Zealand Food Awards Governance Board and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Massey’s College of Sciences
says the awards are an important celebration of Kiwi technology and innovation
and New Zealand’s leadership in developing healthy and sustainable foods
that supplies much of the world with our various products
the New Zealand Food Awards plays a critical role in showcasing and highlighting local leaders
global brands and important food advancements.Massey has long been the home of food technology teaching
research and industry partnerships in New Zealand
Our record in supporting and contributing to growing the NZ food industry places us front and centre to recognise and celebrate the leaders
“Food technology is not science fiction; it has a pivotal role in ensuring the food that we produce and eat supports the health of our people
New Zealand’s legacy of food innovation is not celebrated in its country of origin as much as it should be
in some ways our innovation is better understood by those we export to
There is a need for us to better recognise the scientists
developers and manufacturers that work on food products
These people are not household names – but their work is familiar to every single one of us
reflects our culture and has impacts on the world around us
The New Zealand Food Awards are evolving as well to include more awards this year but remain true to their mission recognising the central role food plays in everything we do as humans and as the leading university for food technology in Aotearoa New Zealand connecting with the industry we serve.”
Vutter pictured with Chair of the New Zealand Food Awards Governance Board and Massey University Pro Vice-Chancellor College of Sciences Professor Ray Geor
This year’s Awards include 12 categories, recognising the products as well as the people behind the innovation and excellence
An exciting update amongst the categories this year is the inclusion of three new categories including Ingredient and Food Service
for ingredients or partially-prepared food materials developed for the manufacturing or food service industries
Two newly introduced People Awards shine a light on the often-unsung heroes of the food industry — the brilliant minds driving innovation behind the scenes
This exciting new section celebrates the vital role of food scientists
technologists and developers in shaping the future of food
It features two brand new awards: Emerging Talent: Food Science and Technology and Food Technologist or Developer of the Year
Strategic partner Palmerston North City Council is proud to support the rising stars of New Zealand's food innovation sector through sponsorship of the Emerging Talent: Food Science and Technology Award
Mayor of Palmerston North Grant Smith says
“We’re delighted to support the changemakers who are just getting started in their careers in this sector and are already making a real impact
These emerging professionals are the future of our food system
technology and sustainable practices that will shape how we grow
With Palmerston North being New Zealand's food innovation capital
we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on the next generation of industry leaders
Each category has specific criteria and entries are evaluated based on the New Zealand Food Awards’ pillars of innovation
food quality and safety are critical components of the judging process
Judging also incorporates sustainability measures that consider environmental
All finalists undertake thorough labelling
marketing and facility compliance checks delivered by an approved labelling consultant and New Zealand Food Safety experts
finalists and winners earn the right to display the New Zealand Food Awards Quality Mark
which signals that a product is locally made
Being named a finalist or winner in the Awards provides a valuable marketing opportunity
boosting brand visibility and credibility by attracting attention from both consumers and industry experts
The Massey University Supreme Winner will be announced at the Gala Dinner on 16 October and will be selected from the winners across the Product Award categories
excluding the Product Lifetime Achievement Award
The New Zealand Food Awards appoints a panel of over 30 of the country’s leading food and beverage experts as judges
The judges represent a diverse cross-section of industry disciplines including technical judges
Massey’s leadership in food-related education and research, both nationally and globally, forms the foundation of its stewardship of the New Zealand Food Awards. As the cornerstone of food technology in New Zealand and home to the southern hemisphere’s largest pilot-scale food processing plant and equipment collection
the university plays a pivotal role in driving innovation within the sector
Massey’s ownership of the New Zealand Food Awards underscores its dedication to advancing the food and beverage industry
fostering innovation and contributing to the sector’s ongoing growth and success
The Awards also provide a powerful platform for fostering community by uniting a diverse network of producers
all alongside a partner network and a breadth of entrants and supporters to celebrate innovation
excellence and collaboration across the industry
The Awards programme has been made possible with the support of a network of valued partners including Palmerston North City Council
16 October – Gala dinner and winners announced
Find out more about the New Zealand Food Awards here.
An alternative butter spread made of pure avocado oil has been crowned as Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Supreme Award winner at the 2024 New Zealand Food Awards
The New Zealand Food Awards is proud to announce and celebrate the 2024 finalists
The Awards play an integral role in the industry by providing a platform for Kiwi food and beverage producers to make their mark in the sector
gain insights into the industry and receive valuable advice from industry experts along the way
Ashok Poduval has been selected as one of three independent reviewers under the newly enacted Civil Aviation Act
The Acting Minister of Transport recently announced the appointment of Ashok Poduval
Chief Executive of Te Kura Rererangi School of Aviation at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University
as one of three independent reviewers under Aotearoa New Zealand’s newly enacted Civil Aviation Act
The appointments mark a significant step in strengthening transparency and accountability within the country’s aviation regulatory framework
established as part of the Civil Aviation Act that came into force on 5 April 2025
is designed to offer aviation sector participants a more accessible alternative to court proceedings when contesting decisions that could impact their livelihoods
The review mechanism is expected to serve as a fair and efficient forum for resolving disputes within the industry
Acting Transport Minister Hon James Meager expressed confidence in the appointees when he made the announcement
“All three appointees are highly skilled professionals
with decades of aviation and leadership experience between them across both the public sector and the private sector
Ashok Poduval is a highly experienced aviation professional who has served as Chief Executive of the Massey University School of Aviation since 2005 and was most recently the President of the Aviation Industry Association.”
The reviewers have been appointed for three-year terms
“The new function offers opportunities that will make it easier and more affordable for aviation sector participants in New Zealand to access fair outcomes and challenge decisions that have a significant impact on their livelihoods
such as cancelling or suspending a pilot’s licence,” Mr Meager says
“The independent review function provides an alternative option for people wanting to appeal an aviation decision through the courts and is intended to enhance transparency and accountability within the aviation regulatory framework
“Being able to have decisions reviewed independently will now mean those people won’t incur these costs and delays
and they’ll have the opportunity for a quick
Mr Poduval has stepped down as President of the Aviation Industry Association of New Zealand to avoid any conflict of interest
he will continue to serve as the Head of Massey’s School of Aviation—a role he says complements his new responsibilities
“I believe my work in this role will further enhance the reputation of Massey’s School of Aviation
I am honoured that the Minister has appointed me to this role
and I am looking forward to adding value to the aviation industry in New Zealand.”
The School of Aviation Open Day offered prospective students a glimpse into the diverse career paths on offer in the aviation sector
The School of Aviation’s Chief Executive Ashok Poduval has been elected President of Aviation New Zealand at its recent annual general meeting
Massey University's new state-of-the-art aviation centre was officially opened by Transport Minister Phil Twyford today
Massey University's School of Aviation is flying high in China after the successful launch of a new pathway agreement with China's Sinomore Aviation Limited
Massey University has recorded a surplus for 2024
a significantly better return than the expected deficit
show it recorded a surplus of $3.7 million last year
It had expected to record a deficit of $8.9m
The result comes after a tough few years for the university
It recorded a $45.5m deficit in 2023 and an $8.8m deficit in 2022.
Vice-chancellor Jan Thomas said part of the change in fortunes for 2024 was a decrease in spending in the last quarter
"There were also some one-off specific items in 2024
Without these we would have recorded a small deficit," she said
"Massey continues to have a strong balance sheet
with liquidity and solvency continuing to be managed within set targets
Massey had no debt at the end of 2024 and is not expected to take any on in 2025."
The university has budgeted for a $13.2m deficit this year and one of $9.8m next year
Thomas said growth in student numbers was expected to be mostly offset by reductions in Tertiary Education Commission funding
recorded a "significantly higher than expected" surplus of $16.5m
This was mostly due to good returns on Massey University Foundation Trust investments
The 2024 accounts are subject to a final audit
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Massey University is again facing a big deficit for the year
although so far its finances aren't as bad as feared
Two universities are financially considered "high risk"
Staff have a negative view of management at the institution
with less than a quarter of respondents to a survey saying their leaders are communicating a vision that motivates them
The tertiary education sector is having another hard year - with half of universities expecting to be millions of dollars in the red
The government is considering creating a new type of tertiary institution that apparently combines universities and apprenticeship-style training
Join the Plant Science team from Massey University for a fun exploration of plants
their evolution and how they are surviving climate change
s.golding@massey.ac.nz
New Zealand’s native plants are special – but what makes them that way
they are unique to the area and can’t be found anywhere else
showing a wide range of forms and adapting to many different environments
One key reason for this is a process called polyploidy
where plants end up with extra sets of chromosomes or genes
This helps create new traits and has played a big role in plant evolution
including the development of many food crops
Associate Professor Jennifer Tate will share recent research on New Zealand’s native flowering plants that have gone through this process
She’ll explore how polyploidy helped create their diversity and how it might help plants survive in a changing climate
This webinar is for potential future students considering all our qualifications in Biological Sciences
Our team will introduce you to this fascinating subject
then discuss the careers available in the sector
There will be time for lots of questions in our interactive session
We would also welcome those members of the public who wish to attend to learn more about the topic
The latest Retirement Expenditure Guidelines show that while retirees in Aotearoa New Zealand continue to spend beyond their superannuation payment
for many the excess expenditure is less than reported previously
The guidelines highlight the primary drivers of rising costs for retirees over the 12 months ending 30 June 2024
While the overall spending for retirees remains high
experts stress that most New Zealanders aiming for a comfortable standard of living will need additional income beyond the superannuation to secure financial stability in retirement
The guidelines, produced by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Financial Education and Research (Fin-Ed) Centre and supported by Financial Advice New Zealand
highlight that the primary drivers of rising costs for retirees over the 12 months ending 30 June 2024 were housing
These increases have continued to put pressure on the retirement budgets of many Kiwis
Although New Zealand's inflation rate has dropped over the past year
the cost of living remains a significant concern
one of the key issues in planning for the future is the fear of having insufficient money – a situation known as the "fear of running out" (FORO)
This fear underscores the importance of planning sufficiently to ensure long-term financial security
the Fin-Ed Centre has categorised expenditure into two levels: ‘no frills’
reflecting a basic standard of living with minimal luxuries
which represents a more comfortable lifestyle
The guidelines provide useful data for pre-retirement New Zealanders
giving them insight into the actual expenditure of those already retired
The data takes into account different regions
comprising metropolitan and provincial areas
and covers both one-person and two-person households
For a two-person ‘no frills’ household in a metropolitan area
while a similar household in a provincial area spends $1,031.85
Households aiming for a ‘choices’ lifestyle in a metropolitan setting spend $1,739.85 per week
while those in provincial areas spend $1,210.18 per week
All of these figures significantly exceed the NZ Super payment of $799.18 after tax
highlighting that current retirees are supplementing their superannuation with additional income or savings
primarily due to inflation and changes in the data source
which now comes from the 2023 Household Economic Survey (HES)
the report also reveals a slight reduction in the projected lump sum savings required to support retirement
suggesting that many households have adjusted their spending to mitigate the impact of inflation
The projected lump sum required to support a two-person ‘no frills’ household in a metropolitan area is now estimated at $120,000
while a similar provincial household would need $252,000
the required savings increase significantly
with metropolitan households needing $1,142,000
and provincial households needing $446,000
As households continue to spend at levels in excess of NZ Superannuation
report author Associate Professor Claire Matthews says those approaching retirement need to plan for additional income streams to achieve these levels of expenditure
“Many New Zealanders hope for a higher standard of living in retirement than what NZ Super alone can provide
it's crucial to recognise that the landscape of retirement planning is always changing
Regularly reassessing your retirement plans to account for external factors is essential.”
Dr Matthews adds that while the focus for retirement is now moving to Generation X
it is also the time for Millennials to start planning ahead
“The focus for retirement planning is undergoing a generational shift
with the first of Generation X now facing retirement in the foreseeable future
the last of the Baby Boomer generation will reach the traditional retirement age of 65
when they will receive the New Zealand superannuation
the first of that cohort are now around 20 years from reaching age 65
making it an opportune moment for them to begin retirement planning.”
Chief Executive Officer of Financial Advice New Zealand Nick Hakes
emphasises the importance of seeking quality financial advice
obtaining quality financial advice is crucial for ensuring long-term financial security in retirement
Professional advice can help retirees navigate the complexities of retirement planning and make informed decisions about their financial future.”
the New Zealand Fin-Ed Centre’s mission is to enhance the financial welfare of New Zealanders
The report’s findings are derived from data gathered from Statistics New Zealand’s triennial 2022/2023 Household Economic Survey
These guidelines do not represent recommended levels of expenditure
but reflect actual levels of expenditure by retired households
Financial support to produce the Retirement Expenditure Guidelines report was provided by Financial Advice New Zealand
Read the full 2024 Guidelines here.
The latest Retirement Expenditure Guidelines shows the cost of living is a key issue in current financial management and retirement planning
with excess expenditure above NZ Superannuation having increased for all retired household groups
Retirement planning remains as important as ever for New Zealanders with inflation becoming a significant factor to take into consideration
The average retired household continues to spend in excess of New Zealand Superannuation
highlighting the importance of preparing for retirement
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University has welcomed Paora Ammunson Ngāti Kahungunu and Rangitāne o Wairarapa
Paora Ammunson is the interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori
Mr Ammunson is taking over from Professor Meihana Durie who departed last month after four years in the role
Mr Ammunson’s most recent position was as the Deputy Chief Executive at Te Pūkenga where he was responsible for Academic Quality
he worked at the Tertiary Education Commission
Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says Mr Ammunson’s extensive experience in the tertiary sector
equips him well to step into this leadership role
“Paora was a natural first choice to fill this interim role
Not only is he well versed in the tertiary sector
Mr Ammunson says it's an honour to be given this opportunity
"In this role I am humbled to join a powerhouse of matauranga Māori academics
iwi and Māori industry experts and leaders
I see my role as working with my leadership colleagues to ensure they have everything they need to continue doing what they do best.”
Professor Thomas also thanked Professor Durie for his dedicated service to the university
we have seen the establishment of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi Policy
the Ngā Kaiwhakapūmau Tiriti leadership group and the opening of our university marae Te Rau Karamū
“The Durie whānau has a long association with Massey University
and Professor Durie will be greatly missed
We wish him all the best in his new role.”
the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori will be formally advertised before the end of the year
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori is responsible for Massey’s relationships with local mana whenua
and has close links with Māori staff and students
They also play a leading role in supporting the university to honour te Tiriti o Waitangi and in all areas of te ao Māori
The head of Massey University's Te Pūtahi-ā-Toi
has been appointed the University's new Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori
Internationally-renowned Māori academic and educator Distinguished Professor Graham Hingangaroa Smith is joining Massey University as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori
It includes two majors - Land and Water Science and Geoscience
This new degree offers students a pathway to new knowledge and skills in the relationship between landscapes and primary production
The BEarthEnvSc sits alongside and aligns with the Schools’ agriculture
horticulture and animal science programmes
creating new sustainability pathways for our graduates
Our primary industries need future employees that understand not only environmental management and science
but also understand our production systems
A long-standing feature of Massey’s agriculturally based degree programmes is the ability for those who wish to stay in the regions
to work while studying part time (and sometimes full time) via distance
This allows those who wish to complete a degree to do so
while reducing the costs of travelling for their education
it’s a great balance between gaining a tertiary education while being employed
Massey University is finding more students are taking the opportunity to enrol part time or full time via the distance/online teaching modes
I believe this option will continue to gain popularity
Professor Paul Kenyon at the 2024 Fieldays
University education should be led by research
Massey is experiencing significant growth in post graduate student numbers
in both domestic and international student cohorts
These are helping to drive the large numbers of research projects underway
and they help Massey maintain its number one New Zealand University international ranking in Agriculture
This research is an important part of the education of the undergraduate students also
as it ensures they are learning world-leading
The research at Massey not only aims to increase the productivity and profitability of our primary industries
it aims to do so in an environmentally sustainable and animal friendly way
Massey’s research is heavily aligned to industry needs and contains a range of industry partners ensuring the right questions are being asked
and the solutions farmers need are being found
As part of creating pathways for the next generation
Massey has a strong working relationship with the Horticulture and Agriculture Teachers Association (HATA)
Massey also partners with the New Zealand Young Farmers and the Rural Games Trust
but also to encourage young people to consider agriculture and horticulture as a future career option
It is also creating material specifically for teachers to use in class for their NCEA teaching
also has many hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships available for undergraduate and postgraduate students to reduce the burden of education and help ensure the primary industries attract the best and brightest
This article was first published in Rural News
Professor Paul Kenyon is the Head of the School of Agriculture & Environment
and a Professor in Sheep Husbandry at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University
More than 200 people attended the Whenua Haumanu Field Day last month
to check out the progress on Aotearoa New Zealand’s most comprehensive pastoral agriculture research programme
During the annual scholarship evening hosted by the School of Agriculture and Environment
83 students were awarded nearly $400,000 to support their ongoing studies
Dairy herd manager and part-time agricultural science student Elisa Berle is learning firsthand the values and practices she wants to implement in her future through her involvement with the Whenua Haumanu programme
Head of the School of Agriculture and Environment
has been named as the 2023 recipient of an award that has been presented annually since 1975
After eight years of leading Massey University through some of its most challenging years
Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas announced today she will step down from the role
She has advised Chancellor Alistair Davis and given the Council a year’s notice
Professor Jan Thomas has announced her resignation from the Vice-Chancellor role
Professor Thomas says it’s been an honour and a privilege to have held the Vice-Chancellor role and now that the university has stabilised its finances and is on course for a very solid future
it is good timing to give someone else the opportunity to lead Massey through its next phase
the university has built critical state-of-the-art teaching and research spaces on all three campuses
This includes the architecturally award-winning Innovation Complex on the Auckland campus
She said she appreciates it takes considerable time to replace a Vice-Chancellor
which is why she is giving a year’s notice to ensure stability until a new leader is appointed
Professor Thomas was previously Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Southern Queensland
Her contract at Massey University was renewed in 2021 with then Chancellor Michael Ahie acknowledging her strong leadership through the disruption of the pandemic
and the university’s achievements against its strategic plan despite the challenging economic environment at the time
Professor Thomas was an award-winning Veterinary Surgeon and it’s fitting that Massey’s Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science is now ranked as the best in Australasia and Asia
Professor Thomas has been a passionate supporter for all things Massey since she started in January 2017
and is recognised globally as an academic leader of standing
She is a former chair of the Council for the Association of Commonwealth Universities and currently chairs the Quality Assurance Council in Hong Kong
Chancellor Alistair Davis thanked Professor Thomas for working tirelessly to future proof Massey University and noted how only recently they had been able to achieve a $3.7m surplus for the year ending December 2024
which was a significant turnaround from the forecast deficit of -$30m
“We appreciate that Jan has faced and worked through many difficult challenges to lead the university and put it on a strong footing
ensuring a very focused institution for the next Vice-Chancellor
“We will be immediately beginning the recruitment process
with an appointment not likely to be announced until late in the year at the earliest.”
Professor Thomas says she is looking forward to some planned travel and being able to spend time with overseas family
as well as focusing on how she can give back to the wider Aotearoa New Zealand community that she has grown to love since moving here in 2017
“I want to sincerely thank the Senior Leadership Team and the hard-working staff at Massey who have made the university the respected and loved institution it has become after almost 100 years of existence.”
A visionary transformation of the stream that runs through its Manawatū campus to inspire generations towards a more sustainable future is at the heart of an exciting fundraising campaign by Massey Foundation launching today
The campaign launch event was held at the Refectory Building on the Manawatū campus
Land set aside in perpetuity by Massey University will become a 4.5-kilometre-long research-led environmental and educational park along the banks of the Turitea Stream
Te Waimana o Turitea will provide a literal pathway for students to Massey and a dynamic educational park that will showcase Massey’s environmental
soil and plant sciences to the local community
farmers and national and international visitors
the health of the Turitea Stream will be enhanced
Massey Foundation’s For a Better World campaign has a goal of building Massey’s endowment fund to $100 million of assets by the end of 2027
coinciding with the university’s 100th anniversary
Massey University Chancellor Alistair Davis says
“The For a Better World Campaign is a bold and visionary plan for the Foundation
Achieving the $100 million goal would be an appropriate capstone for the university’s centenary.”
Massey is a world leader in the food and fibre
highly skilled graduates and industry-driven research
A gift to Massey helps solve major global challenges and creates "A Better World"
It will enable Massey to help pioneer solutions for some of the most compelling issues of our time: issues like sustainable food production
alternative energy sources and flood mitigation
Massey Foundation chair Bryan Mogridge ONZM says
“The problems that we seek to solve are not small and will take the best and boldest academic minds
scholarships to attract students in areas critical to New Zealand’s future prosperity
and an environmental transformation to show our world-leading work in action that will also drive tourism and recreation in Manawatū
but we believe with donors’ help we can make the world a better place for all.”
Massey Foundation chair Bryan Mogridge ONZM
friends and supporters to invest in three initiatives to help Massey to prepare for the next century and impact on major global challenges:
To be built along the banks of the Turitea Stream and open to the public, Te Waimana o Turitea will provide a literal pathway to study
It will showcase Massey’s credentials in agriculture
and it will provide a unique recreational teaching and learning facility
Massey plans to develop stage one of the garden for its upcoming centenary
The Achiever Fund will stage new scholarships to attract more young people/rangatahi to study in the critical shortage areas of food
veterinary medicine and the environment who can take up key management and critical development roles in the decades ahead
To recruit more of the world’s best academics through academic chairs and salaries in our hero areas to strengthen our research and teaching base and to ensure that we remain world-leading. The Foundation has developed the Academic Excellence Fund to support in these key areas
Join Massey University – For a Better World
Te Kete Aroha Massey University Foundation has announced the Te Waimana o Turitea project as part of its For a Better World fundraising campaign
Two Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University alumni have gifted a total of $2.3 million to the Massey University Foundation
which will support students in their study journey through scholarships
The Massey University Foundation has established a scholarship fund in memory of Professor Frazer Allan who passed away suddenly in June last year at the age of 55
Building on Massey's expertise in epidemiology and public health is the aim behind a position that has been newly established by the Massey University Foundation
A French photographer who is researching the impact of human actions on the environment has been selected as the first recipient of the Te Whare Hēra Artist Residency for 2025
In the midst of Aotearoa New Zealand's lush landscapes and cultural depth, Clément Verger
has embarked on the final phase of his thought-provoking project Circumnavigations at Te Whare Hēra
The Te Whare Hēra artist residency is a collaboration between Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts (CoCA) at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University
It has a proud 10-year legacy of inspiring innovation through cultural exchange and engagement with the public
Artists are invited to spend a period of time immersing themselves in New Zealand’s environment and history
with the opportunity to create works that resonate with local cultural themes
Verger's work is unique in its exploration of the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world
focusing on the impact of human actions on the environment
particularly through the lens of Captain James Cook’s voyages
serves as both a culmination of years of research and an opportunity to deeply engage with the land and its history
His residency is supported by the French Embassy
After studying visual communication at École des Arts Appliqués (ENSAAMA) Olivier de Serres
Verger was awarded the prestigious Leonardo da Vinci international scholarship
he earned a master’s degree in photographic studies from the University of Westminster in London
He was a laureate of the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris in 2018 and received the National Centre for Visual Arts (CNAP) creation grant the same year
He was a member of the French Academy in Madrid
for 2018-2019 and in 2020 he was awarded the Collège International de Photographie du Grand Paris (CIPGP) print prize from the Florence and Damien Bachelot collection
he received further support from CNAP for his Circumnavigations project
Verger took on a residency aboard an Atlantic Pacific Line cargo ship
as part of the Villa Albertine Maritime Residency
This took him to French Polynesia and New Caledonia
His work is held in numerous private collections
as well as in the collections of the Casa de Velázquez
he has had the honour of being the first recipient of the doctoral contract through the project initiated by the Casa de Velázquez
His Circumnavigations project is being developed from 2021 to 2025 in collaboration with Université Paris-Saclay and the Center for Cultural History of Contemporary Societies’ (CHCSC) cultural history laboratory
The roots of Verger’s project can be traced back to 2016
While exploring the vast eucalyptus plantations near the Spanish border
he discovered that these trees were not native to the region but were collected during Captain Cook’s travels
This revelation set the stage for Circumnavigations
which delves into the global transportation of plant species as a direct result of Cook’s voyages
Verger examines how these plants became intertwined with colonial expansion
His artistic approach combines scientific research with creative exploration
presenting his findings through the medium of photography
The project’s three phases are rooted in Cook’s three major expeditions
each one revealing the broader implications of human interference on the natural world
this residency marks the final phase of his Circumnavigations project
where he can fully immerse himself in the landscapes of New Zealand and further investigate the ecological and colonial legacy of Captain Cook’s plant introductions
which has already taken him on months-long research trips around the Pacific
now brings him face-to-face with the very plants that have shaped New Zealand’s history - particularly Harakeke (flax) and the Kauri tree
These were pivotal to 18th-century colonial expansion
Verger hopes to gain a deeper understanding of these plants’ cultural and environmental significance
as well as their role in New Zealand’s colonial past
Verger’s time in New Zealand is about more than completing his project - it’s about connecting with the land
The residency allows him to work closely with Massey staff and students
artists and institutions like the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
to gain insights into New Zealand’s unique cultural and environmental contexts
he plans to hold an exhibition that will tour internationally
showcasing his research and artistic works inspired by the landscapes and plants he has studied
he is working on a book that will detail the Circumnavigations project
offering readers a deeper understanding of the role plants have played in global history and the environment
Verger’s residency at Te Whare Hēra is part of a long-standing tradition of fostering international creative collaborations in Wellington
Established in 2015 alongside Wellington City Council
the residency has become a significant opportunity for artists from all over the world to engage with New Zealand’s vibrant cultural scene
The residency provides artists with the time and space to complete a body of work and to examine
Residencies run between three weeks to six months and during this time visiting artists contribute to art communities in Pōneke and to the wider cultural life of the city
Through partnerships and public programmes
there is focus on promoting a knowledge and understanding of contemporary art and on connecting artists and their practice with local communities
Artists also contribute to the academic programmes of Whiti o Rehua School of Art
exposing students to their creative processes and practices
Third- and fourth-year students are able to complete internships with the programme as part of their courses
says it’s a win-win for the artists and for CoCA students
“There is a lot of hospitality and manaakitanga involved in having these artists on site
working with our students and contributing to the art community here in Te Whanganui-a-Tara
It’s really beneficial for our students to see where art can take them and to make connections that they might be able to draw on later in their careers.”
Te Whare Hēra’s focus on cultural diversity has seen collaborations with artists from Māori
Dr Febvre-Richards says they’re like to work more with emerging artists going forward
“We’ve tended to have more established artists take up the residency
but we know it’s really hard at the beginning of a career in the arts
so we’d like to be able to assist up-and-coming artists through Te Whare Hēra.”
The Te Whare Hēra residency exemplifies CoCA’s contribution to the cultural landscape of Te Whanganui-a-Tara
By hosting international artists such as Verger
CoCA not only provides a space for creativity but also encourages cross-cultural engagement and exploration of Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique cultural heritage
This residency is part of a broader initiative where CoCA serves as a catalyst for fostering cultural exchange
while simultaneously providing its students with opportunities to engage with the creative practices of international artists
CoCA students benefit from exposure to diverse perspectives and global artistic approaches
further enhancing their own creative development
there were seven residencies at Te Whare Hēra
The call of the pūtātara shell trumpet was a welcome sound at a pōhiri in the whare of Te Rau Karamū Marae in Pōneke Wellington on Tuesday
is the 2023-24 recipient of the Mātairangi Mahi Toi Artist Residency
“I am hugely honoured to receive this invitation and really excited to think of what will happen during this year."
Musician and actor Troy Kingi is this year's recipient of Mātairangi Mahi Toi Māori Artist in Residence
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as musicians who studied at Massey perform for new students at ‘Orientation: Next is Now’ – two spectacular gigs in Pōneke Wellington on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 February
The impressive line-up of live acts and DJs that the public and new students can experience in the university’s high-tech venue the Great Hall will help kick off the university year with full noise
Friday night live acts – Wet Denim with Dani Josie
a four-piece indie-rock band which formed at Massey
Wet Denim blossomed from jamming and recording in a Massey hall of residence and have now supported Drax Project on a national tour
The band released their latest project On The Line
a seven track EP in September 2024 and recorded many elements of the songs in the Massey undergraduate studios
Band member Joe Ledword says being a student at Massey was great for meeting likeminded musicians
Performing on Friday alongside Wet Denim is Wellington pop-punk-country artist Dani Josie
indie-rock artist Sofia Machray and hard rockers Adult Friends
Adult Friends say it was at Massey that they began to take their music career seriously
“The facilities allowed us to rehearse and record regularly
and it’s where we laid down the tracks for our new album
Massey continues to provide amazing opportunities and we always look forward to returning to the most beautiful community in the world,” Adult Friends says
Saturday night DJ sets – Mikeyy with LiminalWendy1 & Froth
Festival-goers on the second night will be treated to an epic line-up of DJs with Massey links along with well-known Wellington collectives
DJ Mikeyy is headlining with a visual show fresh from Rhythm and Vines
Recently signed to Los Angeles-based Nightmode Records
high-energy electronic dance music in his new EP “Breathe”
Mikeyy is excited to bring his music back to where it all began
“I studied at Massey for the first two years of my university experience
I met a family of musicians in my course that I still call my best friends
The staff and lecturers are some of my favourite people in the industry who I frequently come across at gigs and events,” Mikeyy says
LiminalWendy1 and collective Froth are also performing on Saturday
School of Music and Screen Arts Event Coordinator James Manttan says the event is a celebration of Massey’s vibrant community and the future success that awaits our students
“Massey’s ‘Orientation: Next is Now’ is about being part of something bigger and experiencing the energy of a university that’s shaping the next wave of artists and creatives
It’s a chance for new students to see where they could be in just a few years,” James Manttan says
Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts Project Manager James Coyle says that the development of the Great Hall in the former Dominion Museum Building has enabled Massey to become a premiere performance venue in Wellington city
“It’s so cool to have a state-of-the-art venue right on campus where we can welcome new students and present our emerging talent in such a high-tech environment
It helps springboard this amazing talent to the highest levels of Aotearoa’s music industry and beyond,” James Coyle says
This general admission public event is open to all and tickets are available now
safety and inclusion are priority outcomes for all student events at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University
Read more about our Student Wellbeing and Safety Shared Commitments in the terms and conditions when purchasing a ticket
academic and practicing artist Professor Johnson Witehira
brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University
The much anticipated 2021 CubaDupa festival was a success for hundreds of creatives
including ten of Massey's very own singers
songwriters and musicians who had the opportunity to debut their new hit singles
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University has once again achieved impressive results in the 2025 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Subject Rankings
Out of the 21 ranked subjects for Massey this year
seven are from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Massey boasts strong performances across a range of subjects
including several disciplines from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences
These results highlight Massey’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and its ability to produce world-class research across various fields
reinforcing its position as a leader in higher education
The highest ranked subject is Veterinary Science
which consistently receives a high world ranking in the annually released list
the subject has risen two places this year
and is now ranked 19th globally and first in Australasia and Asia
Two other subjects also rank in the top 100
with Agriculture and Forestry and Development Studies both ranking in the 51-100 band
Both are also rated first in Aotearoa New Zealand
and Communication and Media Studies rank in the top 150
Head of School of Built Environment Professor Monty Sutrisna says he’s pleased with Architecture and Built Environment continuing to rank in the top 150 in the world
"This cements our status as a world-class school and reflects the hard work of staff and students in continuously raising the standard of our research
enabling students to meaningfully contribute to our academic communities
the latest rankings see one more subject receive a ranking than in 2024
with English Language and Literature receiving a top 250 ranking
seven are from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CoHSS): Communication and Media Studies
Many of the CoHSS subjects have gone up in their citation per paper and H-index metrics
a sign that quality research publications are being produced in these areas
CoHSS Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Cynthia White says to achieve high QS rankings in seven subject areas is an excellent achievement and reflects the quality
sustained commitment and reputation of CoHSS staff at Massey University
Education and Sociology once again feature as highly ranked disciplines
with Development Studies again ranking first in Aotearoa
Communication and Media Studies have been consolidated into CoHSS
with new opportunities for collaboration and the strengthening of research impact
which is already evident in this highly ranked area
A further feature of these results is that English Language and Literature have now received for the first time a top 250 ranking
My congratulations and thanks to colleagues across the College for these very pleasing results.”
Provost Professor Giselle Byrnes says the university’s sustained performance in the QS subject rankings is great to see
"Our world-leading reputation in research extends across many diverse disciplines
and the latest QS results demonstrate both international excellence and national significance
Research rankings are an excellent way to communicate the quality of our research endeavours and we’re immensely proud of the collective effort that this year’s results represent."
The 2025 QS World University Subject Rankings examined 5,200 institutions in 148 countries across 55 subjects and five broad faculty areas
Universities are evaluated according to five metrics: academic reputation
the H-index and the International Research Network
More information on the rankings is available here.
The university’s reputation in Veterinary Science has been highlighted in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Subject Rankings
The university has five subjects ranked first in New Zealand
four of which are in the top 100 worldwide
in the 2023 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Subject Rankings
The number of subjects in which Massey University Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa features in the top 100 of the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Subject Rankings has increased this year
as has the number of subjects in which Massey ranks first in New Zealand
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University journalism student Emma Westenra is set to step inside the halls of Parliament
after being selected for the Youth Press Gallery programme
Currently studying toward a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism
Emma is thrilled to combine her passion for politics and storytelling as a working journalist
“I’ve always loved writing and storytelling
I’m a big believer in the power of storytelling and wanted to contribute to creating important stories through journalism,” she says
The Youth Press Gallery offers aspiring reporters the chance to gain firsthand experience covering proceedings at the New Zealand Youth Parliament
With a background in politics from her undergraduate studies
Emma says the experience is the perfect blend of her interests
“This is such an epic way to combine my interests in journalism and politics
Emma says Massey’s flexible learning options were a major drawcard
“I’m super grateful for the flexibility it has offered
It can be hard to juggle university and other commitments
but my lecturers and classmates are so supportive
It really feels like we’re all in it together.”
Emma has been actively reporting on local stories
and producing radio segments for the Massey journalism programme’s weekly news programme The Rundown on Wellington Access Radio
Interviewing people and producing audio stories has been really cool
Reflecting on how Massey has prepared her for this new opportunity
Emma credits the hands-on nature of the course and the guidance of her lecturers
“Reporting is a skill that needs to be honed
and I truly wouldn’t have taken this opportunity had I not been taught the basics by my amazing lecturers.”
Her advice for anyone considering studying journalism by distance
Take every opportunity — you don’t get better unless you try
Be prepared to motivate yourself and do the scary interviews
Lean on your lecturers and fellow students
Emma is a student in Dr Teresa Heinz Housel’s course Journalism and Society
The course focuses on reporting on local and national government
Dr Housel says Emma will be a great representative for the Massey journalism programme in the Youth Press Gallery
“Emma has a strong interest in politics and local and national government
She has taken initiative to build her experience in news reporting in these areas.”
Learn more about our Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism programme here:
a journalism student from Aotearoa New Zealand has won Australia’s premier student investigative journalism award
the US Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications ( ACEJMC) has voted unanimously to re-accredit the journalism programme at Te Kunenga ki Purehuroa Massey University
After what she describes as a whirlwind of a year
journalism graduate Katie Ham has taken out the Student Journalist of the Year title at the 2023 Voyager Media Awards
has been awarded the Ian Shirley Award for outstanding academic achievement in social policy
A young Veronika Klingler alongside her grandparents and great-aunt
Veronika’s path to social work was shaped by a lifetime of values
she moved to Aotearoa New Zealand nearly 16 years ago after meeting her New Zealand partner while snowboarding in her homeland
they travelled the world before settling in Aotearoa
While you’ll frequently find her spending time with her family
travelling and learning about different cultures
you will also find Veronika hunting down a good cuppa before mahi
My love language is cooking and I’m a very dedicated coffee snob
I surround myself with authentic and uplifting relationships
Spending time in Papatūānuku appreciating all her beauty whilst listening to the sound of Tangaroa
provides me with strength after a difficult day at work.”
Her family history is steeped in the value of service—the roots of Veronika’s passion for social justice
“My grandfather lived and embraced it until his passing at the age of 102 as an active member of his church community
while my mother was a passionate geriatric nurse until her retirement
Two of my late grandaunts were nuns working in hospitals and one of my late granduncles was a priest
“My grandfather lived through two world wars
He often cried when reflecting on this past
including losing three siblings because they spoke up against injustices during WWII
These experiences have shaped me and given me a strong sense of justice and standing up for what I believe is right.”
Veronika with her family enjoying the beach
It was a deeply personal experience that led her to pursue social work
When her daughter was born with a heart condition and required a transplant at a very young age
“This was a pivotal experience for my family that impacted how I see the world
The awhi we received and the challenges getting our daughter the care she needed
I realised my calling - going into social work as a change agent and walking alongside whānau towards achieving more equitable wellbeing outcomes.”
Veronika worked in Early Childhood Education
where she followed the RIE Pikler approach: promoting respectful
relationship-based care that fosters self-determination in pēpi
“These tangata whaiora have taught me so much
They helped me reflect on the privileges I have been entrusted with and showed me that authentic
respectful connections are powerful drivers for change.”
a humbling recognition of her hard work and of the importance of social policy in practice
“I was always interested in social policy and worked hard to get my head around the parliamentary system of Aotearoa
our family gathered nightly around the television for the news
and issues of justice were regularly debated over dinner
Citizenship rights come with responsibilities
speaking up against injustice and human rights breaches.”
Now working for Te Whatu Ora in the Specialist Maternal Mental Health Service
“Te Whatu Ora is a colossal and complex organisation
Social policy education provided me with the tools to critically evaluate legislation
identify gaps and advocate for systems change to support culturally safe
equitable and effective Te Tiriti honouring healthcare
“There is no such thing as a hard to engage whānau—only hard to engage services.”
the most rewarding part of her journey has been the connections
gently and purposefully walking alongside them at their most challenging and vulnerable times and instilling hope for a flourishing future
Those shared learning experiences are powerful and deeply humbling.”
“I will raise awareness about the wellbeing inequities experienced by perimenopausal women
Veronika Klingler celebrates winning Ian Shirley Award
The School of Social Work recently celebrated its top students at the 2024 Social Work Awards
commending their exceptional dedication and performance in their studies
pursuing a Master of Applied Social Work was more than just a return to academia
It was a transformative journey that deepened her commitment to helping others and grew her passion for mental health advocacy
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University is saddened to announce the sudden passing of Distinguished Professor David Johnston on Sunday 19 January following a medical event
Distinguished Professor David Johnston was the Director of the Joint Centre for Disaster Research (JCDR) within the School of Psychology in Massey University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences. He was awarded the title of Distinguished Professor in July 2024
Professor Johnston is survived by his partner Associate Professor Carol Stewart from the School of Health Sciences
As well as being the Director of the JCDR which he established in 2006
Professor Johnston was also the Deputy Director of the New Zealand Centre for Earthquake Resilience
with the multi-institutional QuakeCoRE research programme
He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science at the University of Canterbury before completing a PhD in earth science at Massey
He then spent time working at the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences where he worked for 25 years (1993-2018)
the University of Canterbury and was an Honorary Professor at University College of London
He accumulated more than 30 years of research experience
and his work on multiagency community engagement during disaster recovery informed the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority wellbeing programme and recovery programmes for COVID-19 and the Auckland floods in early 2023
Professor Johnston's research focused on human responses to volcano
crisis decision-making and the role of public education and participation in building community resilience and recovery
he received the Civil Defence Emergency Management Ministerial Award
He was elected a Fellow of the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering in 2019
and he was on the winning team for the Massey University Team Research Medal twice
Professor Johnston authored or co-authored 260 articles in leading international peer-review journals in the fields of disaster management and was the editor of The Australasian Journal of Disaster and Trauma Studies and the founding editor of the Journal of Applied Volcanology
He was a member of numerous international scientific working groups and committees
and was frequently approached to provide expert advice to international agencies
He has also nurtured the careers of numerous emergency management researchers and was a highly sought-after doctoral supervisor
having supervised 35 PhDs and 16 master’s projects to completion
"News of David’s passing is a huge shock and tragic loss for his family
for our JCDR colleagues and the emergency management sector in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally
Family meant a great deal to David and our thoughts are with them at this tragic time
Our thoughts are also with his current PhD and master’s students
and we will support them to continue the work they have begun and to honour David’s legacy
I would like to honour David the person: he was an outstanding citizen of Massey
deeply committed to his work and to his colleagues
and to building opportunities for Early Career Researchers and colleagues nationally and internationally
His enthusiasm and optimism were boundless as was his generosity of spirit
I pledge to maintain and celebrate David’s legacy in our commitment to the work of JCDR."
"David was a beloved father and partner who took every opportunity to share his pride and love for Carol and Josh
He lived life to the fullest and made the most of every opportunity
He was a friend to so many of us and I find myself typing these words saddened in the knowledge of how many people will be affected by his passing
It is without question that David contributed tremendously to the social sciences in emergency management
He had a deep understanding of the power of building relationships and working with
and he was always willing and eager to go to where the needs were
willingness to ‘muck in’ and be boots on the ground garnered him enormous respect from academic colleagues and peers
and people dealing with the personal impact of disasters
He was dedicated to improving the lives of all those affected by natural disasters and emergencies and I have complete confidence and certainty in saying he achieved his aim
through his own work and the support and mentoring he provided to students and colleagues
who touched the lives of so many in his work and personal life
His Distinguished Professor celebration last year was testament to the esteem with which he was held and I am comforted and grateful that David got to hear how loved and respected he was
and we are shocked and saddened to be farewelling David far too soon."
the staff and students of the Joint Centre for Disaster Research (JCDR)
honour the profound impact David has had on our lives
and boundless generosity shaped not only our Centre
and our academic development but also the broader landscape of disaster resilience and emergency management practice
His tireless work in natural hazards research and community resilience has left an enduring mark
and his legacy lives on through every one of us - student
David built more than a research centre—he created a home for collaboration
His commitment to education and openness fostered an environment where ideas could flourish
He was a trailblazer in social science for emergency management
carving out spaces where none existed and ensuring that voices from across disciplines were heard and valued both in Aotearoa NZ and across the globe
and actively fostered partnerships with mana whenua
developing initiatives that involved collaborating on research and emergency management education and practice
David’s kindness and generosity touched every life he encountered
and made the world a better place through his actions and his heart
His influence reaches far beyond academic contributions—it lives on in the people he supported
we remain committed to carrying David’s vision into the future
and fostering the next generation of leaders in disaster studies
His legacy will guide us as we work toward a safer
and an enduring commitment to continuing the work he so deeply believed in
guided by his ethos of supporting people and developing connections
The university is involved in events at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Transit of Venus observations
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas has announced the appointment of Professors David Johnston and Christine Kenney as Distinguished Professors
Dr Marion Tan has been leading a working group of scientists to develop the High Impact Weather (HIWeather) Citizen Science Guidance Note for Weather
and Water Projects for the World Meteorological Organization
Massey researchers have received $126,000 from the Ministry of Business
Innovation and Employment COVID-19 Innovation Acceleration Fund for research on a psychosocial response and recovery framework for COVID-19
data-driven look at the role of culture in shaping long-term organisational success
Understanding how to optimise organisational culture is the subject of a first-of-its-kind research initiative led by Massey Business School PhD candidate Susanna Lee
A landmark study led by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University and the Leadership and Governance Collective has revealed that while nearly all Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) believe organisational culture is a key driver of value
a majority say their current culture is not aligned with strategic goals
conducted by Massey Business School PhD candidate and Executive Director of the Collective Susanna Lee
surveyed CEOs and senior leaders from across the business
data-driven look at the role of culture in shaping leadership decisions
employee engagement and long-term organisational success
Ms Lee says the results show culture is no longer intangible – it’s a measurable asset with real commercial and social implications
“These insights empower leaders to drive meaningful change and position culture as a core lever for strategy execution.”
The study also shows that culture plays a defining role in mergers and acquisitions
with 44 per cent of for-profit leaders unwilling to buy a culturally misaligned company
and 59 per cent of not-for-profit CEOs saying they would walk away from such a deal altogether
One of the most striking contrasts lies in how culture is reinforced
While for-profit CEOs often use incentives to align behaviour
only 25 per cent of not-for-profits find incentives effective
because they are cost constrained and are unable to invest in incentive schemes in the same way
with 28 per cent saying they actively work against cultural alignment
not-for-profits focus on flexible working and values alignment to build and sustain culture on limited budgets
Despite the recognised importance of values
only 61 per cent of for-profit CEOs link discretionary pay to cultural behaviours
and just 28 per cent do so in not-for-profits
Many CEOs cite executive and employee behaviour as the most powerful cultural drivers
with governance systems and incentives playing a less consistent role
is part of an annual initiative to benchmark and improve organisational practices and performance nationwide
This first iteration of the survey received a total of 1,188 responses
A customised dashboard of findings will be provided to participating organisations
improving transparency and enabling leaders to share best practices
CEOs can gain insights that enhance their organisations
This year’s data shows that investing in culture isn’t just good leadership
it’s strategic with real implications,” Ms Lee adds
Read more about the survey here.
A survey by the Healthy Work Group of more than 1400 people from 21 New Zealand workplaces has found four key features associated with positive outcomes for both employees and organisations
With new research revealing one in two workers are reporting severe burnout
the rate of burnout experienced in the workforce has risen to a record high
surpassing levels seen at the height of the pandemic
Te Rau Karamu marae on the Wellington campus
A couple of years ago a young wāhine Māori – let’s call her Rangimarie
although that is not her name – sidled up after the first lecture of a course I teach and told me that her first language was te reo Māori
We spoke awhile (she in her second language and me in my first)
and then she strolled off to her next class
Rangimarie did not have an easy time of it at uni
She was treated differently to the vast majority of students: she did not receive instruction in her mother tongue
she was unable to have her work marked in her first language
and while most people’s tattoos go unremarked these days
Rangimarie was occasionally abused for the moko kaue she carried
I thought of Rangimarie when I read of the member’s bill drafted by ACT MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar
intended to ‘ensure universities do not allocate resources
benefits or opportunities based on race (sic).’ In particular
I thought of the room designated as a space for Māori students at my university
and which Dr Parmar seems to have taken against
I don’t know how much Dr Parmar knows about universities
during which time I’ve learned a thing or two
One is that nobody is excluded from the Māori spaces on my campus
Drop in (as I and other non-Māori routinely do) and you’re warmly welcomed – usually with more food than is good for you
A second thing I’ve learned is that Māori students sometimes need to be able to go to parts of the campus where they can (a) be themselves; (b) speak their language without being abused or looked at funny; (c) not be constantly asked by non-Māori how Māori feel about the issue du jour; and (d) not have to put up with the racism stirred up by some of the policies introduced by the Government of which Dr Parmar’s party is a member
the spaces she would like to get rid of are places of refuge for students like Rangimarie
A third thing that has recently dawned on me is that the ACT Party has a poor grasp of liberal democratic theory
ACT happily embraces equality of treatment but appears to be unfamiliar with the rest of the liberal canon
it is especially surprising that Dr Parmar and her fellow travellers seem to be unacquainted with Sir Isaiah Berlin
whose distinction between negative freedom (the absence of obstacles or barriers) and positive freedom (the possibility of taking control over one’s life and realising one’s purposes) seems apposite
and I suspect he would defend both Rangimarie’s freedom to be Māori and also her right to freedom from those who would deny her that right
He is a towering figure in the liberal tradition
but somehow or other the ACT Party seems to have missed him
This means ACT’s position on individual liberty is a little patchy
I may stand corrected but I assume that ACT’s insistence on equal rights for all individuals means ensuring people are free to be themselves
must mean allowing them to be different: if I am free to be myself (Pākehā
To argue that Rangimarie and other Māori students should be denied access to the small room in which they can be themselves is an illiberal position to take
But I guess that is what you get when you only know half the recipe
I don’t understand what motivates Dr Parmer’s proposed legislation
I assume it is a concern that the provision of Māori spaces on our campuses means someone else misses out on or is denied something
I can see what Rangimarie gained from that Māori space
but can’t understand who loses out from its existence
for whom the rest of the entire campus comprises rooms
libraries and lecture theatres where they get to be themselves: to speak their native language
see lots of others like them wandering about
and learn curriculum consistent with their worldviews (see: liberalism)
Universities – from their built environments to the course content they offer – are rooted in Western civilisation
because it is so obvious that it becomes invisible
but if we need to carve out spaces in which Māori and others can be themselves
so that our universities are better able to embrace other ways of knowing and seeing the world
whose individual liberties are impinged upon
One final thing I do not understand is: To what problem is Dr Parmer’s bill the solution
There is no shortage of pressing material issues to hand: the climate crisis
the end of the liberal international order
I am fairly sure most people would not add the need to deny Māori students access to rooms in which they can be themselves to that list
I am also confident that most people would much prefer ACT spent scarce parliamentary time and resources on things that matter to us all
rather than on issues the party faithful seem fearful of
and my university was a better institution for her presence
more interesting than it would otherwise have been
But that means making room for people to be themselves
Professor Richard Shaw is a professor of politics in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences
He is a regular commentator on political issues
Professor Richard Shaw’s latest book explores the historical and emotional territories of New Zealanders coming to terms with the ongoing aftermath of the New Zealand Wars
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s newest students have been welcomed in Singapore as the university expands its transnational education programme
Massey alumni gathered with new students in Singapore
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students and Global Engagement Dr Tere McGonagle-Daly and Massey Business School Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Jonathan Elms hosted an event with Massey alumni and first-time students ahead of the commencement of a new trimester in Singapore
The event marks the introduction of a second Massey qualification being offered at PSB Academy
a private tertiary education institution in Singapore
The Bachelor of Information Sciences with a double major in computer science and information technology is now available
in addition to the Master of Analytics which is already offered in Singapore
While an official launch is planned for 2025 when the Bachelor of Business begins
Dr McGonagle-Daly says it was important to recognise Massey’s past and future students in Singapore
“Transnational education offers strategic opportunities for Massey to continue to extend our impact globally,” Dr McGonagle-Daly says
“Celebrating our alumni alongside our newest cohort of offshore students was a fantastic way to recognise Massey’s current global impact
The expansion into Singapore is a key move for Massey’s future as we aim to have 5,000 offshore students study Massey programmes outside of New Zealand.”
Dr Tere McGonagle-Daly (Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students and Global Engagement
Professor Jonathan Elms (Pro Vice-Chancellor MBS) and Derrick Chang (Chief Operating Officer
The programmes offered in Singapore operate on a trimester model that not only allows students to complete their studies faster and move into the workforce but will also ensure programmes are more affordable overall
In addition to the Bachelor of Business launching early next year
Massey plans to introduce a Master of Arts in Media Studies
a Master of Management and a Bachelor of Design in 2025
Other qualifications will be added over time
The enhanced collaboration agreement between Massey and PSB Academy is the first of its kind for a New Zealand university in Singapore
It gives local students in Singapore and international students the chance to gain a Massey qualification outside of New Zealand
It also provides the opportunity for Massey’s New Zealand-based students in these programmes the chance to do part of their study in Singapore
Full image of Massey alumni gathered with new students in Singapore
Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas signed an Enhanced Collaboration Agreement with PSB Academy's Executive Chairman Viva Sinniah
Students from around the world will soon be able to study more programmes from Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University in Singapore
following a new joint venture between Massey Global Ltd and an educational investor with facilities in Singapore
Nearly 50 students were welcomed to the Massey Alumni community in a video message at their graduation from an international collaboration in food technology education between Massey and the Singapore Institute of Technology
12 Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University staff were promoted to Professor and 25 to Associate Professor
The promotions will take effect from 1 January 2025
Left to right: Professor Rochelle Stewart-Withers
Professor Kirsty Ross and Professor Kelly Dombroski
Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas commended the academics on their outstanding achievements
"Congratulations to our new Professors and Associate Professors
and community impact exemplifies the values of excellence and innovation we hold dear
Each of you brings a unique perspective and a wealth of expertise that strengthens our university’s global reputation and enriches the lives of those we serve
These promotions not only enhance our academic community but also inspire future generations of scholars and innovators."
Professor Kelly Dombroski is an award-winning researcher and educator specialising in feminist economic geography and community and diverse economies
with more than 70 publications including books
She was awarded a Rutherford Discovery Fellowship in 2021
Professor Dombroski has collaborated extensively with community partners on projects related to urban commons
organic waste management and earthquake recovery
She is currently researching the relationship between individual changes in subjectivity and collective action for economic transitions
earning a Teaching Excellence Award from the University of Canterbury in 2020
Her commitment to incorporating te ao Māori and innovative teaching methods has empowered students from diverse backgrounds
She has supervised 11 PhD and eight master’s completions
with six current PhD students under her guidance
Professor Dombroski holds leadership roles within the New Zealand Geographic Society and the Community Economies Institute
She joined Massey in July 2022 and resides in Palmerston North with her husband and four children
She also maintains a popular blog with a decade's worth of resources on working in academia in New Zealand
Professor Mandia Mentis is committed to advancing equity through education in her teaching
As an educational psychologist and teacher
secondary and tertiary levels both in New Zealand and internationally
She is the Director of the Specialist Teaching Programme
the only qualification for resource teachers in New Zealand
covering nine areas of disability and neurodiversity
This professional programme involves developing and sustaining partnerships with national stakeholders including Kotuku Reo
special schools and resource teacher clusters
Professor Mentis established and directs the Learning Support Network
a national expertise hub across Aotearoa for educators supporting learners with diverse and complex needs
She was the founding Co-Director of the Equity through Education Research Centre and is a co-editor of the Kairaranga journal
she is the Associate Head of the Institute of Education
Professor Kirsty Ross is the Acting Head of the School of Psychology
She is a registered clinical psychologist who works with young people and families
Her clinical career spans more than two decades
particularly adverse childhood experiences and complex trauma
Professor Ross has seen clients at the Massey Psychology Clinic on the Manawatū campus
young people and whānau facing long-term/terminal health conditions
She has a long-standing association with the Child Cancer Foundation and led a nationwide project to train counsellors and therapists in New Zealand
creating a network of therapists to work with children with cancer and their families
Professor Ross teaches within the clinical psychology programme and advocates for recovery-focused approaches to mental distress
Her clinical work and personal experiences guide her teaching and research
which centre on a developmental and family systems perspective
centred around a holistic view of wellbeing
Professor Ross works with individual clients
organisations and professionals across various disciplines to enhance existing strengths
prevent serious mental distress and illness and foster mental health
is an Indigenous feminist scholar who explores how sport can achieve development goals and promote social justice
She is recognised as a world-class scholar who is breaking new ground and bringing an Indigenous understanding to the field of sport for development
She is on the Chair’s Advisory Committee for the UNESCO ‘Sport for Development
Professor Stewart-Withers has made significant contributions to academia
serving as chair and acting director of the Ethics Committee
convenor of PhD oral exams and chairing qualification reviews
She is a licenced mentor supervisor and has facilitated supervision mentoring circles since their inception
she won the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CoHSS) Supervisor Award
for her work with Pacific students and for securing scholarships
She is the current head of the programme for the Institute of Development Studies
She holds one of the CoHSS Kaiārahi Te Tiriti positions
Professor Stewart-Withers has secured almost $2.5 million dollars in research funding
including Marsden grants and a Canadian Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council grant
she worked as a Registered Nurse for 16 years and was part of the mental health senior leadership team at MidCentral Health
She recently stepped down from the Board of the New Zealand Mental Health Foundation
most recently as Deputy Chair of the Board
Professor Joanne (Jo) Taylor was born and raised in Whanganui
she has co-led the Clinical Psychology Programme’s enactment of its responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi through leadership roles including Director of Clinical Psychology Training 2021-2023
She led the Doctor of Clinical Psychology and Master of Clinical Psychology
both accredited programmes with the New Zealand Psychologists Board
Professor Taylor is committed to training clinical psychologists who are responsive to Te Tiriti and models this in her teaching and clinical practice
Reflection on her own training and teaching has resulted in leadership of innovations in clinical psychology training
including recovery-oriented and lived experience-led teaching
in partnership with lived experience academics
These innovations position training at the forefront of the discipline nationally and internationally and are critical in the current mental health climate
Her research focuses on lived experience involvement in clinical psychology training
Professor Taylor is an internationally recognised expert on driving anxiety
and her research has informed clinical practice
She received the CoHSS Individual Researcher Award in 2015 and contributed to the Health and Ageing Research Team who won the Research Team University Medal in 2012
Her work has influenced international policy on psychotherapy practice and recognition of the value of lived experience teaching in the training of clinical psychologists
Professor Taylor’s work is the result of collaboration with scholars
Professor Riz Firestone and Professor Sunia Foliaki
Professor Darryl Cochrane combines practitioner expertise with academic leadership to advance human performance through innovative approaches
Ranked in the top two per cent of 27,700 researchers in sports science
he is internationally recognised for his pioneering research on vibration exercise
His research has led to its widespread use in clinics and fitness settings worldwide
improving physical function and enhancing quality of life for individuals managing health conditions
Professor Cochrane’s research bridges academia and industry
He has led the development of innovative wearable vibration technology
receiving national and international recognition for advancing performance training and rehabilitation approaches
With more than 100 international peer-reviewed publications
he has secured substantial external funding
including a Health Research Council funding to assess a new non-surgical treatment for anterior cruciate ligament injuries in Māori
Professor Cochrane has held high-performance roles with New Zealand Cricket (Black Caps)
Hockey New Zealand (Black Sticks) and High Performance Sport New Zealand
He has trained Olympic and international athletes globally
providing evidence-based fitness programmes
injury prevention strategies and athlete workload management
Tupa’ilevaililigi Professor Ridvan (Riz) Tupai-Firestone
nai lo le tapua'i - The quest is never greater than the support
Tupa’ilevaililigi Professor Tupai-Firestone was born in Samoa
with ancestral links to the villages of Falealupu (Savai’i) and Matautu (Falealili)
including a Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha University of Canterbury
She began her research career in sleep science at the Moe Tika Moe Pai SleepWake Research Centre before moving to public health at the Centre for Public Health Research
her research has focused on identifying collaborative and innovative approaches to improving health outcomes of young Pacific people and communities at risk of developing non-communicable diseases
She uses co-design and community-based participatory research approaches
As part of the work carried out under the Te Patu Kite Rangi Ariki Sir Thomas Davis post-doctoral fellowship
she co-developed the Pacific youth empowerment and co-design programme
which has been widely used across multiple research projects involving Pacific youth
Professor Tupai-Firestone has developed a Pacific public health research programme to build the capacity and capability of young and emerging Pacific health researchers and interns
This programme creates a supportive learning environment for Pacific students to develop their career ambitions
Professor Sunia FoliakiProfessor Sunia Foliaki hails from the Tongan villages of Ha'afeva and Kanokupolu
He embodies the resilience and ingenuity shaped by the Pacific breeze
Dr Foliaki is passionate about Pacific health research
His work aims to address challenges and drive impactful advancements for Pacific populations
Dr Foliaki’s research focuses on Pacific people in New Zealand and the Pacific islands
His studies cover public health topics such as the epidemiology of cancer and asthma
He also works closely with Pacific Island nations on food security policies and programmes
he is involved in conducting health consultancy works with and for Pacific Island Health Ministries on various health issues
Dr Foliaki is currently leading a mixed-methods study to explore the main factors affecting access to and use of paediatric palliative care among Pacific populations in New Zealand
His findings will build on his recent work developing evidence-based guidelines to improve palliative care for Pacific people
Dr Foliaki is also leading a New Zealand-funded project whose overall goal is to support and develop Tonga’s health workforce to deliver consistent
quality health services and improve health outcomes for Tonga
Professor Ruggiero Lovreglio and Professor Ranvir Singh
Professor Ruggiero Lovreglio is an internationally recognised researcher specialising in human behaviour during disasters and safety training using digital technologies like virtual reality (VR)
augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI)
He is a Rutherford Discovery Fellow and the principal investigator on a current Marsden project
Professor Lovreglio has co-led many innovative research projects
including using GPS data and AI to improve evacuation modelling during wildfires and gamification to enhance wildfire community preparedness
He has published more than 90 peer-reviewed journal articles and several book chapters
including the Massey Research Medal (Early Career) and the ‘5 under 35’ International Award from the Society of Fire Protection Engineers
His research has influenced global policy and standards
with citations in documents from the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)
World Health Organization and the United Kingdom Government
Professor Lovreglio serves as an Associate Editor for high impact journals and actively communicates his research through social media platforms
He is involved in multiple international committees and represents New Zealand on the ISO Fire Engineering Committee
Professor Ranvir Singh is an internationally recognised researcher and educator in the field of environmental hydrology
He focuses on improving water quality by discovering mitigation pathways to reduce the flow of nitrate contamination from agricultural land to waterways
He leads research in measurements and mapping of subsurface nitrate attenuation potential in various hydrogeological settings and development of novel edge-of-field technologies such as controlled drainage
woodchip bioreactors and sediment detainment bunds
He also leads research on agricultural water productivity and footprinting
developing new methods and models for both local and global contexts
Professor Singh holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering and a Master of Soil and Water Engineering from Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University
and a PhD in environmental sciences from Wageningen University and Research Centre
He has gained significant experience through his postdoctoral research at Iowa State University
as a research fellow at Western Sydney University
Australia and as an academic at Massey since 2010
Professor Ranvir Singh has forged strong national and international collaborative partnerships in both his research and teaching
including the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Farming Fund’s ‘Innovative Drainage Management Technologies’ and the Ministry for the Environment’s Essential Freshwater Fund’s ‘Catchment Solutions’
He has served on several international expert panels and advisory groups
Netherlands and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance Water Technical Advisory Group
He is also a visiting Professor at the Facultad de Ciencias Agronomicas
Universidad de Chile and collaborates with Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University
Professor David Tappin and Professor Hung Do
Professor David Tappin is a work and organisation scholar
co-director of the MBS Healthy Work Group and a Certified New Zealand Human Factors and Ergonomics Professional
His research focuses on the design and management of work systems to ensure that work is
Professor Tappin spent two decades conducting industry-based research in New Zealand
He co-founded a consultancy and later worked at Scion Research
specialising in work systems analysis for primary industries and manufacturing sectors
He believes that understanding the reality of work is essential to changing it and applies a pragmatic paradigm and participatory approach in his research
Professor Tappin has been involved with five large government funded multi-disciplinary research projects
His research has contributed to the development of codes of practice
His research experience shapes his teaching
research supervision and professional mentoring
Professor Hung Do’s research focuses on financial risks
their interactions and how this knowledge strengthens financial system stability and resilience
He has worked for major banks in Australia
including Westpac and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Professor Do worked at Monash University (Sunway campus) and the University of Technology
earning consistently high evaluation scores
innovation teaching awards and nominations for Lecturer of the Year
He has an impressive record with high-quality publications
competitive funding and significant contributions to the community
including 19 in A* (top-tier Business ABDC ranking) and 26 in A-ranked journals
Professor Do was awarded the Massey Business School Individual Researcher Award in 2023 and the Early Career Researcher Award in 2019
He has won three best paper awards at major Australasian and Asian conferences
He has chaired three annual international conference series and is the founder of the annual series of Massey Sustainable Finance Conference
Professor Do has been the chief investigator for a number of projects
including those with the Climate Compatible Growth
the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Massey Strategic Research Excellence Fund
he is the Director of the Sustainable Finance Research Cluster and the Director of the Finance and Banking Network – Association of Vietnamese Scientists and Experts (AVSE) Global
He serves as an editor and guest editor for several high-quality journals
the International Review of Economics and Finance
Te Kura Pūkenga Tangata College of Humanities and Social Science
Te Kura Whai Pakihi Massey Business School
Massey University is excited to be part of this prestigious event
supporting the women who are shaping the future of the food and drink sector and continuing the university’s commitment to nurturing innovation and excellence in food science
Dr Coker is the first recipient of Massey University Woman in Food Science and Technology Award
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University is proud to announce its partnership with the Women in Food and Drink (WIFD) Aotearoa initiative supported by Cuisine Magazine
celebrating the most influential and inspiring women in Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and drink industry
the Massey University Woman in Food Science and Technology Award
which aims to highlight the crucial contributions that women make in areas that are often unseen
despite their fundamental importance to the industry
Consumer testing expert and Fonterra-Riddet Chair in Consumer and Sensory Science Professor Joanne Hort is excited about Massey’s role in celebrating and showcasing the exceptional women shaping New Zealand’s food and drink industry and is looking forward to seeing future nominations
“Massey has a long history of supporting pioneering women in food science and technology
Massey is proud to sponsor this new award alongside Cuisine Magazine and Women in Food and Drink New Zealand
I am delighted to celebrate the contributions of these brilliant scientists and offer them the recognition they truly deserve,” Professor Hort says
Cuisine Owner-Editor and WIFD Director Kelli Brett emphasised the value of the partnership
"A major goal for WIFD is to showcase the hugely diverse layers of our food and drink story and recognise the extraordinary careers and contributions from professional women across the country
Working with the Massey University team to develop this new category for women in food science and technology has highlighted valuable work within this sector that has
Moving forward this category allows us to showcase
support and mentor the women driving this crucial work."
The Massey University Woman in Food Science and Technology Award was presented at an awards luncheon in Auckland to Dr Christina Coker
a senior research scientist with nearly 40 years of experience in the food industry
who earned her PhD in food technology from Massey University in 2003 while raising a family and working for Fonterra
has had a distinguished career spanning the lab bench to the factory floor
She led Fonterra’s Dairy Food Design Research Platform
which brought together a multidisciplinary team of researchers from New Zealand and around the globe
Her pioneering work has led to the development of innovative products such as UHT creams
Dr Coker’s research also focuses on educating the next generation of food engineers and scientists
she has mentored and trained over 40 postgraduate students
with her legacy continuing to impact the industry
Dr Coker is focused on advancing mozzarella science and contributing to artificial intelligence initiatives in food science
Dr Coker says her win was a real surprise and a honour
“I’m grateful to Massey University and Cuisine for creating this opportunity
This is a great chance to get some visibility on the work women do in food science and technology
and to reward them for the work they do and integrate them into the wider industry
For those working in the food industry but not in the food science and technology realm
I would recommend visiting the great facilities at Massey University
to see the great work that is going on there.”
she reflected on her time in the food industry
“My interest in food started when I began at the New Zealand Dairy Research Institute
where I worked as part of a team developing the first camembert for New Zealand
I moved on to working on mozzarella and then started leading these multi-disciplinary research programmes that took us around the world
but also proud that each of those research projects had a number of students working on them
as we’re helping educate the next generation of food scientists and technologists to back the industry
I’m proud of what I’ve done with my career and so happy to accept this award.”
The other outstanding nominees included Anne Abraham
Anne Abraham is a Product Experience Scientist at the Fonterra Research and Development Centre with 30 years of experience in designing products for customers and consumers
She leads a team of 60 part-time staff who focus on tasting and evaluating food products in development
Ms Abraham has helped Fonterra enhance its ‘voice of the customer’ approach
transitioning from commodities to value-added products
She emphasises the importance of understanding global export markets
ensuring that consumer insights are integrated throughout the innovation process to quickly meet expectations with successful product launches
has led major research programmes in human health and nutrition across the United Kingdom
She has held leadership roles at Zespri and Plant and Food Research
driving innovation in health communications and resilience
she became CEO of Bragato Research Institute
where she leads research and innovation for New Zealand’s wine industry
Sandra Murray has over 30 years of experience in the B2B food ingredient sector
nutrition and commercial expertise to help companies develop innovative products
Supported by long-time employer Hawkins Watts
Ms Murray has delved into the field of nutrigenomics
developing a personalised DNA report with the company’s employees and broader network to explore how nutrients influence our individual gene expressions
She now leads the Health and Nutrition division at Hawkins Watts
specialising in the supply of clinically validated in the dietary supplement and functional food sectors
Megan Sinclair has over 25 years of experience in product development
After gaining experience in the United Kingdom’s flavour industry
she has spent the last 16 years at Whittaker’s Chocolate
where she leads innovation and product strategy
Ms Sinclair is deeply passionate about increasing the representation of women in the science and technology
advocating for diversity as a driver of innovation
A career highlight was the development of the highly successful 100g Artisan Chocolate range
a project that reflects her dedication to showcasing New Zealand’s finest flavours
supporting local producers and creating world-class chocolate with a distinct Kiwi identity
Ms Sinclair proudly claims it’s the best job in the world
The award recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in the food science and technology industry
development or application of a new area of knowledge
activity or method or should have made a significant impact on the industry within education
implementing transformative processes or challenging conventions
guiding and supporting others in the field
they help to shape and communicate New Zealand’s food science story both locally and internationally
the nominee must have demonstrated or maintained these qualities within the past 12 months
Nominations for the 2026 award will be open on 8 March 2025
and the industry is encouraged to get involved
The research was conducted by Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts (CoCA) and Aotahi School of Māori and Indigenous Studies at the University of Canterbury
Associate Professor Dave Carter outlines the research findings
New research shows that the live performance sector contributed at least $17.3 billion in social and economic value to Aotearoa New Zealand in the 12 months to 30 June 2024
The research was conducted by a team including staff from Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts (CoCA) at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University and Aotahi School of Māori and Indigenous Studies at the University of Canterbury
This $17.3 billion figure is larger than previous estimates
It is a more complete accounting of the benefits of live performance
using Te Tai Ōhanga The Treasury tools to enable comparison with other sectors
This includes the impact of consumer spending motivated by live performance
The research findings and how the live performance sector can use them was discussed at the National Summit on the Economic and Wellbeing Value of Live Performance on Monday
4 November at Massey University’s Pukeahu campus in Wellington
Key Government officials and representatives of the live performance sector came together to discuss how the sector could use the research to address structural challenges and speak to the Government’s forthcoming Creative and Cultural Strategy
Culture and Heritage outlined how the Government aims to foster growth and recognition of the vital contributions this sector makes to Aotearoa
the research team released the full report and a tool to enable live performance producers to estimate the economic and social benefits of their work
which was followed by a panel discussion facilitated by celebrated arts leader and Director of Toi Whakaari Drama School Tanea Heke ONZM
Associate Professor Dave Carter from the School of Music and Screen Arts Te Rewa o Puanga says
"This research highlights the essential role live performance plays in enriching our society
and provides an evidence base for the sector to advocate for itself.”
The research was made possible thanks to funding from the Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Tahua Whakamarohi i te Rāngai Ahurea Cultural Sector Regeneration fund
Read the full report here.
Students and staff from Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts have won 29 awards at the Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Design Awards
Ensuring students are ready to leap into the screen arts industry with the confidence
skills and knowledge that employers need is the aim of Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa’s National Academy of Screen Arts
The world-class recording facilities offered at Massey Studios on the university’s Pukeahu campus has led to the music for Netflix film Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie being recorded on site
The Filtration Garden is to be the first phase of the Te Waimana o Turitea project
Te Kete Aroha Massey University Foundation is proud to announce an exciting new initiative that will transform the 4.5-kilometre stretch of land along Palmerston North’s Turitea Stream into an innovative
world-first environmental and educational park
will serve as a lasting legacy for future generations and a living laboratory for environmental
The Foundation is embarking on a fundraising campaign to support the first stage of this groundbreaking park
which will be a dynamic space for research
The project is set to solidify Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University as a global leader in sustainability and environmental research
while enhancing the health of the Turitea Stream
students and staff and providing a valuable resource to the local community and beyond
Foundation Development Director Mitch Murdoch says the garden will provide a much-needed pathway for rangatahi into higher education
“It will showcase the cutting-edge research and real-world solutions that Massey University is contributing to the environmental challenges of our time
Te Waimana o Turitea will offer a literal pathway for students into higher education
showcasing the university’s expertise in agriculture
The park will serve as an open-air classroom
highlighting research in areas such as ecology
It will also provide the local community and international visitors with a unique space for recreation and learning
all while contributing to the broader conversation about sustainability and environmental stewardship
The first stage of development is planned for completion in time for the university’s centenary celebrations in 2027
The project has already garnered strong support from the tangata whenua Rangitāne o Manawatū and Palmerston North City Council (PNCC)
with whom Massey is working in partnership to ensure the cultural and ecological integrity of the park
Tanenuiarangi Manawatū Ropu Tumaki Danielle Harris says
“The Turitea Stream and surrounding areas are an integral part of the tangata whenua rohe and we have been working for a number of years to restore it to its rightful mana and feel this exciting project will only enhance that journey for the benefit of current and future generations
environmental sustainability and recreation.”
“Council has chosen to make a one-off grant to Massey University for this project
following a submission to our Long Term Plan in 2021
The funding is for the development of the landscape designs
We believe this project will become an important destination for people of all ages
from students to families and conservationists
It will contribute to the region’s reputation as a vibrant
sustainable community while providing critical research and educational opportunities for generations to come.”
Te Waimana o Turitea is more than just a park; it’s a vision for a sustainable future
As a research-led garden it will feature diverse plantings
and will be used to study and demonstrate the regeneration of native forest ecosystems
The park will also become an essential teaching resource for schools and students
particularly those in the fields of agriculture
addressing the growing need for skilled professionals in these critical industries
Senior Lecturer in Plant Science Dr Vaughan Symonds will be playing a key role in the development of the garden
He says the trail will be good for the ecosystem and for staff
“The development of Te Waimana o Turitea presents significant opportunities in the education
This project will function as a living laboratory
fostering stronger connections between students of all ages and the natural world by providing valuable hands-on learning experiences in environmental stewardship for both the university and the wider community.”
Te Waimana o Turitea will be developed in stages
with the first phase being the Filtration Garden
This initial phase will include a 1.6-kilometre pathway
all designed to engage the public and provide space for educational programmes
Future stages of the park will include areas like Te Ara Ranganui
a treetop walkway telling the stories of Rangi and Papa
which will be transformed into a multifunctional space for education and recreation
Each stage will be designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing landscape
providing both practical and symbolic connections to Massey’s broader sustainability goals
The university will work closely with Rangitāne o Manawatū to embed in the garden stories that are important to tangata whenua and our region
There are opportunities to teach Rangitāne history
investigate the healing power of traditional Māori plants
and most importantly to teach kaitiaki of the land
The filtration zone has a high research and teaching impact and can be entered from several access points
It will form the first 'loop' walkway extending from He Ara Kotahi to the Urban Eels platform
along Poultry Farm Road and back to He Ara Kotahi
This area has already been cleared of willow
Adding an approximate 1.6km pathway and boardwalk over the restored wetland areas will allow the public to access the area
which will be planted in natives and have approximately four research gardens built along the path with a teaching platform to allow large groups of students to gather alongside the stream
The heartline path will then be extended beyond the filtration zone through the garden along Turitea Stream to Old West Road allowing pedestrian and cycle access through the entire space – creating a myriad of different opportunities and paths for visitors and allowing other gardens to be built off the path as funding becomes available
Te Ara Ranginui is the proposed second zone that the university would like to progress
This garden joins the filtration zone and is a treetop walkway which ascends 30 metres from the historic Craiglockhart building through a stand of (approximately) 100-year-old Kahikatea down into Te Mara Papatānūka; a walled garden which will display taonga from all around the motu
The walkway can be experienced on several different levels: it will give students and visitors access to the different canopy layers in the Kahikatea
it can be experienced purely as a high-level walkway
or it can be enjoyed as an architectural structure and artwork.The walkway offers potential to be lit during Puanga and tell this significant story
It also serves as a platform to view Ranginui and the rising Puanga star
The area is likely to be a major attraction for schools and groups from the local area and attract environmental tourists and day-trippers
The existing arboretum will be transformed with several amphitheatres that can be used as teaching platforms or as stages for plays
An old pond/oxbow will be reinstated to assist with drainage and the ‘diggings’ from the pond will be used to build up the stop banks of the stream which will be sculpted and used for seating around the main amphitheatre
The mature trees of the arboretum will be used for teaching students but also provide a mature park-like space for visitors
The Foundation is seeking support from local bodies
philanthropists and funding agencies to make Te Waimana o Turitea a reality
with an ambitious yet pragmatic plan to develop the park in stages
The success of this campaign will depend on community involvement and the generosity of those who share Massey’s vision for a more sustainable future
The first phase of the Te Waimana o Turitea project
will cost approximately $10 million to build and a further $2 million will need to be endowed to maintain the area in perpetuity to give a total budget of $12 million
For more information about the Te Waimana o Turitea project or to learn how you can support the campaign, please visit the Te Waimana o Turitea website or contact Foundation Development Director Mitch Murdoch via email or on + 64 (0)6 951 6599 or +64 (0)21 423 668
Te Waimana o Turitea is part of the Foundation’s For a Better World campaign
which has a goal of building Massey’s endowment fund to $100 million of assets by the end of 2027
For a Better World aims to help pioneer a brighter
better world for us all by building on Massey University’s world-leading expertise in the food
environment and health sectors to support New Zealand with leadership
This will enable Massey to help pioneer solutions for some of the most compelling issues of our time: issues like sustainable food production
Read more about the campaign online.
Philanthropist and veteran businessman and director Bryan Mogridge is the new chair of the Massey University Foundation Board
A new online course exploring Māori and Indigenous astronomy has been launched for the upcoming Massey University Summer School semester
inviting students to delve into rich celestial traditions under the guidance of leading scholars
The Tātai whetū – Māori and Indigenous astronomy course will provide an understanding of the origins of the Indigenous astronomy that has guided generations
Led by well-known Māori astronomers, including the man behind Matariki Professor Rangi Mātāmua
Associate Professor Pauline Harris and Professor Hēmi Whaanga
the course will also feature guest speakers of national and international note
Its primary focus will be on Māori astronomy
moon and stars and how they relate to the environment and ecological systems as a whole
Dr Harris says learners will engage with key concepts such as Matariki
the Māori New Year and the lunar calendar Maramataka
gaining insights into their significance in both cultural and environmental contexts
discovering how Māori navigated the great oceans of the Pacific
how they track time and understand the universe
while also exploring modern applications of astronomical knowledge.”
The course is designed to be entirely accessible online
allowing enrolment and participation from anywhere
Whether you are a seasoned astronomy enthusiast or a curious learner
the Summer School offering presents a unique opportunity to broaden your understanding of the cosmos through a Māori and Indigenous lens
Professor Mātāmua shares the whakataukī “Ko tātai arorangi
he kaiarataki i te rā” as one of his favourites
stating that it illustrates how we are all connected to the sky
“The whakataukī speaks of how all the activities of the day were governed by celestial bodies
or the objects of the night sky determine the activities of the day
In a Māori sense and to truly understand the earth and Papatūānuku
you have to look up and understand the sky and Ranginui because they are the same thing
a reflection of the other and they are very connected.”
Applications for Summer School close 31 October for new students and 6 November for current Massey University students
Two Massey researchers have been awarded funding to undertake globally important research that contributes to the understanding of our planet
Associate Professor Pauline Harris and Professor Rangi Mātāmua
There are few people whose decisions can influence and impact the daily lives of all New Zealanders
and renowned Māori scholar Professor Rangi Mātāmua
is one of them: he is responsible for leading the formation of the country’s newest public holiday
Senior Research Officer Dr Amanda Dupas de Matos will explore how thiols in white wine affect consumer perceptions and wine typicality
Food Experience and Sensory Testing (Feast) Laboratory Senior Research Officer Dr Amanda Dupas de Matos has been awarded more than $100,000 from the Massey-Lincoln Agriculture Industry Fund (MLAIF) to explore the impact of thiols in white wines
titled Realising the Potential of Thiols in White Wines: Sensory Consumer Responses and Chemical Characterisation
seeks to unlock valuable insights into the science behind consumer perceptions and the chemical dynamics of white wine production
This research could have significant implications for the Aotearoa New Zealand wine industry
which faces both economic and environmental challenges
Thiols are a class of aroma compounds considered important determinants of acceptability given that some of these compounds provide key tropical fruit aromas to wine
While thiols are known for producing desirable tropical fruit aromas at certain levels
a high varietal thiol concentration can produce off-putting smells
“While winemakers already employ various techniques
such as yeast selection and winemaking processes
the specific concentration thresholds that consumers find most appealing remains unclear,” Dr Dupas de Matos says
This gap in knowledge is what drives her research
which aims to pinpoint the optimal levels of thiols that enhance white wine’s sensory profile without deterring consumers
The relevance of this project comes at a crucial time for New Zealand’s wine industry
which has seen its domestic sales dip to their lowest point in two decades (NZ Wine
understanding the factors that influence consumer preferences could help reinvigorate the industry
This research is also timely in the context of climate change
which poses new challenges for wine production,” she adds
Dr Dupas de Matos’ project is a collaborative effort between Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University
Lincoln University and the Bragato Research Institute in Blenheim
Combining the sensory expertise of Massey’s Feast Laboratory with Lincoln University’s winemaking and chemical analysis capabilities
the project forms a cross-disciplinary team bringing together distinct areas of expertise
“The outcomes of this research have the potential to impact the New Zealand wine industry
the ability to craft new white wine styles with more precise
consumer-tailored aromas could lead to enhanced market competitiveness and diversification
By better aligning wine production with consumer preferences
wineries will be able to mitigate market risks and increase profitability
The ability to produce wines with specific
sought-after characteristics could also help wineries tap into niche markets
commanding premium prices and improving overall market share," Dr Dupas de Matos says
this research will strengthen New Zealand’s reputation as an innovative and high-quality wine producer
As the global market for wine continues to evolve
staying ahead of trends and consumer demands is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge
Dr Dupas de Matos says she is excited to begin this research project
The idea was initiated back in November 2023 when I had the pleasure of meeting Professor Paul Kilmartin from the University of Auckland at the New Zealand Wine Centre Scientific Research Conference at the Marlborough Research Centre in Blenheim
He kindly connected me with Dr Leandro Dias Araujo from Lincoln
and soon after with Ngarita Warden from Bragato Research Institute
we are excited to see this research come to life
With 80 per cent of new products failing in the marketplace
conducting consumer testing beforehand becomes imperative
highlighting the potential for virtual reality technologies to revolutionise predictions of consumer acceptance
Turning wine grapes destined to rot on the ground into value-added products is the focus of a new research project led by Dr Amanda Dupas de Matos
Consumer Sensory Researcher in the Food Experience and Sensory Tasting laboratory
aimed at helping winemakers reduce the amount of grapes going to waste
The juniper berry - synonymous with gin - is the focus of Massey University research to evaluate and identify suitable strains and propagation methods with potential to give New Zealand-made gins a unique sensory signature
get extra credits or try something brand new
Choose from 150 courses and study online or on campus
Summer School is a great opportunity to get started with your study early and study at a time that suits you and your commitments
There are nearly 150 courses to choose from within a range of qualifications available across Massey's 3 campuses or via distance
Massey's strong industry connections enable students to gain real-world experience
as well as invaluable networking opportunities
Our renowned lecturers and academics bring an innovative lens to their subjects
You know you’re learning from legends of the industry
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Most Summer School courses begin on 17 November 2025 and finish on 13 February 2026
with a break from 24 December 2025 to 4 January 2026
If you have any questions or want to know more about studying in Summer School
you can make an appointment with an academic advisor or attend an upcoming drop-in session
If you are currently at secondary school and finishing school this year (year 12 and above) you can apply for Summer School through Discretionary Entrance
Read more about Discretionary Entrance
Study online with Massey – the university that works around your life
world-class lecturers and experience with online course delivery make Massey the best choice for your online study
Find the information you need to plan your qualification
A man has been charged and put before the courts after another man turned up at an Auckland hospital in the early hours of this morning with injuries to his thigh and back
Police received a report a seriously injured man had taken himself to Waitākere Hospital about 3.30am today
A police spokeswoman said “information from the man” led them to an address in Massey where he had reportedly been injured earlier in the night
Officers visited the address at daybreak and took four people into custody
A 31-year-old will appear in the Waitākere District Court tomorrow on a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
The injured man’s wounds were from gunshots
He said a truck seen leaving the Massey property shortly after the victim arrived at the hospital would be a focus in the investigation
Armed policemen had surrounded the truck about 5am
Three others were taken into custody in relation to the incident
Police inquiries were ongoing and further charges were possible
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We offer a lot of support to help you have a positive time at Massey and to make the most of student life
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Charlie’s learning the ropes from industry legends
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Darren hopes to use his management degree to grow the footballing reputation of his hometown
Kaylee hopes to help the performing arts flourish in the NZ education system
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Three projects involving five academics have received a total of nearly $100,000 in funding through the Pivot Award
which supports research initiatives aimed at fostering innovation in Taranaki agriculture
Director of the Food Experience and Sensory Testing (Feast) Laboratory
leveraging her expertise in consumer science to evaluate the sensory quality of plants grown in Taranaki - angelica
This project aims to assess the potential economic and sustainability benefits of Taranaki-grown crops by comparing them to existing commercial ingredients in the market
The term terroir refers to the environmental factors that influence the sensory characteristics of products grown in specific regions
this project will highlight how Taranaki’s distinctive growing conditions contribute to the high-value potential of these crops
supporting the region’s long-term vision for a resilient
While both garlic and angelica root are in high demand
very little of these crops are currently cultivated in Taranaki or within Aotearoa New Zealand
they hold significant potential for use in a diverse range of products such as spirits
The project will establish a benchmark for Taranaki growers
help them with promoting and pricing their products and emphasise the advantages of being Taranaki-grown
This approach not only supports local economic growth but also addresses supply chain challenges associated with importing botanicals and contributes to reducing emissions
Professor Hort will be collaborating with key partners
‘Branching Out’ project lead from Venture Taranaki and Dave James from BeGin Distilling
“Leveraging Feast’s expertise in consumer and sensory science opens up exciting new opportunities for Taranaki growers and businesses
We can’t wait to see how consumers react to gins and garlic breads made from these innovative crops!”
Associate Professor Sita Venkateswar and Professor Kelly Dombroski from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences will be contributing to the project He Maramataka mō Taranaki
The project aims to revive maramataka (Māori lunar calendar) knowledge in Taranaki
with a focus on sustainable practices related to food sovereignty and health
The initiative will develop and extend research on maramataka and food security in Taranaki by creating a local
It will also demonstrate and extend sustainable horticultural practices informed by mātauranga Māori
enhance the nutritional quality of locally grown foods and improve the environmental and social potential of horticultural education
By reconnecting with traditional ecological knowledge and observing natural cycles to guide activities like planting and harvesting
the project addresses global concerns such as climate change and health
while also reclaiming Indigenous practices
Understanding climate change through the maramataka offers a unique
time-tested framework that complements modern agricultural practices and can extend sustainable food production in the region
while strengthening resilience and informed decision-making in the face of environmental challenges
Building on previous initiatives such as the Farming to Flourish project
the goal is to empower whānau and strengthen local food systems through a Taranaki-specific maramataka
fostering Māori food sovereignty and community resilience
The project will be led by Taranaki uri (descendants) Pounamu Skelton of Te Rau o Rongo Charitable Trust
who are uniquely positioned to understand both the environment and the connections between maramataka and health from ngā uri o Taranaki perspective
“Very little maramataka knowledge is widely practiced in Taranaki
and therefore this whānau-led kaupapa aims to build the foundations for a Taranaki maramataka through whānau practices of growing and gathering kai
with an emphasis on re-engaging whānau with mātauranga o te taiao and engaging in te reo o te taiao,” Ms Skelton explains
“I’m so pleased that the relationship with Pounamu Skelton has deepened over two Pivot awards and that we’ll be collaborating with Te Rau o Rongo in 2025!” Dr Venkateswar says
“This is an awesome project that Re Rau o Rongo has been planning for some time
We are so excited to support them in the next stage of their research journey,” Professor Dombroski adds
Professor Sarah McLaren and Dr Priya Vishnu from the College of Sciences will be the Massey co-leads for this project which aims to evaluate the use of bio-concretes
concrete alternatives made from locally-grown agricultural materials such as hemp
The project will assess the bio-concretes’ strength and durability
while also evaluating environmental benefits compared to traditional concrete
By integrating these sustainable materials
the project seeks to explore opportunities for farmers to diversify their incomes through the cultivation of carbon-capturing fibre crops which can be processed locally for bio-concrete production
This initiative aims to see a reduction of emissions from traditional concrete and the establishment of a new local industry that benefits both the economy and the environment
The research will also contribute valuable data for life cycle assessments and help drive the adoption of more sustainable building materials in Aotearoa New Zealand’s agricultural sector
Professor McLaren and Dr Vishnu will collaborate with Taranaki Project Lead Simon Walker
who will host the trials on his regenerative farm
advancing the region’s sustainable farming practices and showcasing the potential for nationwide change
“This project is not just about rethinking concrete but reimagining materials that are locally grown
we aim to build pathways that support environmental resilience
rural innovation and economic diversification,” Dr Vishnu says
While the country's love of gin continues to rise
with a plethora of new gins and gin events popping up all over the country
New Zealand is yet to grow its own berries at any scale for gin production
Massey researchers have been collaborating with local sustainable food growers in dairy stronghold Taranaki amid pressures to diversify the nation's farming practices
Kenya will benefit from Massey’s mathematical minds
thanks to a successful Gates Foundation bid announced by the Riddet Institute
Riddet Institute maths modellers have received significant Gates Foundation funding to future proof Kenyan food supply
Image: International Livestock Research Institute
The Riddet Institute’s Sustainable Nutrition Initiative (SNi®)
hosted at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University in Palmerston North
will receive more than US$2 million (NZ$3.4 million) from the Gates Foundation in a three-year contract to develop an interactive food system scenario model for Kenya
The funding commences in February 2025 and looks towards a Kenya of the future that can provide its people with access to safe
affordable and nutritious diets year-round
despite environmental or economic pressures
Project leader Professor Warren McNabb says the contract is the result of years of work and reflects the expertise of the SNi® team
“It’s about feeding people the nutrients they require
The model will look at the foods that can be produced on the land that they have
to result in a nutrient flow to Kenyans that provides adequate nutrition.”
He says the computational model will build upon existing successful mathematical models
such as the DELTA Model® modelling global food and nutrient supply
and another concerning global trade in nutrients
The team is also working on a $10 million New Zealand sustainable food system model
The Kenya model will be interactive and able to test scenarios
showing the implications of future changes to the food system
Prof McNabb says the work will help give Kenyan authorities the data to make the right decisions
it will capture the interconnections between agricultural and food production
environmental impacts and financial consequences
public health policy and investment decisions
The Riddet Institute is working with Kenyan-based researchers in the project
who will provide data and local expertise from Kenya
Acting Director of the Riddet Institute Distinguished Professor Paul Moughan says this is critical work in securing global food security
“The Gates Foundation is a preeminent philanthropic group working in the area of world food and health security
and for the Foundation to choose to invest in New Zealand science is testament to the excellence of Professor Warren McNabb’s SNI team at the Riddet Institute.”
the Sustainable Nutrition Initiative® is a team of researchers who make evidence-based nutrition research accessible to help bring about globally sustainable nutrition
The Riddet Institute is a Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE)
focusing on human nutrition and food research
A new tool developed by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University scientists can now measure the health risks of global food trade disruption
some involving co-leadership with partner entities
have been awarded more than $31 million from the 2023 Endeavour Fund
The Sustainable Nutrition Initiative (SNiTM)
a research program in the Riddet Institute at Massey University was recently proposed as part of the contribution to the United Nations Food Systems Summit
A new partnership will grow and formalise the skills of people like budget advisers who help New Zealanders get more financially savvy
Massey's Financial Education and Research Centre is partnering with the Booster Foundation to upskill financial professionals
Booster Foundation is partnering with Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University to support its Financial Education and Research Centre (Fin-Ed Centre) to deliver a workforce development programme for all financial capability providers
Fin-Ed Centre Director Dr Pushpa Wood ONZM says there are currently no formal standards or development pathways for financial capability providers
“There are lots of organisations and facilitators who deliver financial capability programmes across Aotearoa
there is a lot of demand for more training
“Upskilling this workforce will help meet the increased need for people to learn how to get on top of their debt
save and become more financially resilient,” Dr Wood says
Dr Wood is a long-time financial literacy professional and advocate
She was awarded a New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to financial literacy and interfaith relations in the Queen’s 90th Birthday Honours list in 2016
she was appointed as a member of the Financial Advice Code Committee
an independent body that sets financial advice standards
Booster Foundation Chief Executive Anika Speedy says the Fin-Ed Centre’s work aligns well with the Foundation’s mission to grow financial resilience across New Zealand
“We’ve supported partners across the country who are helping Kiwis understand and manage their finances and increase their financial capability
We recognise how crucial it is for facilitators to also develop their own skills and capability
and for that extra training to be recognised,” Ms Speedy says
The Fin-Ed Centre’s workforce development competency training will be accredited through Massey University and will include specialised
real-world modules delivered by financial capability providers
Financial Adviser and Massey alumnus Joshua Matthews says his studies
which included workshops with realistic scenarios
equipped him to confidently enter the financial capability sector and help households manage their money
“Having practitioners in this sector share coordinated
common and cooperative development training will ensure Kiwis get the best possible support to help them secure their financial futures,” Mr Matthews says
North Harbour Budgeting Services Financial Mentor David Verry
learning from and completing the Financial Capability Practitioners Course
“The course has been a great way to critique what I have historically done as a community educator and will greatly improve sessions and programmes that I will facilitate in the future
It has provided some new learnings and an excellent refresher for many of the skills needed to be a financial mentor
It has also assisted me to prepare for media opportunities that come up from time to time
the course would be a good base to start from for those wishing to become involved
and will also be of great value to experienced practitioners,” Mr Verry adds
Dr Pushpa Wood says the workforce development project is a long-term dream she has worked on with support from several training providers
“We encourage other organisations and funders committed to growing this kaupapa to join hands with us to strengthen the financial capability workforce.”
In addition to partnering with the Fin-Ed Centre to support the workforce development programme over the next three years
the Booster Foundation will also sponsor the Centre’s mission to provide financial capability research
evaluation and consultancy to help New Zealanders become more financially savvy by improving their knowledge
Findings from the third stage of a 20-year longitudinal study run by the Financial Education and Research (NZ Fin-Ed) Centre show young New Zealanders are growing their financial capability as they move into a new life stage – but women are still behind their male counterparts
A collaboration between the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University will help upskill the workforce dedicated to providing financial mentoring services across Aotearoa New Zealand
How about your credit card from your debit card
that the Massey Financial Education and Research (Fin-Ed) Centre wants high school students to answer in order to help gauge the financial literacy of the youth of New Zealand
have announced funding for six Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University research projects
Clockwise from top left: Dr Kealagh Robinson
Professor Gert Lube and Associate Professor Kelly Dombroski
Massey researchers have earned one Fast-Start and five Standard Marsden grants for 2024
The awarded projects explore topics across psychology
provides up to three years of support to researchers with ambitious projects that show novelty
originality and deliver scholarly insights
A highly rigorous selection process with substantial international peer review underpins the world-class standard of successful projects
113 projects were awarded funding across the motu
Provost Professor Giselle Byrnes congratulates the research teams who have been successful in this year’s Marsden Fund round
“These projects address the ‘real world’ problem-solving that Massey University research is known for
They also illustrate the commitments we have made in our research strategy Te Pou Rangahau
such as driving high-quality partnerships and collaborations for excellence and impact
increasing our capability and capacity in securing external research income and advancing excellent cross-disciplinary
interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research
Huge congratulations to the research teams in securing this highly competitive funding.”
How caregivers influence the development of emotional dysregulation in young people and the subsequent impact on self-injury – Dr Kealagh Robinson
Self-harm in adolescents is a growing problem thought to be related to difficulties in regulating emotion
This project examines how young people’s beliefs about emotions are linked to how they regulate them
The research team will engage with secondary students and their whānau to discover those linkages and explore personal empowerment (the ability to take control of your own life)
The insights from this research will be invaluable for improving interventions and support for vulnerable young people
Associate Investigators: Ellie Rukuwai from Victoria University of Wellington and Professor Sheila Crowell from the University of Oregon
Determining whether three NZ alpine insects species freeze solid to survive the cold because they share the same gut microbes – Professor Mary Morgan-Richards
School of Food Technology and Natural Sciences
Aotearoa New Zealand’s native insects have an unusual strategy for surviving the coldest alpine environments - they freeze themselves
This project will investigate whether the insects self-create a freezing agent or if their gut microbes might help them to survive the freezing process
Theresults will help us understand how our unique alpine insects survive such extreme conditions
Associate Investigators: Associate Professor Craig Marshall from the University of Otago and Professor Patrick Biggs and Professor Steven Trewick from Massey University
He kaupapa whakapakari kaimahi Māori hou: alleviating unique cultural pressures on Māori workers – Professor Jarrod Haar
Aronga takirua refers to the fact that many Māori employees perform two roles in their workplaces
their main job and the often-unpaid role of cultural advisor or navigator
This burden is detrimental to Māori workers' wellbeing
productivity and retention across many industries
Professor Haar’s study aims to uncover the underlying causes of Aronga takirua and identify strategies to mitigate its effects
The research findings will benefit Māori employees and employers to better manage the unique cultural work environments in Aotearoa
Associate Investigators: Dr Benjamin Walker from Victoria University of Wellington
Professor Angus Macfarlane from University of Canterbury and Dr Grace Walker of Think Analytic Ltd
repair: new kinds of waste-conscious initiatives in circular and postcapitalist economies – Associate Professor Kelly Dombroski
“One person’s trash is someone else’s treasure’’ - but what dictates what we are able to repair and what we throw away
economic concerns like cost-benefit analysis have dominated this conversation
This research will investigate why and how people reduce
reuse and repair from a social science perspective
It will study people across all walks of life participating in waste-conscious community groups
By focusing on innovation at the community level
new collective strategies to deal with waste may be discovered
These findings can benefit Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider world
as we transition towards a circular economy
Associate Investigators: Dr Gradon Diprose from Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research and Dr Matthew Scobie from University of Canterbury
Elucidating why pyroclastic gas and ash flows cause so many volcanic fatalities – Professor Gert Lube
Hot clouds of gas and ash that rush out from volcanoes during explosive eruptions are devastating
They also reach further than we can currently explain
raising questions around what distances are considered safe
This project will measure the interactions between hot volcanic particles and gases in a large simulator chamber
State-of-the-art computational hazard models will then quantify the potential devastation from volcanic eruptions in New Zealand and around the world
This will give us better tools to prepare for one of nature’s most destructive phenomena
Associate Investigators: Dr Geoff Kilgour from SNS Science
Professor Josef Dufek from University of Oregon
Distinguished Professor Eckart Meiburg from University of California
Professor Michael Manga from University of California
Berkeley and Dr Tomaso Esposti Ongaro from the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia
Exploring the hidden childcare struggles of parents working in a 24/7 economy – Dr Aisling Gallagher
Roughly one third of New Zealand’s labour force works outside the traditional 9-5 work week
Our childcare facilities currently do not cater for people who don’t fit our traditional work timeframes
So how do families manage their work/care lives in a 24/7 economy
Working with low-income families and communities
this research will investigate the everyday experiences and culturally specific needs of these families
and take account of the role of children and young adults within the household economy
The findings will inform the development of alternative childcare concepts suitable for our 24/7 economy
Associate Investigators: Dr Mary Breheny from Massey University and Professor Susan Prentice from University of Manitoba
These six projects each received three-years of funding
A number of Massey academics are also involved in research projects led by other institutions
Read more about the successful Marsden Fund projects
have announced funding for seven Massey research projects
have announced funding for 13 Massey research projects
have announced funding for 11 Massey projects
Ten Massey University-led research projects will receive almost $9 million from the Royal Society Te Apārangi annual Marsden Fund announced by Research
Science and Innovation Minister Dr Megan Woods
politicians and a bird-napped cockatoo are among the finalists in New Zealand’s Quote of the Year competition
Clockwise from top left: Black Fern Ruby Tui speaking with King Charles
Black Fern Ayesha Leti-I’iga speaking about the hug with King Charles
Cockatoo Pepper (photo from Staglands) and Crown Solicitor Alysha McClintock after the Polkinghorne trial
The list was put together by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University speech-writing specialist Dr Heather Kavan and a panel who narrowed down over 70 nominations
from comedic one-liners to heartfelt utterances
The public has until midnight on 18 December to vote for their favourite, and the winner will be announced before Christmas. Cast your vote on the Massey University website here
This year’s nominations included many quotes from sports stars. These ranged from speed climber Julian David showing his Instagram followers his mattress at the Olympic village to the Black Ferns meeting King Charles at Buckingham Palace
“Usually we don’t include more than one quote about a single event
but the Black Ferns’ encounter with the King inspired us to break protocol,” Dr Kavan says
The chosen quotes are Ruby Tui’s comment to King Charles that the palace garden was big enough for three rugby fields and Ayesha Leti-I’iga’s reflection on asking the King for a hug ‒ she thought he needed it more than she did
King Charles appeared to enjoy the conversation
disclosing that the Buckingham Palace garden is covered with goose droppings and that he once got a broken nose while playing rugby
He described the group hug as “very healing.”
The highest number of nominations was for Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s declaration that he is “wealthy and sorted.” Luxon made the remark in an interview with Heather du Plessis-Allan about the sale of his Wellington flat
sparking amused public reactions and allegations of tone-deaf leadership
earning him the nickname ‘Mr Wealthy and Sorted.’
Despite the high number of nominations for Prime Minister Luxon’s quote, it is often the quiet contenders that surge into the lead, Dr Kavan says. This happened last year when a quote from Cyclone Gabrielle rescuers overtook the highly nominated “Up the Wahs!”
This year’s quiet contender may be a quote from beloved cockatoo Pepper
who was bird-napped from Staglands Wildlife Reserve
officers were almost certain Pepper was the missing bird
“Hello Darling!” - confirming her identity
Staglands owner Sarah Purdy said Pepper’s excitement was clear as she continued saying “Hello Darling!” and other phrases throughout the night
Quote of the Year has a new category: the Freddie Award for quotes that make their splash in a year after they were said
The award was sparked by a remark Resource Minister Shane Jones made in Parliament in December last year: “If there is a mining opportunity and it’s impeded by a blind frog
The one-liner might have been forgotten (or frog-otten) but it inspired this year’s ‘Save Freddie’ rallying cry at pro-environment protests and even featured in the title of a scholarly article by Professor Jonathan Boston of Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington
Vote for your favourite quote of 2024 on the Massey University website.
It’s time to decide the favourite Kiwi quote of 2024
and Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University is inviting you to help identify it
and New Zealanders have chosen a humble statement by rescuers during Cyclone Gabrielle as the best quote of 2023
Act leader David Seymour’s quip about a potentially weaponised lamington has won New Zealand’s Quote of the Year competition
Massey is a world leader in online education and we know how to deliver first-rate teaching by distance and online
Whether you are a parent who wants to study part-time
a full-time worker who wants professional development or someone who wants to travel the world while studying
we have online options that work around you
you will have everything you need to achieve your goals with Massey
Studying online means you can work towards a university course or qualification in a way that suits you
Our online qualifications are also available part-time
so you can balance university with other commitments
you'll have over 1,500 courses to choose from
be taught by specialists in online teaching and have access to a well-developed online learning system
you can plan an online study experience to suit your lifestyle
Check the online component section on our courses pages to find out whether a course is taught online
Some courses have 'contact workshops' which may mean you'll need to travel to a Massey campus once or twice in the semester to do some learning in person
You can study online with Massey if you are:
If you’re an international student living in New Zealand, you may be able to complete some of your qualification online. For details see study as an international student
If you apply to study by distance and online with us
We have many resources and support systems to help you get the most out of your time studying online with Massey
Find out about library services you can use when you’re not on campus
including borrowing or requesting print or online material
Discover qualifications for international students and explore visas
Kaylee and James - 3 Massey students who studied online with Massey
The first Pacific nurse practitioner in Wellington
Catherine has always hoped to serve her community
Catherine plans to get her doctorate and work for the World Health Organisation
Combining competitive snowboarding with a computer science degree might sound like an impossible task
But studying online lets James live his best life
“I was snowboarding for New Zealand and thinking about uni
The idea that I could be remote and be near the mountains made it all possible
and a large active Facebook group so you can connect with other students and get the best experience while studying online
Te Tira Ahu Pae is your students’ association during your study at Massey
Join the Facebook group for distance students
Rainbow and takatāpui people always have a community at Massey
the place to connect to all things Māori at Massey University
Massey University is committed to supporting
connecting and enabling Pacific students to succeed in their academic goals
Veterinary Science has risen two spots in the 2025 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Subject Rankings
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Veterinary Science programme continues to shine
building on last year’s strong performance of 21st globally
securing a place in the top 20 worldwide and maintaining its position as the top veterinary programme in Australasia and Asia
Head of Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science Professor Jon Huxley says he’s thrilled to see the continuous efforts to refine and enhance the programme yielding such positive results
“To see our Veterinary Science programme ranked so highly is a fantastic achievement
and a true reflection of the dedication and passion from everyone involved in making it exceptional for our students
We remain committed to continually improving the programme
ensuring it meets the highest standards in education
the veterinary profession and our wider communities
The quality of teaching and our state-of-the-art facilities are key
but it’s the people at the heart of the programme who truly make it outstanding
I want to express my sincere thanks to our entire community for their invaluable contributions to the success of our programme.”
With over 60 years of nurturing veterinary talent
the School of Veterinary Science has undergone significant changes to continue delivering excellence and ensuring graduates are fully prepared to make meaningful impact across animal health
These models exemplify a sustainable approach to education
environmentally conscious methods of training to support the development of the next generation of veterinarians
Students engage with live animals through a range of facilities, including the Large Animal Teaching Unit (LATU) which celebrates 30 years of shaping veterinary education this year
the LATU has expanded significantly to provide hands-on training while maintaining a strong focus on animal welfare
with herds rotated regularly and handling schedules carefully managed to ensure their wellbeing
Another avenue for hands-on learning is through the four teaching hospitals
which provide final-year students the opportunity to participate in a range of animal health activities
all under the supervision of highly qualified veterinary teams
These hospitals include the Companion Animal Hospital
offering routine and specialist care for pets; the Equine Veterinary Clinic
providing medical and surgical care; the Farm Services Clinic
delivering treatment for livestock and lifestyle animals; and Wildbase Hospital
which specialises in the treatment of Aotearoa New Zealand’s native wildlife
Other additions include the Student Learning Complex
which opened in 2022 and features two large learning spaces with fit-for-purpose facilities and flexible learning environments for teaching
Currently under construction is the new Ngā Huia building
which will house research laboratory spaces
technicians and postgraduate research students
It will also feature areas for veterinary students
study and relaxation areas and food preparation facilities
The programme’s curriculum has recently been renewed to ensure it is fit-for purpose for the modern veterinary profession
alongside a 25 per cent increase in class size
The current intake is 125 domestic students per year
with an additional 50 international students
Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Sciences Professor Ray Geor says the new ranking reflects the quality of the programme
“To have Massey’s Veterinary Science qualification recognised within the top 20 in the world is a significant achievement for all the staff involved
and a testament to the university’s commitment to land based and animal sciences
This is Massey’s core expertise and aligns to Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading role in the primary production industries
We are the leading university in New Zealand for the study of animals and we provide an exceptional education that prepares graduates for the dynamic veterinary profession
The changes that have taken place over the last few years
and those planned for the future of the school
have set us up for continued success and delivery of this flagship qualification
I am particularly proud of the School of Veterinary Science’s success; my sincere thanks and congratulations are extended to Professor Jon Huxley and his team.”
H-index and International Research Network
Learn more about Massey’s other QS Ranking results here
The Large Animal Teaching Unit (LATU) marks a milestone this year
celebrating three decades of enriching veterinary education by enhancing students’ practical skills and deepening their knowledge of animal welfare
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University has been awarded a prestigious Gold rating in the inaugural 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Online Learning Rankings
the highest honour achievable in this year’s global assessment
THE’s Online Learning Rankings represent a groundbreaking effort to evaluate online learning on a global scale
This initiative focuses on the critical elements that contribute to effective online education
placing particular emphasis on the teaching excellence of online programs rather than solely on the technical capabilities for delivering courses
Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says the recognition for Massey’s exemplary teaching is testament to the collective dedication and efforts of staff members involved in fostering student success
"We are immensely proud to receive the Gold rating in the Times Higher Education Online Learning Rankings
This achievement reflects our commitment to providing outstanding online education
and further cements our status as a leading online education provider in Aotearoa New Zealand
“It’s fantastic to see this recognition for online learning as a legitimate and worthy counterpart to campus-based education
We are excited to continue building on this success to further enhance the quality and accessibility of online education at Massey."
Professor Thomas highlights that Massey has been delivering distance learning for more than 60 years
with the first extramural students receiving bulk photocopied course materials and textbooks in the post
“Our extensive history means Massey’s names is synonymous with distance learning
Over the years the online teaching and learning identity of Massey has strengthened to become a distinctive feature of the university
here in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.”
nearly two-thirds of Massey students studied one or more courses by distance (64.9 per cent)
The percentage of Māori and Pacific students who study by distance is even higher
more than eight out of every ten Māori and Pacific students studied one or more courses by distance (83.1 and 82.5 per cent respectively)
This underscores the critical role of distance education in promoting inclusivity in education
The flexibility inherent in distance education enables students to pursue their studies while juggling work and family responsibilities
To participate in this inaugural international ranking
the university provided comprehensive information regarding online student demographics
was distributed to students enrolled in online courses to measure their learning experience
the Online Learning Rankings are based on four essential pillars:
This recognition reflects Massey’s commitment to online education as well as its continual pursuit of excellence in delivering quality learning experiences
See the Online Learning Rankings 2024 results here
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University has taken second place in the 2024 Red Dot Design Ranking for the Asia and Pacific region
making it the 10th consecutive year the university has placed in the top three
Times Higher Education has released its 2024 University Impact Rankings for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
with Massey achieving three top 15 SDG rankings overall
rising to 75th equal in the world and second in Aotearoa New Zealand
The university has maintained a strong position in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings
Graduation season has arrived and Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University is proud to acknowledge seven staff members who have crossed the stage in our Wellington ceremonies
Balancing full-time roles with demanding student deadlines is no easy task
Among them is Senior Lecturer and Subject Coordinator for concept design at Ngā Pae Māhutonga School of Design
Dr Marriott has been with Massey since 2009
when she began teaching animation and illustration
she led the development of the concept design specialisation
“Concept design explores the visualisation and development of worlds
characters and stories for entertainment media
I teach across honours and master's levels
she is teaching her favourite paper: Play Research and Design
“It explores themes of nature play close to my doctoral research
Students design games and toys for the Kiwi Conservation Club that encourage children to engage with nature.”
Her recently completed PhD investigated how eco-fiction character toys can help children reconnect with the natural world
through her Underfoot toy range themed around the nitrogen cycle
Dr Marriott integrated natural materials like soil
leaves and water as part of the play experience
“The decline in nature play is sometimes called ‘nature deficit disorder’
It can affect children’s ability to self-actualise and form relationships with the non-human world
My research looked at how toys can be a bridge back to that connection.”
Underfoot was recognised with a Core77 Design Award
and she has presented her research findings at the International Toy Research Association and the Nuremberg International Toy Fair in Germany
Dr Marriott’s love of toy design started early
I made my own Star Wars figures out of polymer clay
My dad helped me articulate the limbs with soldering wire
That formative experience shaped my career
as I went onto work in the UK toy industry.”
Though she always knew she wanted to do a PhD
she delayed the journey while caring for her father
“The delight on his face when he saw my toys and heard I’d finished was a wonderful gift
You could say this has been a lifelong passion
Completing a PhD part-time while working full-time wasn’t without its challenges
“There were isolating moments and tricky role-switching between staff and student
But I found great support in conversations with my students and peers
There's a vulnerability in being a mature student
but that openness is key to staying curious.”
This year’s graduating staff members also include:
Congratulations once again to all our graduating staff
The Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts academic has played a pivotal role in bringing the emotional depth of recently-released film Tinā to life through his music arrangements
The 2024 Research Medals honour exceptional achievements in research
research mentorship and research leadership
recognising staff who have made significant contributions across various fields of study
Clockwise from top left: Professor Mark Bebbington
Sonya Withers and Professor Rochelle Stewart-Withers
University Research Medals are the highest awards for research bestowed by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University
Each year the university recognises the outstanding achievements of staff in the categories of: Individual
Exceptional Leadership in Advancing Māori Knowledge
Exceptional Leadership in Advancing Pacific Knowledge and Team-based research innovation and leadership
An Individual Research Medal has been awarded to Professor Mark Bebbington from the College of Sciences and the Exceptional Research Citizenship Whaowhia Ngā Kete o te Wānanga Medal has been awarded to Associate Professor Anna Powles from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Professor Leigh Signal from the College of Health and Professor Rochelle Stewart-Withers from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences have both been awarded Supervisor Research Medals
Sonya Withers from the College of Creative Arts and Associate Professor Rosemary Gibson from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences have both been awarded Early Career Research Medals
Provost Professor Giselle Byrnes says the university community is hugely proud of the 2024 winners
"Our university strategy focuses on achieving research excellence that delivers real impact and benefit for the communities we serve and reflects high-quality standards of excellence
It is evident from the nominations we received that
we are continuing to meet the expectations of research excellence and that Massey’s research continues to make a real-world difference
Congratulations to all of this year’s medal recipients
we are enormously proud of our colleagues."
Nominations are considered by the University Awards Selection Committee
a subcommittee of the University Research Committee
The award winners will be honoured at an in-person ceremony in the coming months
Professor Bebbington is Aotearoa New Zealand’s foremost volcano statistician
He has been instrumental in advancing the development of probabilistic methods of assessing natural hazards
with his research fundamentally improving our response to volcano crises
managed and participated in numerous collaborative multi-disciplinary projects resulting in ground-breaking research outcomes worldwide impact
His recent research funding success highlights his commitment to Te Tiriti principles
where the development of mana whenua-led volcano observatories were noted as particularly excellent
His expertise is often requested by national and international volcano advisory panels
with recent examples including unrest at Taupō (2022/2023)
Ruapehu (2022) and serving on the technical team for the United States’ Department of Energy to determine the volcanic risk to a nuclear waste storage facility
Professor Bebbington’s dedication to meticulous research design
methods and implementation enhances the research ethic of his students and colleagues and resonates through the wider research community at Massey
Dr Powles has actively engaged in bridging the gap between the scholarly
policy and public spheres through research and public engagement
informed by research and grounded in a commitment to advancing knowledge and public understanding
has focused on two inter-related areas: the evolving security and geopolitical landscape in the Pacific Islands region and New Zealand’s foreign and defence policy
promoted informed dialogue and tested received wisdom through influential and theoretically grounded policy-relevant academic research
the development of and participation in track 1.5 and track 2 diplomacy mechanisms in New Zealand
as well as domestic and international media appearances
Her contributions have promoted new ideas that address contemporary challenges and serve to inform policy and public perspectives on Pacific security and New Zealand’s strategic interests
Professor Signal is an exceptional researcher and mentor in the field of sleep science
She provides guidance and support to a postgraduate student in development
implementation and completion of their research project
Her passion for research is evident and inspiring to her students
Professor Signal has supervised and mentored many of the individuals now advancing sleep science and supporting the sleep health of individuals in the community
In New Zealand there is no prescribed undergraduate or postgraduate pathway for studying sleep science
so students come from differing backgrounds
The impact that these individuals now have in their various professional roles is significant
Her former students are now experts in their own fields including behavioural sleep medicine
maternal sleep and maternal mental health and fatigue risk management research and practice
Professor Signal has been instrumental in supporting these individuals to develop not just their knowledge and skills in sleep science research
but to translate sleep science into real world outcomes and to grow in confidence as researchers and health professionals
She also creates opportunities for postgraduate and early career researchers to further their skills in working with industry and government agencies and in scientific consulting roles
demonstrates a highly competent skill set in terms of her significant research-led expertise in methodology and ethics
but is also well known for her empathetic approach to supervision
She often works with more vulnerable students (e.g
less academic experience or international students away from home) as well as with Māori and Pacific graduates
Professor Stewart-Withers is a sought-after supervisor by both students and staff
Professor Stewart-Withers is committed to Massey’s aspirations to become a Te Tiriti-led university and thinking through what this might mean as a supervisor and in terms of being a good ancestor
She is actively committed to doing the mahi to ensure Māori student success and demonstrates commitment and excellence in terms of working with international/ESL students
She has demonstrated sustained excellence and leadership to the postgraduate and supervision space which benefits both students and other academics
She has found innovative ways to make the most of opportunities while also looking to create opportunities for herself and students
She has supported students and others to win approximately $800,000 in funding
Ms Withers has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to Pacific design and research practice in New Zealand
A particular highlight of her research is the motivation to realise its capability in contributing to the wellbeing of Pacific Peoples
particularly through the aspirations of their cultural contexts and knowledge systems
Some examples are the Mātauranga Moana x Bee Healthy Kaupapa funded through the Health Research Council - a project that centres Pacific design practice and the culture of whānau to reshape systems of access
Alongside this is the work done under Te Muka Taura and the guidance and participation Ms Withers has provided with Iwi and Māori academics to carefully realise Mātauranga Māori in textile science
Ms Withers has actively contributed to course design as an extension of her research practice and has demonstrated academic leadership and service to peer reviewing journals
as well as supporting applications for established and emerging artists
Dr Gibson’s research portfolio is associated with 25 research projects and more than $20 million of funding (approximately $1 million as principal investigator)
She has a distinguished reputation for her research activities in the topics of sleep with ageing and dementia
sleep of informal carers and sleep as a social and cultural experience
She is affiliated with Massey’s Health and Ageing Research Team and the Sleep/Wake Research Centre and has a growing body of international collaborations
including a fellowship with the University of Surrey
Dr Gibson is inherently engaged with the stakeholders who sustain the sleep science field and regularly convenes conference activities
She has served on committees within the Australasian Sleep Association and is Vice President of the New Zealand Association of Gerontology
Her work is disseminated via 42 research articles and over 45 conference presentations
She also mentors postgraduate students and collaborators
the quality of which has recently been recognised by an award from the local Sleep Association
Dr Gibson conducts regular peer review of articles and funding applications and contributes to various media
one Early Career and one Supervisor Research Medal have been awarded to staff for exceptional research success in 2023
Two of the university’s prestigious Research Medals have been awarded jointly for 2022
a reflection of the talent of those nominated
the team behind the recently opened Te Rau Karamu Marae are among this year's winners of the University Research Medals
The winner of this year’s Quote of the Year competition is the chatty cockatoo with the distinctive catchcry of “Hello Darling”
Pepper with Constable Tushar at the Porirua Police Station in November
The six-year-old female cockatoo named Pepper came to prominence earlier this year when she was stolen from Staglands Wildlife Reserve in Upper Hutt
Police got her back but could only confirm she was the same cockatoo when she chirped “Hello Darling” excitedly when Staglands staff came to fetch her
Staglands General Manager Sarah Purdy is so pleased with the win that she has promised to share her muesli with Pepper again
as the bird enjoyed it so much the night she was brought home from the Porirua Police Station
It’s also been revealed that Pepper is going to get muesli again on Christmas morning at the manager’s home
This is the first time in the 14 years of the competition that a bird – in fact
This year a majority of the other top quotes were from central government politicians or world-class Kiwi sports stars
In second place was Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s retort to a radio interview
Previous winners have been impromptu wisecracks
such as “spread your legs” instead of stretch your legs by the then Prime Minister Chris Hipkins
or “Paula Benefit” instead of Paula Bennet by the then National Party leader Simon Bridges
The quotes are the ones the public find memorable in one way or another
The way to compose a one-liner that appeals to Kiwis is to use vivid words and an authentic light-hearted tone
as she pointed out in her new book on Kiwi quotes They Said What?
She wrote that Kiwis like the quote more if the person is spontaneous and even stumbles
“The world wants our humanity more than our eloquence,” she wrote
On the outskirts of Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Manawatū campus lies over 65 hectares that might seem like just another farm
is a rite of passage for veterinary students
It’s an integral part of Massey’s veterinary school
contributing to its ranking as number one in Australasia and Asia
The unit is a point of difference in our international accreditation
enabling graduates to work in many countries,” LATU Manager Mike Reilly says
LATU began with 40 hectares of grazing land and facilities to train veterinary students in all aspects of large animal handling and examination
a lecture room that can accommodate 100 students
an arena and 13 purpose-built cow stocks for teaching
This growth has been driven by the need to provide hands-on training
preparing students while maintaining a focus on animal welfare
with approval from the university’s animal ethics committee
ensure the animals’ health and welfare while providing valuable learning opportunities
In line with Massey’s commitment to reducing and refining animal use where possible
the on-campus Clinical Skills Lab has rapidly expanded
allowing students to practise on a range of low- and high-fidelity models before working with live animals
Academic Lead of Veterinary Education Professor Jenny Weston says that animal welfare is deeply integrated into the curriculum at LATU
there’s no substitute for live animal experience
they undergo extensive training in health and safety
Accreditation requires students to demonstrate competence in animal handling before undertaking placements on farms
upholds animal welfare and assures placement providers that students are well-prepared.”
with herds rotated to maintain their wellbeing and ensure they thrive
Students also have access to handle deer at a neighbouring Massey farm
Complementing LATU are the canine and feline units managed by the School of Agriculture and Environment
offering further opportunities for students to refine their companion animal handling skills
LATU is their first chance to closely engage with their potential future patients
Mr Reilly says every interaction with an animal enhances a student’s competence
where students can safely interact with a variety of large species
offering a balanced education in a well-designed
facilitating student interactions with large animals was fraught with challenges
including exposure to the elements and limited opportunities for students to safely engage with animals during lessons
who graduated from Massey a year before LATU was established
“We’re fortunate to have such a prime location and exceptional facilities
We have direct access to a wide range of animals – dairy cattle
lifestyle block animals and horses – all just a stone’s throw from campus
With the animals housed at LATU and the strict ethical and welfare standards that we uphold
allowing students to gain valuable experiences whilst ensuring that the welfare of individual animals is monitored.”
The purpose-built facility helps students build confidence and experience before they start undertaking practical work on farms and with vets
agriculture and animal welfare to have competent large animal veterinarians
I’ve visited several international veterinary schools
and many have a greater focus on companion animals
Massey’s veterinary programme provides equal emphasis on both large and small animals
More than half of our graduates start their careers in rural practice
and LATU plays a key role in preparing them for that,” Professor Weston says
with 175 in the class compared to 72 in the early days
Professor Weston says the facility has been shaped by the efforts of many
ensuring its design continues to meet the needs of students by providing state-of-the-art equipment and teaching practices to prepare future veterinarians
“Those who campaigned for LATU showed great foresight
It’s paid dividends in how we teach and assess our students
The impact of their vision continues to resonate and is evident in our strong veterinary graduates who leave with the skills to excel
The next 30 years will see LATU continue to diversify and grow
the Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety and Associate Minister of Agriculture
The School of Veterinary Science has been awarded the Training Prize in the 2024 Lush Prize awards
As the institution for veterinary education in Aotearoa New Zealand
we are proud to celebrate World Veterinary Day by shining a spotlight on the enduring legacy of Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science
there’s no mention of spotlight or centre stage
one of his favourite photos from a recent White Ferns tour shows exactly where he likes to be: in the background
Head Coach Ben Sawyer watches All-Rounder Jess Kerr with Dr Warrick Wood observing in the background
“That photo nicely reinforces the idea of integrating mental skills
as opposed to being entirely separate – perhaps in the ways that we’ve traditionally thought about working with a shrink.”
A lecturer in sport and exercise psychology at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University
Dr Wood has spent the past decade working as a mental skills coach
supporting athletes to thrive under pressure and navigate the highs and lows of performance
His recent appointment as the travelling mental skills coach for the White Ferns marks a significant step forward for the women’s national cricket team and for the growing recognition of mental skills in elite sport
“Each provincial team in New Zealand has their own provider
and I’ve worked with Auckland Cricket for 10 seasons
but with the increased emphasis on the psychological aspects of performance and wellbeing
there’s been a push for the White Ferns to have someone travel with them
I’m extremely grateful to have been offered the role
and I hope it provides some momentum for a permanent position going forward.”
the journey into this field was a natural evolution of his lifelong love for sport
and is now someone who supports others to be their best
“My goal is to help athletes and support staff have the experience they want within sport
whether that means performing consistently or creating more balance so that sport remains a positive and complementary part of their lives
Everyone is looking for something different and I love this aspect.”
The foundation of his work with the White Ferns so far has been relationship building
“Given that this was my first tour with the team
I focused mostly on developing relationships with athletes and staff and supporting individuals
As players at this level are so physically and technically proficient
many of the strategies are geared at helping individuals get out of their own way.”
Dr Warrick Wood (third from the left) with the New Zealand women's national cricket team
That might mean teaching simple breathing exercises
or helping players create cue words to centre themselves under pressure
“It’s about maintaining focus and reducing anxiety
Dr Wood emphasises that mental skills and mental health aren’t separate silos and understanding that nuance is crucial
“This is always a fine needle to thread and there is typically overlap between performance and wellbeing when working with athletes
I always start with outlining my role in the team
as this is important in establishing alignment between expectations and a sense of trust
some players might only want to work on performance matters
while others might be seeking some wellbeing support.”
Dr Wood says it can be really effective for recovery and wellbeing
but also a great performance aid as it nurtures non-judgemental engagement in the moment
As a male coach working with a women’s team
he’s thoughtful about how he approaches differences in experience and environment but avoids assumptions
“There’s a lot of research on gendered differences
I try to go in without biases or preconceived ideas
I focus on understanding what’s needed in that specific environment.”
he’s observed a growing appetite for education around mental skills and a real openness to embedding the work into team culture
“The professionalism of women’s cricket is growing rapidly
I think the next step is improving how mental skills are integrated
so it’s always hard when someone you care about is going through something
And you do sometimes carry that thought of
He’s also conscious of the limits of his role and the importance of referring players on when more specialised support is needed
overcoming the stigma of doing mental skills work can still be a challenge
“Whether it’s young people trying to figure things out or athletes at the highest levels of sport
“There’s increasing emphasis on both performance and wellbeing
and with the pressure that comes at all levels of sport
I think we’ll see mental skills coaching continue to expand
into areas like the performing arts or business.”
As for highlights from his time with the White Ferns so far
he says it’s the small moments that stick with him – a fist bump from a player to acknowledge that an idea had worked
“Are we still meeting for a chat after training?”
but of mental skills in general really meant a lot.”
or being the last person a batter speaks to before walking out
Dr Wood is proud of the support he’s been able to offer in a range of ways
And while he’s still waiting on the formal feedback
he’s hopeful the journey isn’t over just yet
Sport and Exercise staff and students celebrated another graduation milestone this week at The Regent
with Professor Andy Martin marking 30 years of coordinating student practicums within the programme
the Academy of Sport programme has started the year strong with additional opportunities for student athletes
Her research explored the critical engagement with settler narratives and the reimagining of her relationship to land in Aotearoa New Zealand
Born in Palmerston North and raised in Feilding
At the core of Dr Ora’s research is the concept of ‘unsettling’—a creative and reflective exploration of decolonisation through performance and video
has normalised the presence of settlers in Aotearoa
Dr Ora says through her art practice she aimed to engage with land in a way that unsettles these colonial narratives
Her work critiques colonial and patriarchal representations of land
embodying a shift away from ownership and control
non-grasping understanding of being on land
As a Pākehā woman and descendant of settler farm labourers
Dr Ora sought to rethink her relationship with the land in ways that challenge colonial ideals and open new possibilities for engagement
playful actions like vacuuming a paddock or attempting to climb an electric fence
she disrupts the settler identity and reflects on her own decolonising process
Dr Ora’s work is informed by feminist and decolonial theorists such as Linda Tuhiwai Smith
She says much of her work was shaped by the Manawatū landscape
where her forebears arrived in the 1800s under the colonial ideology that Māori land was empty and unused
It was a rich and complex food source and travel route
In stepping into these landscapes through performance
I placed my body into this layered history
using a static camera to highlight how I move through and against it,” she explains
invite viewers to think of land not as something to own
but as a living entity with its own agency and history
Dr Ora’s research has roots in her childhood experiences along the Ōroua River
where a fleeting moment when paddock fences appeared strange in the landscape sparked a lifelong curiosity about land and its relationship to settlers
This moment disrupted her assumptions about land
raising questions around settler control and perception
Dr Ora’s art practice has remained connected to the outdoors—engaging in playful
physical activities that reflect her childhood memories of climbing trees and building huts
A pivotal moment in her doctoral journey was living off the grid in The Chrysalis—a repurposed horse float transformed into a micro-house
This experience was crucial in shifting her perspective of land from ownership to that of a guest
and allowed her to experience land as a living entity
inspiring her research and creative practice
One of the most significant insights in her research came from the realisation of how small
sustained actions can accumulate over time
A key moment occurred during the making of Projection Screen
where Dr Ora filmed herself unfurling a projection screen in an overgrown backyard
This act amplified her questions about how colonial projections shape our relationship with land
persistent engagements with land that disrupt colonial narratives over time
Dr Ora’s research also led her to embrace the concept of “affirmative resistance,” where small
everyday acts of connection gently shift cultural and colonial norms
By focusing on generative practices that reshape relationships with land
she found that transformation need not always come through grand gestures
Dr Ora’s research has real-world implications
environmental awareness and artistic activism
Her work demonstrates how performance art can be a vital tool in unsettling colonial narratives and reshaping identity and belonging
her art shows that transformation can emerge through cumulative disruptions
This approach offers a new way to critically engage with space
encouraging collective reflection on how settlers can engage with whenua without perpetuating colonial harm
Dr Ora opens up space for conversations about belonging
responsibility and the cultural construction of landscape
inviting others to reflect on their own relationships to land in Aotearoa
Dr Ora has fond memories of her time at Massey
especially the support and guidance from her supervisors
Professors Kingsley Baird and Julieanna Preston
She recalls how they helped her navigate the highs and lows of the PhD process
“I valued being among high-calibre artists and researchers in an environment where art-making and critical thinking were the norm
I have great memories of our cohort and lasting friendships from this time
“A highlight of my Massey experience was early morning coffees with Karl
and the ways some of my cohort unwound – like goofing around in discarded fashion student outfits from the skip bin
I also remember eerie late-night walks through the old museum building
crossing paths with others working into the night.”
Now that her doctoral research is complete
Dr Ora is excited about upcoming collaborations with artists and is deeply enjoying her te reo Māori classes
“I feel very fortunate to be part of a Māori-led community course focused on Te Ao Māori and tikanga foundations
which has been bringing me a strong sense of community and grounding
I have noticed that my life has taken on a more relational focus
and many aspects of my research are now becoming part of how I live
and I’m also in the process of setting up a workshop
With these commitments and upcoming artistic collaborations
Doctor of Philosophy graduate Dr Areef Shaik saw a real need for a more fit for purpose lifejacket for emergency responders in India
where flood events occur every year due to the tropical monsoon climate
Dr Magdalena Karasinska’s nomadic experience served as a valuable starting point for her creative and practice-led research PhD project called ‘Smoosh.’
Alongside the unique voices of other taonga pūoro, or traditional Māori instruments, it heralded the arrival of an exciting future for the Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts (CoCA) as 2024 Arts Laureate Horomona Horo
was officially welcomed to the Massey staff whānau
which is a pioneering offering for tertiary education in Aotearoa New Zealand
The cultural revival of taonga pūoro brings new life to Māori flutes
trumpets and percussive instruments traditionally used for many purposes including healing
signifying crop planting and spiritual communication
Horomona comes to us from the University of Waikato
the centre of excellence for this cultural tradition
where he taught under the guidance of the late Hirini Melbourne ONZM and Dr Richard Nunns QSM
He has also been a guest lecturer at the universities of Cambridge
Associate Professor Horo has taken part in multiple collaborations with Ria Hall
and film scores he has worked on include Whina and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
“With an increasing number of the kōhanga reo generation coming through
it was important that we looked at how we meet their needs and aspirations
How can we nourish them in a way that encourages them to go out and shape creative industries to be more reflective of themselves
we’ll be able to grow a generation of musicians that will influence Māori music and contribute to Aotearoa’s unique sound in commercial music
And by having Māori practitioners in every creative discipline that we offer
students will be able to centre Te Ao Māori in their practice
CoCA Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Maile says the new major is an example of the college’s mission to actively uphold the university’s commitment to being Te Tiriti o Waitangi-led
Speaking at the conclusion of the pōhiri after whaikōrero from both tangata whenua and manuhiri
she described the importance of welcoming Associate Professor Horo to the Toi Rauwhārangi whānau
of the taonga pūoro he brings to the wider college community and the vital role he will play in supporting Māori tauira through the new major
She also emphasised the critical social value of creative arts in preserving aspects of cultural identity and carrying them through to the future
he spoke and sang a song from his own culture and described the pōhiri experience as “moving and dreamlike.” Other new Massey staff welcomed were Bailie Sims
Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts (CoCA) at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University is elevating te ao Māori and its critical role in indigenising Aotearoa New Zealand’s creative industries
New leadership group Ngā Kaiwhakapūmau i Te Tiriti o Waitangi i Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa came together for its first meeting on the Pukeahu campus last week
A group of rangatahi from Nōna Te Ao Trust’s E Tipu E Rea programme recently visited the Pukeahu campus to experience Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts’ state-of-the-art facilities
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University in Palmerston North is taking a novel approach to assessing pasture growth under solar panels in farm paddocks
Mock solar array at Massey's Pasture and Crop Research Unit
An improved understanding of the effect of solar arrays on pasture production could inform future decision-making about what kinds of co-located systems (Agrivoltaics) might be feasible
or even lead to alterations in solar array construction to better facilitate farming practices beneath and between panels
Massey completed a pilot study on pasture growth under a solar array in South Taranaki in 2023
This research showed that pasture growth was reduced by 84 per cent beneath solar panels
but increased by 38 per cent between panels
Researchers are now trying to understand the causes behind the reduced growth
Solar panels can significantly reduce the amount of sunlight reaching pasture plants beneath panels
but it was clear from the pilot research that they may also provide beneficial effects for pasture growing between panels in some regions or seasons
The pilot study was conducted during the summer months
so it is possible that pasture plants shaded for parts of the day during warmer
drier seasons are better able to conserve moisture
sunny conditions for extended periods are forced to expend moisture
Plants regulate leaf temperatures in this way
Pasture plants rarely use all the sunlight they are supplied
so intermittent shading by solar panels in the paddock throughout the day is unlikely to have major impacts on pasture growth
the scientists intend to measure critical characterises of the environment relevant to pasture growth to examine the possible explanations and reasons for the original results
Massey researchers have constructed a mock solar array at the Pasture and Crop Research Unit
The mock solar array has been produced to the same specifications as a commercial solar array
but instead of solar panels and steel framing
the team has opted for more cost-effective wood and iron structures
Light loggers (measuring photosynthetically active radiation) at the new mock solar array
The research will examine pasture production
as well as soil fertility and carbon stocks
By measuring all of the important drivers of pasture growth
the researchers hope to gain a full understanding of just how solar arrays might be affecting pasture production
Professor Danny Donaghy and Professor Paul Kenyon
Trevor Ellett Lecturer in Grassland Science Sam Wilson from the School of Agriculture and Environment says the research forms part of an ongoing programme to consider combining different businesses on farm to get the most out of our land-based industries
“A lot of this solar research has become current over the last few years as farmers seek to enhance both production and sustainability
We are working with farmers seeking to increase the profitability of their businesses and at the same time
Strong local and national interest in regenerative farming saw close to 200 people attending an on-farm field day on 28 November
the largest turnout for a farm event at Massey University in 20 years
A pilot study indicates that combining solar panels with a pastoral sheep farming system could have both positive and negative impacts on pasture growth
A new Massey University study will explore the potential for combined solar and pastoral farming in New Zealand by grazing sheep around solar panels on a Taranaki farm
Sitting beside her newborn son’s hospital bed
Rachel Barclay could have been forgiven for putting her dreams on hold
Rachel Barclay graduates with her Master of Health Science with Distinction in Sport and Exercise (2024)
exercise and nutrition at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University
Rachel has turned every challenge into fuel for her journey
but working in hospitality didn’t align with her growing love for health and fitness
she took a leap of faith and returned to study
“I changed my courses to distance and did my assignments while at my son’s bedside
I finished my bachelor’s while working at Evolve Fitness as a trainer
a new opportunity emerged: a scholarship to work on a research project
“I was very proud of myself for receiving such an opportunity
I discovered that research was what I wanted to do
Her PhD study focuses on the effects of a milk bioactive supplement
physical performance and body composition in post-menopausal women
“Participants will take either the milk bioactive or a placebo every day for 12 weeks
while performing 7,000 steps a day and a home-based resistance exercise programme twice a week.”
but one Rachel hopes could make a real difference
“Women going through post-menopause experience several unpleasant symptoms that affect their health and quality of life
This often happens alongside normal age-related changes in physical and mental health
We want to investigate a supplement that may provide some relief.”
The study will measure a wide range of outcomes
Rachel’s ultimate goal is to find new ways to support women through this important life stage
“I hope the milk bioactive will improve the mental wellness
physical performance and body composition of postmenopausal women
and thus improve their health and quality of life.”
Although the journey from undergraduate to doctoral candidate has been demanding
developing an idea and curating an argument about how I can solve a problem
but it’s so rewarding to see it all come together!”
Rachel’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience
passion and a willingness to take small steps every day can lead to big discoveries
If you are a healthy, postmenopausal woman aged 50 to 80 years, moderately stressed, and able to participate in light to moderate activity, please get in touch with Rachel at r.barclay@massey.ac.nz
This study forms part of our food and nutrition research at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University
The Human Nutrition Research Unit (HNRU) is part of the School of Food Technology and Natural Sciences
the team investigates ways to improve health outcomes for postmenopausal women
A College of Sciences research team has launched a new study aimed at re-examining current health guidelines on supplementation during pregnancy by investigating the dietary intake and nutrient status of pregnant women