Commemorating a campus icon

Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Surgery, Kat Crosse, reminisces about the Vet Tower in Massey history

The Vet Tower has been a significant part of the Manawatū campus landscape since the early 1970s. Standing eight floors tall with an undeniable brutalist air, it acts as a way point for any cross-campus expedition. It is also a significant feature in the memories of students and staff, past and present. Whether you love it or hate it, its dismantling this year is the end of an era.

Although I did not study at Massey, I have worked in the veterinary sciences building in various roles since 2009. It is the place I have spent the longest and I have gone from new intern to specialist surgeon within its walls. Because of this, I wanted to ensure that we have ways to commemorate this brute of a building into the future. The archive images of the build, and future images of the demolition, will act as bookend references, but I wanted a lighter way to remember these halls of learning. With the support of some close colleagues, I have been encouraged to work on my artistic endeavours and have managed to create some Vet Tower art between surgeries!

Profits from the sales of the limited edition prints and pins will go back to the veterinary community and those within the community needing support. The Elizabeth Veterinary Benevolent Fund was established in 1954 to provide financial assistance to NZVA members and their families during difficult times. Today, it also provides other support services for NZVA members, such as: the Veterinary Wellness Programme, the Mentor Scheme and Prelude to Practice Seminar (for fifth-year vet students).

Purchase a commemorative print

Purchase a commemorative pin