Alumni 2026 August - Massey University

Your latest Alumni newsletter

Kia ora koutou katoa,

Welcome to the latest edition of our alumni newsletter!

Our recent strategy launch celebrations brought alumni, staff and members of the wider Massey community together across all three campuses. Alongside learning about Massey’s new direction, guests had the opportunity to reconnect, share conversations and celebrate the relationships that make our community so special.

In this edition we also celebrate College of Sciences alumni whose knowledge, leadership and experience are making a difference in New Zealand and around the world. Meet Felix Loh, whose journey from Massey horticulture student to Chief Executive Officer of Gardens by the Bay shows where courage, kindness and the road less travelled can lead; Cathy Thompson, who turned more than 30 years of experience in large-animal practice into practical guidance for veterinarians and farmers; and Maria Elder, whose Natural Resource Management degree continues to guide her work across Fiji and the wider Pacific.

There are also some exciting opportunities to connect and learn. Our upcoming Golden Alumni Lunch on the Manawatū Campus will bring former classmates and friends together for a special occasion. You can also join us in Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands to meet members of the Massey community, build meaningful relationships and celebrate our shared connections across the Pacific.

Or tune in to our October Webinar Series: three expert speakers, three fascinating topics and a month of learning. From caring for your pets and navigating artificial intelligence (AI) to understanding New Zealand’s democracy, there’s something for everyone.

We hope you enjoy this edition and look forward to connecting with you soon.

Ngā mihi nui,
Alumni Relations Team

Connecting people, place and possibility: Massey’s new strategy

Earlier this week, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University launched our Strategy 2026-2030, setting a bold course to become Aotearoa New Zealand's most applied and connected university and accelerate our contribution to the prosperity, wellbeing and sustainability of New Zealand.

Constructed around the theme of connecting people, place and possibility, the strategy reflects our distinctive strengths and commitment to advancing knowledge of the living systems that sustain New Zealand and the world.

View the Strategy 2026-2030 here.

The strategy builds on Massey’s 100-year history and areas of expertise, while positioning Massey to become New Zealand’s most applied and connected tertiary institute.

The strategy will guide the university’s priorities over the next five years and will deliver four strategic outcomes:

Future-ready learners, who graduate from Massey as capable, adaptable and employable, and return to Massey throughout their lives to meet their changing education needs
Improved national capability and productivity through stronger regions, industries and workforces
Research and innovation which has impact by ensuring knowledge is translated and applied
A trusted and sustainable Massey which is financially resilient and delivers on its promises.

A key part of the strategy is ensuring that Massey becomes a place of lifelong learning – making it easier for graduates and alumni to return to the university whenever they have further education needs. I look forward to sharing more details with you soon.

Ngā mihi nui,
Professor Pierre Venter
Vice-Chancellor

Felix Loh – The garden that grew a leader

At 18 years old, Felix chose horticulture because plants didn’t talk back. Decades later, his journey has come full circle: from a quiet Massey student to Chief Executive Officer of Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, one of the world’s most celebrated urban gardens. “The plants drew me out into the world. It was the people who gave the journey its meaning.”

Cathy Thompson – Learning the hard way and sharing it

Over more than three decades in large-animal practice, Cathy built an outstanding career through skill, observation and determination. Now an award-winning veterinarian, author and mentor, she continues to inspire the next generation with the lessons she learned along the way. “Don’t get put off doing large animals just because you’re small. I survived.”

Maria Elder – Building a more sustainable Pacific

A passion for protecting natural resources has shaped Maria’s journey from the very beginning. That passion led her to Massey University, where she studied Natural Resource Management and developed the knowledge and practical skills that continue to guide her work across Fiji and the Pacific today.

20 years of dedication: Thank you, Karen!

After 22 years with the Massey University Alumni Relations team, Karen Greer has retired. Throughout her time with us, she touched the lives of colleagues and alumni alike with her dedication, kindness and unwavering support. Karen, thank you for everything you have given to our alumni community. We wish you every happiness in your retirement!

Four graduates, four new journeys

Meet four new graduates from India, Germany and Aotearoa New Zealand. They studied animal genetics and breeding, psychology and chemistry, each bringing their own experiences, interests and aspirations to Massey. As they celebrate this important milestone, they reflect on the challenges they overcame, the people who supported them and the moments that shaped their time at university. Now, they’re looking ahead to new opportunities, further study and careers where they can make a meaningful difference.

Congratulations to the winners of our graduation story giveaway

A huge thank you to everyone who shared their graduation stories with us. We loved reading about your journeys. Three stories stood out for the inspiring experiences, resilience and passion they captured. Read them here.

Have a graduation story you’d like to share? We’d love to hear it. Email us at alumni@massey.ac.nz. Your story could inspire future students and fellow alumni.

Outstanding achievements recognised in Alumni Excellence Awards

We’re delighted to celebrate Dan Te Whenua Walker, recipient of Massey University’s 2026 Alumni Excellence Award, and Ellen Dixon, recipient of the 2026 Young Alumni Award. Through their leadership in Indigenous innovation, community service and global education, Dan and Ellen demonstrate the positive impact Massey graduates are making in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world. Read more...

Do you know a Massey graduate making an outstanding contribution to their profession, community or industry? Nominations for the 2027 Alumni Excellence Awards are now open. We encourage alumni and members of the wider community to nominate graduates whose achievements deserve recognition.

Nominations close on 1 December 2026. Submit your nomination today using our online nomination form.

Save the date – Alumni and Friends Events in the Pacific

Join us in Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands to reconnect with fellow alumni, make new connections and strengthen partnerships across the Pacific region.

Samoa
Monday 31 August 6pm-8pm
Upolu Room, Taumeasina Island Resort, Apia
Register for the Samoa event

Tonga
Tuesday 1 September 6pm-8pm
Lave’itavake Lounge and Terrace, Nuku’alofa
Register for the Tonga event

Cook Islands
Wednesday 2 September 6pm-8pm
Rarotonga
Register for the Cook Islands event

Make sure you’re connected to your country’s Massey University Alumni WhatsApp group for more information. If you would like to join your country’s WhatsApp group, please email alumni@massey.ac.nz and we will send you the link.

Reconnect, reunite and celebrate in 2027

As Massey celebrates its centenary in 2027, we invite alumni to return to campus and reconnect with the friendships, experiences, and achievements that have shaped generations of graduates.

Explore our Centenary Reunion Package for dedicated reunion support. We can help spread the word, arrange a guided tour of the Manawatū campus, capture the occasion with professional photography, and more.

If you’re planning a reunion, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at alumni@massey.ac.nz.

Webinar – So your pet needs anaesthesia

Wednesday 7 October 12pm-1pm

When your pet needs surgery or a procedure, it’s natural to have questions. Professor Erik Hofmeister will describe what happens when your pet is anaesthetised, the real risks, what you can do to minimise them, and how veterinary anaesthesiologists can help make anaesthesia safer for your pet.

Webinar – Working smarter with AI: Practical tools for today’s world

Thursday 15 October 12pm-1pm

AI is rapidly changing the way we work, but what does that mean in practise? This session will provide a simple introduction to AI, explain how different AI tools vary, and explore how they can be customised for specific needs. Professor Ruggiero “Rino” Lovreglio will showcase practical examples of how AI can support everyday tasks, from creating tailored assistants to automating repetitive workflows.

Webinar – Your questions answered: Understanding elections in New Zealand

Thursday 29 October 12pm-1pm

With New Zealand’s General Election approaching, there’s no better time to understand how our electoral system works. Join Professor Richard Shaw for an engaging discussion exploring what happens when you cast your vote, how elections work, and how those votes contribute to the formation of a government. This session will provide practical insights to help you engage with the democratic process with greater confidence.

Save the date – 2026 Golden Alumni Lunch

Tuesday 22 September 11:30am – 2:30pm, Palmerston North

Created especially for alumni aged 60 and over, this memorable gathering is an opportunity to return to the Manawatū campus, reconnect with former classmates and friends, and celebrate your lifelong connection with Massey.

Enjoy a buffet lunch and entertainment at Wharerata, hear the latest university updates from Vice-Chancellor Professor Pierre Venter, and get an early glimpse of centenary celebrations planned for 2027.

Places are limited. Register now.

Massey ranked in world top 100 for sustainability impact

Our commitment to sustainability has been recognised with a top 100 placing in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ratings. This year’s results show improvements for Massey in 11 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Massey now ranks in the world’s top 30 for three SDGs, the top 50 for another three, with a further four SDGs ranking in the top 100.

First selection of 2026 New Zealand Food Awards finalists announced

Entries spanning high-quality artisanal products, everyday delights and technical ingredients showcase exceptional standards and innovation in Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and beverage sector. The finalists feature returning companies such as Pic’s Peanut Butter, Otis Oat Milk and Chia Sisters, alongside newcomers like LULLAA® and Ka kā wā Confectionery.

Remembering three valued members of the Massey community

We were saddened to hear of the recent loss of three valued members of the Massey community: Professor Emeritus Velmurugu “Ravi” Ravindran, alumna Sara Georgeson MNZM and alumnus Michael O’Connor. Each made a lasting contribution through their leadership, service and commitment to others.

Discover and win!

Massey University Press has generously gifted two of their latest publications for our alumni giveaway. Simply email us to go in the draw to win!

As a special thank you to our alumni, we’re offering an exclusive 20% discount on all Massey University Press books. Don’t miss out!

Connect with your alumni community!