Alumni 2026 February - Massey University

Your latest Alumni newsletter

Kia ora koutou katoa,

Welcome to the first alumni newsletter of 2026. We hope you enjoyed a refreshing holiday break!

This edition celebrates the people and stories at the heart of Massey. We share the journeys of ten newly graduated alumni, whose experiences remind us that success at Massey is never achieved alone. We also feature Dan Te Whenua Walker, whose leadership has never been about titles, but has been shaped by whakapapa, purpose and courage. Alongside this, Craig Hickson, founder of Progressive Meats, reflects on what it truly means to be “progressive”. It is a commitment to keep improving, keep connecting and keep building something that lasts.

We also warmly welcome Professor Pierre Venter, Massey University’s seventh Vice-Chancellor. In his first message to our alumni community, Professor Venter shares his vision for the university and reflects on the important role alumni play in strengthening Massey, both here in Aotearoa and around the world.

As always, thank you for being part of the Massey alumni whānau. We hope you enjoy this edition.

Ngā mihi nui,
Alumni Relations Team

Kia ora koutou katoa,

It is a privilege to address you for the first time as Vice-Chancellor of Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University. As I’ve stepped into this role over the past few weeks, one thing has become abundantly clear: the strength of our university is built not only on our current students and staff, but on the success of thousands of graduates around the world.

I am excited to be back in the academic world following 15 years working in research and development at Fonterra. This experience has given me a new appreciation for the value universities provide, not only to their students, but also to industry and society. I am extremely motivated to ensure that we fully capitalise on Massey’s contributions.

Over time, I will focus on strengthening Massey’s ability to add differentiating value in a world where many educational offerings are becoming commoditised. We will ensure our research has defendable societal impact, contributing meaningfully to the challenges facing our communities, our economy, and our environment. We will transfer our knowledge in ways that make our credentials truly sought after.

While Massey is truly New Zealand’s university, with three campuses across the North Island and thousands of students all around Aotearoa, we also pride ourselves on our international reach. During this year I will be visiting the Pacific, Singapore, the United States and Europe as part of my role to connect Massey with the world. I hope I will be able to meet you at alumni events in some of these locations.

As Massey embarks on this next chapter, I invite you to stay connected, whether by attending alumni events, sharing your expertise, or simply keeping in touch.

Thank you for your continued support and loyalty. I look forward to meeting some of you in the months ahead.

Ngā mihi nui,
Professor Pierre Venter
Vice-Chancellor

Dan Te Whenua Walker – leading with whakapapa, purpose and courage

For Dan, leadership has never been about titles alone. It has been shaped by whakapapa, tested through failure, and refined by a commitment to service, across corporate boardrooms, marae, global technology spaces and community organisations.

Craig Hickson – building success through continuous improvement

Craig, founder of Progressive Meats, started with six employees in 1981. With the company growing to more than 400 staff in its primary business, ‘Progressive’ has become more than branding. Craig calls it a culture: “Always seeking to improve, continuous improvement.”

Journeys shaped by support

Graduation day is a time to celebrate, reflect and feel proud. At our November 2025 Palmerston North graduation ceremony, we spoke with ten graduates whose journeys remind us that success at Massey is never achieved alone. Their stories highlight the support of whānau, friends and community, alongside the flexibility, care and encouragement found at Massey.

Know an exceptional Massey graduate?

Nominate them for the 2026 Alumni Excellence Awards before 31 March 2026 and help us celebrate alumni making a real difference, both here and overseas.

Award categories

Alumni Excellence
Young Alumni (for nominees aged 35 or under at the date of nomination)

Massey welcomes seventh Vice-Chancellor

Earlier this month, Professor Pierre Venter began in the role of Massey University’s Vice-Chancellor. Professor Venter was welcomed on to each of Massey’s three campuses with pōwhiri led by local mana whenua, followed by engagement events with staff.

Research leaders receive New Year Honours

Two Distinguished Professors were awarded Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2026 New Year Honours List. A total of 15 staff and alumni were recognised this year.

Scholarship options for alumni

Massey University offers hundreds of scholarships across all qualifications and areas of study. There are also options specifically for our alumni, including those who are retired, such as the Albert and Alexis Dennis Donation.

You can explore all available scholarships here: Scholarships and awards - Massey University. Scholarship application dates open and close throughout the year, though many close by mid-year. 

Alumni shaping Singapore’s leadership future

Discover how alumni are making an impact across Singapore in business, education, technology, and aviation. Today, Massey brings the same practical, globally minded education to Singapore, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes designed for working professionals.

Watch their stories

Learn more about studying in Singapore

Massey University Foundation receives historic $5 million gift

A trust set up by Taranaki philanthropist Dr George Mason has donated $5 million to the Massey University Foundation, the largest gift in its history, to support natural environmental research through the new Dr George Mason Endowment Fund.

Thank you for your generous support

A huge thank you to everyone who donated to the 15th Annual Alumni Appeal. Together, Massey alumni have donated $39,000 and we’re very grateful! Since the first appeal in 2011, alumni have collectively contributed more than $1 million to support Massey.

Southeast Asia Roadshow – March 2026

Next month a Massey University delegation led by Dr Tere McGonagle-Daly, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students and Global Engagement, will visit Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia.

The visit will focus on strengthening partnerships, reconnecting with alumni, meeting prospective students, and exploring opportunities for further collaboration.

Further details, including alumni and friends events, will be shared soon. Please keep an eye on the Alumni Event website and the Massey University Alumni Facebook page for updates.

Connect with your alumni community!