Your latest Alumni newsletter

Kia ora, welcome to your latest news

Kia ora koutou katoa,

We celebrated almost 500 graduates at our Manawatū graduation ceremonies last month. These are always a highlight on the calendar because graduation is the culmination of years of hard work and there is never a shortage of inspiring stories being shared as people celebrate their academic achievement with whānau and friends. We are excited to welcome them to our alumni whānau.

We recently hosted a group of friends who studied Diplomas in Agriculture in 1958, graduating in 1961. As they toured the Refectory building, they reminisced and shared fond memories of their time here and how studying with Massey was a springboard for successful careers, which they are still in today.

While there are many positive stories to highlight in this edition, I do want to acknowledge it has been a challenging time for Massey University and the tertiary sector more broadly. In response to these challenges there is significant work underway to ensure we have a sustainable financial future.

As we near the end of the year, I’d like to wish you and your families a relaxing holiday period (with hopefully good weather!) and a great start to 2024.

Ngā mihi nui,

Professor Jan Thomas
Vice-Chancellor


As we nestle into the festive spirit, our newsletter echoes this sentiment, capturing our alumni’s treasured recollections and hopes. This issue is a journey through Massey’s legacy, featuring reflections from our long-standing alumni on their impactful years with us and stories from recent graduates who are stepping boldly into their futures. We not only celebrate our past, but also herald the bright future of our Massey community.

As the year draws to a close, let’s cherish the memories we’ve created and look forward to the adventures that await. To all our alumni, wherever you may be, we send wishes of joy and a prosperous New Year filled with fresh possibilities. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

Warm wishes,

The Alumni Relations Team

Insert alt text here
Insert alt text here
Awerangi Tamihere – three decades of advancing Māori health

Mrs Awerangi Tamihere, Ngāti Kauwhata, Rangitāne, Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata, Kāi Tahu, is the COO of Te Whānau o Waipareira and the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency. In addition to her recently appointed duty as a Komiti Member and Deputy Chair of Ngā Kaitiaki o Ngāti Kauwhata, her extensive portfolio reflects her multifaceted leadership skills and dedication to fostering a sustainable and resilient Māori community.

Read more...

Fluid images

Selwyn Gubb – a lifetime of agricultural innovation and grit

The carefully preserved wool clip collection, spanning over 75 years, is more than just a part of Selwyn Gubb’s academic pursuits at Massey, where he obtained his Diploma of Agriculture in 1948. It exemplifies a dedicated student’s mastery of both the practical abilities and the theoretical insights provided by the university.

Read more...

Fluid images

Geoff Summers - navigating a dynamic career landscape

From a mature student to a top HR management expert in New Zealand, Geoff Summers has forged a path of exceptional accomplishments. He enrolled in Massey’s Executive MBA in his 40s, followed by a Master’s in Human Resource Management. His advanced degrees catalysed his rise to senior positions and advisory roles, culminating in accolades such as the HRNZ Lifetime Achievement Award 2020.

Read more...
Fluid images

Dr Rochelle Nafatali – first Pacific Clinical Psychology graduate hopes to encourage other Pacific scholars

Dr Rochelle Nafatali hopes to play a part in encouraging other Pacific scholars to take their place in psychology. She hopes that through modelling goal-setting and determination in completing these qualifications, her children will feel confident to fulfil their own dreams.

Read more...

Fluid images

Brian Toleafoa - a degree 13 years in the making

After a rough start to tertiary study and a long break in the middle, Brian Toleafoa graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Palmerston North last month.

Read more...
Fluid images

Finding balance between skates and scrubs

Bachelor of Veterinary Science student Hannah Cross, Taranaki, has mastered the art of perseverance to balance clinical placements, study and her ice hockey career.

Read more...

Insert alt text here
Fluid images

Alumni and Professors Emeriti reunite at Massey 

Organised by the Alumni Office, Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas invited a group of Professor Emeriti and distinguished alumni for an intimate afternoon tea at the Manawatū campus in November. The event provided an opportunity for friends and past colleagues to reconnect and learn about Massey’s current and future plans. 

Read more...
Fluid images

Strengthening bonds and building futures

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students and Global Engagement Dr Tere McGonagle-Daly visited China in October. A pivotal moment of the trip was a meaningful engagement with the Chinese Alumni Committee, highlighting Massey’s commitment to its global alumni network.

Read more...

Fluid images

Alumni Shop Christmas sale

Place your final orders with the Alumni Shop by noon Wednesday 20 December for final dispatch to ensure delivery before the university closure on 21 December. Our online shop will resume operations on Monday 8 January 2024.
Take advantage of our 50% sale on Massey blue rugby jerseys! Stocks are limited, so secure your order now to avoid missing out.

Read more...
Fluid images

Discover and win!

Massey University Press publishes award-winning books across a range of genres. Learn about the latest exciting releases and go in the draw to win a new publication.

Read more...

Fluid images

Massey shines in Sustainability Rankings

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) has released its 2023 Sustainability Rankings – and it’s good news for Massey - the university has risen 44 places to be ranked 81st in the world.

Read more...
Fluid images

Four University Research Medals awarded

Two Individual, one Early Career and one Supervisor Research Medal have been awarded to staff for exceptional research success in 2023.

Read more...
Insert alt text here

Decorated Professor and veterinary science pioneer passes away

Professor Neil Bruere, one of the founding staff members of The School of Veterinary Science has passed away. He had a long career as a vet and worked at Massey until he retired in the 90s.

Read more...

Insert alt text here
Insert alt text here

Share your heart-warming stories!

Did you meet your significant other or best friend at Massey? We’d love to hear more about how your time at the university changed your life with those you love. Send us a short paragraph and a photo to alumni@massey.ac.nz.


 

Connect with your alumni community!
    
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa | Disclaimer | Privacy Statement | © Massey University
  |   View this email in your browser .