Alumni_2024_December - Massey University

Your latest Alumni newsletter

Kia ora koutou katoa,

Last month, many of our alumni based in Southeast Asia attended an event hosted by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students and Global Engagement Dr Tere McGonagle-Daly at the New Zealand High Commissioners Residence in Singapore. Gathering alongside our alumni were some of the students who have recently embarked on their Massey journey via our partners PSB Academy in Singapore. This was a special moment for Massey, with our past and our present coming together, offshore, to celebrate the significant occasion together.

While we are investing in our global reach, we remain firmly focused on our presence in Aotearoa New Zealand, both in perfecting our online offerings as well as reinvigorating our three campuses. Our campuses are changing as we reevaluate and consolidate our physical spaces by selling or leasing buildings that are no longer utilised. This gives us the opportunity to shape our campuses into spaces that better suit our students and staff, and the local communities we serve.

A highlight of the year for me was watching the Paris Olympics and seeing more than 50 of our current students and alumni competing. Members of our Massey whānau won an exceptional nine medals, including seven gold. It gives me immense pride in how our university enables New Zealand’s elite athletes to combine education with sport and I know they are an inspiration to many – even if I do still cheer for the Aussies!

It is no secret that things are tough in the tertiary sector at the moment, with all universities facing financial challenges and strong competition for enrolments. Late last year, we instituted a plan to help improve our financial situation. I’m pleased to say our final financial forecast for 2024 indicates we are on track to record a deficit of -$8.9 million, which is a significant improvement on our budget deficit of -$30 million and testament to the hard work we have put in across the university. We are reshaping our operating environment to one that is manageable in the future, which gives us good reason to feel optimistic about what lies ahead.

Finally, I hope your year is closing out on a high and that you have something you are looking forward to over the holiday period. I am excited to see what 2025 has in store for our alumni.

Meri kirihimete!
Ngā mihi nui,
Professor Jan Thomas
Vice-Chancellor

As we wrap up 2024, we’re proud to highlight stories of alumni whose sporting achievements have inspired us all. This edition showcases how members of our Massey whānau continue to excel both on and off the field.

This year, we’ve celebrated inspiring alumni journeys from diverse fields, marked milestones with our newest graduates, fostered connections through engaging webinars and gatherings nationally and internationally, and heard your valuable insights through our alumni survey. Thank you for your participation and continued connection with Massey.

We wish you a wonderful holiday season and a fantastic start to the new year and we look forward to reconnecting and celebrating more successes in 2025!

Ngā mihi nui,

Alumni Relations Team

Moss Burmester – Olympic glory and a new chapter in business

Moss Burmester, a two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold and bronze medalist, has transitioned from a remarkable swimming career to the business world. Now, with Vantaset, he applies the high-performance principles of elite sport to help organisations transform their impact, effectiveness, and competitiveness.

Paige Satchell – inspiring the next generation through football and dedication

“Playing in the Olympics was a lifelong goal of mine, so to get to this point was incredibly special and is something I will forever be proud of.” For Paige Satchell, football was far more than a sport – it was a dream that shaped her life, took her to international heights, and now fuels her passion for inspiring the next generation.

Greg Mullany – beyond the rugby field: unyielding resilience and dedicated public service

Greg Mullany, Ngāti Kahungunu, Cook Islands, has had an inspiring journey from achieving international rugby success to overcoming a traumatic brain injury. Now serving as a Public Health Advisor at Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, he is committed to reducing health inequities and enhancing community well-being.

Finn Butcher – living a career highlight with Paris debut

Finn Butcher, a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise alumnus made history in the Paris Olympics by winning the first-ever Olympic gold medal in kayak cross. Competing in the high-intensity “demolition derby on water,” the 29-year-old paddler showcased exceptional skill and determination to claim gold.

Phillip Wilson – from Wellington to the world for rowing alumnus

After being inspired in his youth by the Beijing Games, dedicated athlete and graduate Phillip Wilson has maintained a love of rowing that has allowed him to achieve his goals while seamlessly blending his passion for sport with academic achievement.

Hazel Ouwehand – countless laps and calculated dreams

At six years old, alumna Hazel Ouwehand dove into competitive swimming, igniting a passion that set her on a path toward athletic excellence. Following her debut in Paris this year, that drive has only intensified as she continues to make every lap count.

Alumni helping alumni!

Massey Alumni Relations is starting a new initiative for alumni to help each other by supporting alumni businesses. The businesses offer a benefit to alumni, such as discounts, buy one get one free and gift wrapping. The businesses will be profiled on a dedicated section of the alumni website and periodically in our e-newsletter and social media. If you would like to be involved, please contact alumni@massey.ac.nz.

Exclusive career support

As a graduate, you have full and free access to Massey Career Centre’s online resources for three years after graduation. Overhaul your CV, connect with the new NZUni Talent Jobs Board, brush up on your interview skills, access webinars and tap into advice on a vast range of career-related topics. To access, complete and submit this form!

Massey secures Gold in 2024 Times Higher Education Online Learning Rankings

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.

Massey’s student success strategy featured in new international research handbook

Massey University’s approach to better engaging students in priority learner groups is shared in the newly published Research Handbook on Student Engagement in Higher Education that champions international best practice.

Massey athletes shine in Paris

With more than 50 members of our Massey whānau showcasing their talents on the international stage, here are some highlights from the time our alumni and current students spent in Paris.

Rugby superstar reigns supreme at Massey Blues Awards

Topping off a golden year, Tyla King, Ngā Puhi, was crowned the Supreme Award winner at the 2024 Massey Blues Awards, where 149 student athletes were celebrated for their academic and sporting achievements.

Thank you for your feedback

Thank you to everyone who participated in the alumni survey – your feedback helps us improve how we support our alumni community.

Congratulations to our $100 Prezzy Card winners: Yuhao Liang, Lyn Knappstein, Bonnie Lang, Byron Williams and Eloise Penberth!

Professor Meihana Durie appointed CEO of Te Wānanga o Raukawa

Professor Meihana Durie, Rangitāne, Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Porou, Rongo Whakaata, Ngāi Tahu, will step down as Massey’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori in January to become CEO/Tumuaki at Te Wānanga o Raukawa.

Since joining Massey in 2017, Professor Durie has made a lasting impact, including establishing the Te Tiriti o Waitangi Policy and opening Te Rau Karamū Marae. We thank him for his leadership and wish him success in his new role.

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.

Annual Alumni Appeal

Join Massey University’s 2024 Annual Alumni Appeal and help students facing financial challenges by contributing to the Hardship Bursaries. Learn more or donate here: Annual Alumni Appeal.

Alumni and Professor Emeriti reunite

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

Reconnecting in Jakarta

Our alumni in Indonesia recently had a fantastic opportunity to reconnect and network at a special event in Jakarta. It was a memorable occasion where alumni came together to share university memories and build new connections.

Save the date – NZAI Assessment Conference

Date: 15-16 April 2025
Location: Ormiston Junior College, Auckland

Massey alumni are at the forefront of the New Zealand Assessment Institute (NZAI) 2025 Conference, themed “Using assessment for better, smarter, faster learning.” With keynote addresses and workshops by alumni Michael De’Ath, Maria Dacre, and Jenny Poskitt, this event is a must for those in education. Learn more here: NZAI 2025 Conference

Attention alumni who are qualified and registered teachers!

The Ministry of Education has announced that applications for TESSOL scholarships to study in 2025 are now open for a very short time. Round 1 closes on 18 December, and round 2 on 23 January if funding allows.

Find out more...

Seeking academics and employers to participate in the 2025 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Reputation Survey

Massey is seeking interested individuals anywhere in the world who are academics or work in an organisation that hires Massey graduates, to participate in the QS Reputation Survey in February 2025.