Alumni_2025_August - Massey University

Your latest Alumni newsletter

Kia ora koutou katoa,

Welcome to the latest alumni newsletter! This edition celebrates the achievements of Massey graduates in the food and beverage technology industry – alumni whose innovations are shaping local communities, strengthening the New Zealand economy, and making waves on the global stage.

From John Menzies, whose decades-long career at Sanitarium Health Food Company has driven cutting-edge food innovation, to David and Jo James, who built an award-winning distillery grounded in sustainability and community values, Sally Gallagher, Co-founder & CEO of Apollo Foods, leading the development of The Apple Press and Boring Oat Milk and Hannah Wood, founder of Little ‘Lato, the gelato brand transforming the way Kiwis enjoy frozen treats – each has left a distinctive mark on their industry.

Alongside these inspiring stories, we share highlights from recent Massey events in Aotearoa and around the world – including our North Island roadshow reconnecting with communities in Northland, Hutt Valley, Taranaki, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty, and Waikato; our May China Roadshow, which included the first graduation ceremony of the Massey–Nanjing University of Finance and Economics Joint Education Institute; and the 2025 Massey University China Alumni Conference in Auckland, which brought together nearly 200 alumni and friends to reconnect and share stories.

We’re also excited to launch this year’s ‘Update Your Details to Win’ campaign, and a new global initiative, ‘Where Are You? Massey Alumni Around the World’. We’re inviting alumni to send in a short selfie video (5–10 seconds) to celebrate the reach and diversity of our amazing Massey community!

Wherever they are in the world, Massey alumni are making their mark – leading innovation, strengthening communities, and building connections that inspire the next generation.

Ngā mihi nui,
Alumni Relations Team

David and Jo James – from kindergarten friends to global gin icons

David and Jo first met as children in kindergarten, and their friendship blossomed into a relationship while they were studying at Massey in the 1980s. That lifelong connection and their passion for innovation and community became the foundation for an award-winning distillery built on sustainability and local values.

John Menzies – leading with innovation, grounded in mentorship

John describes himself as “an accidental food technologist,” but the path he’s taken suggests otherwise. From being expelled from school at 15 to leading cutting-edge food innovation at Sanitarium Health Food Company, his career spans more than five decades of impact, persistence and transformation.

Sally Gallagher – building Global Beverage Brands from Hawke’s Bay

Sally arrived at Massey University’s Open Day not knowing it would set her on the path to a career in food innovation. A change in lecture plans and a spark of curiosity sent her in an entirely new direction. That moment launched an international career, ultimately leading to her role as Co-founder and CEO of Apollo Foods, where she continues to shape and grow some of New Zealand’s most exciting beverages.

Hannah Wood – scooping success: chasing the sweet dream

For Massey alumna Hannah Engelsman (née Wood), a childhood love of ice cream has turned into something incredible. As the founder of Little ‘Lato, she’s behind a gelato brand that’s changing the way Kiwis enjoy frozen treats. Growing up in Whangaparāoa, Hannah always had a soft spot for ice cream, but a life-changing scholarship to Italy brought her gelato dream to life.

Reconnect, be seen, and win!

Massey University invites you to reconnect and be part of our thriving global alumni community – now more than 189,000 strong and growing! By updating your details, you’ll go in the draw to win one of five $200 Prezzy gift cards.

Update your details here

This year, we’re adding a fun new highlight: “Where Are You? Massey Alumni Around the World.” Send us a short selfie video and double your chances to win!

Sir Geoffrey Peren Award announcement

Professor Emeritus Ralph Sims CNZM is the 2025 recipient of the Sir Geoffrey Peren Award, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s most prestigious award. Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says Professor Emeritus Sims is hugely deserving of this latest honour, which follows a string of professional accolades over the years.

A taste of innovation: 2025 NZ Food Awards finalists serve up function, flavour and cultural flair

After putting the call out to Aotearoa New Zealand’s vibrant and innovative food and beverage sector, the 2025 New Zealand Food Awards finalists have been selected. This year, more than 365 entries were received from 138 companies, resulting in 48 outstanding product finalists from across the motu.

From Beijing to Guangzhou: reconnecting, celebrating and looking ahead

During our recent China Roadshow, we were thrilled to connect with alumni, partners, and friends across Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. One of the many highlights of the trip was celebrating the very first graduation of Massey’s Joint Education Institute at Nanjing University of Finance and Economics (MIAN), a proud milestone for both universities and our students.

Massey roadshow connects with North Island communities

We recently completed a North Island roadshow, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas, Provost Professor Giselle Byrnes, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori Paora Ammunson, connecting with community leaders, industry, schools, and regional stakeholders across Northland, Hutt Valley, Taranaki, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty, and Waikato.

Massey University China Alumni Conference 2025 strengthens global connections

Recently, nearly 200 alumni and friends came together in Auckland for the 2025 Massey University China Alumni (MUCA) Conference – a lively occasion to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate the strength of the Massey Chinese alumni community.

Paora Ammunson confirmed as new Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori

Massey University is pleased to announce Paora Ammunson, Ngāti Kahungunu and Rangitāne o Wairarapa, Te Arawa and Tainui, has been appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori.

Massey again has the highest on-campus course pass rates of all NZ universities

For the third year in a row, students studying on-campus at Massey University have the highest course pass rate of all universities in the country. The latest results by the Tertiary Education Commission show that 2024 on-campus students had a successful course pass rate of 92.8 per cent, an increase of 0.5 per cent from 2023.

New artificial intelligence major set to launch in 2026

A new major spotlighting artificial intelligence (AI) will be added to the Bachelor of Information Sciences in 2026. It will be the first AI undergraduate major based at a New Zealand university, that can be completed entirely via distance, from anywhere in the world. Keep an eye out for an upcoming alumni webinar on AI in November!

Discover and win!

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

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!