Alumni_2025_June - Massey University

Your latest Alumni newsletter

Kia ora koutou katoa,

With graduation season wrapped up across April and May, we’re excited to welcome over 3,000 graduates into our alumni whānau!

It’s always such a special time – full of celebration, reflection, and looking ahead to what’s next. In this edition, we’re shining a light on some of our newest graduates from around the world – including Myanmar, India, Tonga, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Aotearoa New Zealand – and sharing the inspiring journeys that brought them to Massey.

We’re also catching up with a few remarkable alumni who are making an impact on the world. Andrew Cameron has spent more than 48 years as a nurse working in some of the world’s toughest places – from remote Australian communities to conflict zones in Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, and Ukraine. His career is a true story of service and heart. We also profile Distinguished Professor Emeritus Iain Hay, whose career started right here in New Zealand and took him around the world, earning recognition for his work in geography, education, and academic leadership. And we hear from Luke Mainwaring, an EMBA graduate whose passion for developing people has guided a career focused on bridging the gap between education and industry.

We’re proud to share some exciting news! Massey has climbed the QS World University Rankings, now sitting at 230th equal in the world and third in New Zealand! A standout achievement this year was in the international students’ indicator, where Massey jumped 25 places to rank 71st globally, highlighting the strong return of international students on campus.

Additionally, Massey was recognised as a global leader in sustainability in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, with one Sustainable Development Goal ranked in the top 10 worldwide!

Whether you’ve just crossed the stage or graduated decades ago, we hope you enjoy this round-up of stories that show just how far a Massey journey can take you.

Ngā mihi nui,
Alumni Relations Team

Message from the Vice-Chancellor: “I just love seeing where life has taken our graduates.”

In her latest message, Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas reflects on the highlights so far – from welcoming over 3,300 graduates to Massey’s alumni whānau to celebrating a year of financial progress and global connection. She shares her pride in Massey’s ongoing contributions to research, teaching, and civic leadership, and the joy of reconnecting with alumni and communities in both Aotearoa and abroad. Read her full message

Massey ranked third in NZ, climbs global rankings amid international growth

Massey has climbed the QS World University Rankings, now sitting at 230th equal in the world and third in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Massey recognised as global leader in sustainability in 2025 THE Impact Rankings

Times Higher Education (THE) has released its 2025 University Impact Rankings for the Sustainable Development Goals, with one of Massey’s rankings entering the top 10 worldwide.

King’s Honours for Massey academics and alumni

Massey alumni and members of our university community have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List.

New Zealand Police trainees welcomed to Massey

Police have celebrated the opening of the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) Auckland Campus at Massey University.

Executive Master of Business Administration programme achieves top 20 ranking in Asia-Pacific

The programme has been recognised as one of the top in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the Quacquarelli Symonds Executive MBA Rankings 2025.

Exhibition celebrates 50 years of photography at Massey

The university is hosting a special exhibition in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland to highlight a key milestone in photography education.

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!

Semester 2 applications open

Whether you're changing direction, switching where you’re studying or simply ready for something new, we'll help you take the next step. Semester 2 starts soon and is an ideal time for you to try something new to enhance your career. With flexible study options, you can work while you learn and shape your future on your terms.

In memory of Peter MacGillivray

We are saddened to share the passing of alumnus Peter Angus (PA) MacGillivray. Peter passed away peacefully on Monday, 12 May 2025, at Brightwater Rest Home. Peter had devoted most of his adult life to Massey University. He was a lecturer in farm management, Director of the Diploma in Agricultural Studies and hostel manager of McHardy Hall (Pink Hostel) for 14 years. Peter received a Massey University Distinguished Alumni Service Award in 2011. Even in retirement, Peter was active in alumni chapters and organising reunions. He was a much loved and respected member of the Massey University community and will be sadly missed.

Andrew Cameron – from pioneer nurse to global humanitarian: A life of service, compassion, and lifelong learning

With over 48 years in nursing, Andrew Cameron has dedicated his career to providing care in some of the world’s most challenging environments, from remote areas of Australia and Afghanistan to Sudan, Iraq, and Ukraine. A recipient of the prestigious Florence Nightingale Medal, the Medal of the Order of Australia and the Distinguished Service Award from Massey, he credits the university for equipping him with the foundational skills to serve on the frontlines of global healthcare.

Iain Hay – a scholar of place and purpose

Distinguished Professor Emeritus Iain Hay has had a remarkable academic journey - one that began in New Zealand and expanded across the globe. He's recognised internationally for his contributions to geography, education, and academic leadership, but his journey began much closer to home – one of the earliest chapters was written at Massey University.

Luke Mainwaring – bridging the skills gap

Driven by a longstanding passion for developing people, Luke Mainwaring’s professional path has centred on education and growth. From classroom strategy sessions to leading a national training initiative, Luke has turned a skills gap into a mission that brings together a growing community of engineers and educators determined to build a stronger future for New Zealand’s power industry.

Meet ten of our newest graduates from around the world – from Myanmar to Aotearoa New Zealand – and be inspired by the journeys that led them here. Read their stories.

Want to share your success with your fellow alumni?
If you have something you’d like to share in our newsletter, get in touch with us at alumni@massey.ac.nz.

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