Alumni_2026_September - Massey University

Your latest Alumni newsletter

Kia ora koutou katoa,

Welcome to the latest issue of the alumni newsletter. We’ve brought together plenty of opportunities, stories and updates to help you stay connected with Massey University.

In this issue:

Update your contact details to be in to win a $200 Prezzy Card
Nominate alumni making an outstanding contribution to their profession, community or industry for a 2027 Alumni Excellence Award
Meet some of our horticulture alumni and read their inspiring career stories
Catch up on the latest university news, including new programmes
Join us at the 2026 New Zealand Food Awards and enjoy a special alumni rate
Join three expert speakers for our October Webinar Series.

We hope you enjoy this issue!

Ngā mihi nui,
Alumni Relations Team

Reconnect and win!

Massey University invites you to reconnect and be part of our thriving global alumni community – now 190,000+ strong and growing!

Keeping your contact information up to date ensures you don’t miss out on alumni news, university updates, exclusive event invitations, and career or networking opportunities. By updating your details, you’ll go in the draw to win one of five $200 Prezzy gift Cards!

Update your details now...

Know a fellow Massey grad who might be out of touch? Please share this with them, or let us know at alumni@massey.ac.nz.

Jack Hosking – Research Associate, Plant and Food Research

Seeking a career beyond Auckland’s busy corporate lifestyle, Jack found his path in horticulture at Massey. Today, as a research associate in apple breeding at Plant and Food Research, he helps develop new varieties with stronger disease resistance and better fruit quality. His role combines innovative science with the balanced lifestyle he hoped horticulture would provide, although it sometimes involves tasting up to 60 apples a day.

Francis Ferrada-Hartley – A new path in horticulture

Why does someone who has almost completed their training to become a dentist decide to pursue a career in horticulture instead? Francis knew he wanted to make a difference by helping to produce food more sustainably. Today, as an agronomist at T&G Covered Crops, he uses research, science and technology to explore new approaches to plant health and food production.

Kiri Matthews – More than just picking fruit

Kiri’s passion for horticulture steemed from her father, who suggested that horticulture was a good career pathway to be involved in. At the same time, while at school, Kiri began building on that interest through a series of jobs within the primary sector. All of these roles helped Kiri to realise that horticulture is more than just picking fruit.

Molly Green – Growing a horticulture career from the ground up

Molly came to Massey planning to study veterinary technology, but a cell biology class changed her direction. The first time she examined plant tissue under a microscope, she knew it was the path for her. She switched to a Bachelor of Science majoring in Plant Science and now works as a Territory Manager for BASF – a role she describes as “running my own mini business inside a large New Zealand business within a global business.”

Nominations for 2027 Alumni Excellence Awards are now open

Let’s celebrate Massey graduates who have made outstanding contributions to their professions and communities, both here and overseas. Nominations for the 2027 Alumni Excellence Awards are now open.

Award categories

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

Nominations close on 1 December 2026. Submit your nomination today using our online nomination form.

Photo: 2026 Awards recipients Dan Te Whenua Walker and Ellen Dixon.

Massey partners with international gelato festival to advance food science research

A new international partnership between Massey and the Social Promotion Association The Italian Way will help advance scientific understanding of contemporary artisanal gelato, bringing together researchers, industry experts and master gelato makers from around the world. The partnership will explore a range of topics relevant to the future of food production and consumption.

Improve your product’s sensory quality

Changes to ingredients, suppliers or production processes can affect a food product’s taste, texture, appearance and overall consumer acceptance. Feast’s Quality Assurance & Control short course helps professionals understand how changes to ingredients, suppliers or processes can affect a product’s sensory quality and consumer acceptance.

New agriculture and horticulture diplomas support upskilling to meet growing industry demand

Massey is introducing new graduate and postgraduate diplomas in agriculture and horticulture in 2027, creating flexible study opportunities for professionals looking to upskill, retrain or advance their careers in Aotearoa New Zealand’s primary industries.

Animal science degree expands with two new majors for 2027

Two new majors – Animal Agri-Technology and Pastoral Livestock Production – are being added to Massey’s Bachelor of Animal Science in response to growing demand for graduates equipped to support the future of the country's primary industries.

Creating pathways into the food and fibre sector

Following the success of the inaugural Food Innovation Youth Summit earlier this year, planning is underway for an expanded programme in January 2027. We would love to hear from our alumni based in Manawatū and working across the food and fibre sector who may be interested in hosting student visits, sharing their expertise, providing sponsorship support, donating products or items for participant giveaways or helping to sponsor refreshments and catering throughout the summits.

Inspiring the next generation of scientists

From hands-on experiments to national tours, the College of Sciences has been busy connecting with future students and communities in 2026. Across the motu, hundreds of young people, teachers and whānau have had the opportunity to experience science in action and discover the many pathways available through study at Massey.

Join us for a night celebrating Aotearoa’s food innovators

The 2026 New Zealand Food Awards will welcome professionals to celebrate the best of local food innovation. The event is a chance for industry to connect with the people pushing the Aotearoa food and beverage industry forward. A black-tie gala dinner will kick off at shed 10 on Auckland’s waterfront on Tuesday 13 October. On the night, finalists from 12 categories, industry leaders, rising talents, judges and professionals from the sector will be recognised for their contributions to a diverse and inventive food scene.

Tickets for the 2026 New Zealand Food Awards, presented by Massey University, are on sale now. Massey alumni are invited to attend the event, with tickets available at a discounted rate using the code FRIENDS15.

Book now...

Three expert speakers, three fascinating topics and a whole month of learning

Topic one: So your pet needs anaesthesia

Wednesday 7 October 12pm-1pm

When your pet needs surgery or a procedure, it’s natural to have questions. Professor Erik Hofmeister (above left) will describe what happens when your pet is anaesthetised, the real risks, what you can do to minimise them - and how veterinary anaesthesiologists can help make anaesthesia safer for your pet.

Topic two: Working smarter with AI: Practical tools for today’s world

Thursday 15 October 12pm-1pm

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way we work, but what does that mean in practise? This session will provide a simple introduction to AI, explain how different AI tools vary, and explore how they can be customised for specific needs. Professor Ruggiero “Rino” Lovreglio (above middle) will showcase practical examples of how AI can support everyday tasks, from creating tailored AI assistants to automating repetitive workflows.

Topic three: Your questions answered: Understanding elections in New Zealand

Thursday 29 October 12pm-1pm

With New Zealand’s General Election approaching, there’s no better time to understand how our electoral system works. Join Professor Richard Shaw for an engaging discussion exploring what happens when you cast your vote, how elections work - and how those votes contribute to the formation of a government. This session will provide practical insights to help you engage with the democratic process with greater confidence.

Connect with your alumni community!