Massey University Alumni

04/06/2026

Heading to Fieldays 2026? Come and visit the Massey University team at the Mystery Creek Pavilion (Site PE51) and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Science for Farmers site (Site E38) from 10–13 June.

Discover how science, innovation and research are helping shape the future of Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and fibre sector.

Our Massey experts will also be sharing their insights as panellists:

Wāhine Toa – Young Women Leaders Panel Discussion, Thursday
1pm – 2pm

Resilient Pastures and Climate Modelling for the Future, Friday 12pm – 12.30pm

Freshwater and Catchment Solutions, Friday 1pm – 1.30pm

Read more about what Massey will showcase: https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/news/exploring-regenerative-science-at-2026-fieldays/.

03/06/2026

We have received formal approval from the Chinese Government to establish a second Joint Education Institute (JEI) in China, marking a major milestone in the university’s transnational education strategy.

The new JEI will be established in partnership with Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University (NWAFU), a nationally recognised public university located in Shaanxi Province.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Pierre Venter says the approval, which makes Massey the first New Zealand university to be awarded a second Joint Education Institute by the Chinese Government, is significant recognition of the success and quality of Massey’s offshore delivery.

“This is a major achievement for our university and a testament to the dedication of our teams. It reinforces our position at the forefront of transnational education globally and highlights the strength of our international partnerships.”

The first student intake, up to 300 students, is scheduled to begin in September 2026, comprising:

100 students in Horticulture Production
100 students in Horticulture Management
100 students in Plant Science

Read more:

Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University announced today it has received formal approval from the Chinese Government to establish a second Joint Education Institute (JEI) in China, marking a major milestone in the university’s transnational education strategy.

02/06/2026

Congratulations to our alumni, staff and former staff members recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List!

Among those honoured are Professor Emeritus Sir James Chapman, who has been named a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM) for services to literacy education, and alumnus Bryan Mogridge ONZM, who has been named a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for services to children's health, governance and philanthropy.

Read more about this year’s Massey honourees:

Alumni, staff and former staff from Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026, including Professor Emeritus Sir James Chapman, who has been named a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM) for services to literacy educ...

02/06/2026

A graduate of Massey’s Master of Museum Studies, TeMihinga Tuterangiwhiu is passionate about caring for and protecting cultural treasures.

She believes Museum Studies is about more than museums, it’s about protecting the stories, knowledge and cultural significance held within taonga and treasured objects.

Originally from Waikato, TeMihinga chose Massey University because it offered the flexibility she needed.

“Massey was the only university that offered long-distance study for Museum Studies. And it’s been such an awesome programme over the last two years,” she says.

Balancing study with life was not always easy.

“It was busy, busy and stressful. But I loved it. I really loved the support from my teachers and the wider Massey staff. I felt the aroha, the manaakitanga, even today. It’s been such a beautiful day.”

Whānau have been central to TeMihinga’s journey, and graduation day carries deep meaning for her. She shares, “I’m here representing my whānau, my iwi and hapū, Ngāti Hikairo from Kāwhia. I’m here for them, and for my kuia and kaumātua. This is for my elders and for taking knowledge back home as well.”

Asked about her highlight of the day, TeMihinga’s answer is joyful and simple.

“The flowers. I got given flowers, and they just make me so happy. They’re so beautiful,” she laughs.

TeMihinga didn’t take a traditional route into postgraduate study. Being homeschooled until she was 14 shaped her outlook. She encourages future students: “Honestly, just go for it. If you love what you’re doing, or you want to try something new, give it a go.”

After two demanding years of study, TeMihinga says she’s first going to rest her brain and take a break. After that, she plans to continue her work in museum collections, carrying forward her passion for preserving and protecting taonga.

27/05/2026

Join us for the Massey University Fieldays 2026 Alumni Morning Tea at Mystery Creek on 10 June.

It’s a great opportunity for a relaxed morning tea to reconnect with the Massey whānau, hear about the latest developments from across our university, and meet members of the leadership team.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Pierre Venter, who took up the role in February, will share a few words with guests during the morning tea. You’ll also hear from Professor Paul Kenyon, who will provide an update on Massey’s latest research and innovation.

Date: Wednesday 10 June 2026
Time: 9.30am – 10.30am
Venue: Hosting Room, Mystery Creek Events Centre, 125 Mystery Creek Road, Hamilton

Please note: Guests will need to use the standard public car parks and walk to the venue. As the Hosting Room is located outside the Event Zone, a Fieldays ticket is not required to access the space.

Spaces are limited, please RSVP here to secure your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/fieldays-2026-massey-alumni-morning-tea-tickets-1990359861926?aff=oddtdtcreator

26/05/2026

“Mental health is close to home for me. I just wanted to help my people where I can, help my whānau where I can.”

For Leeannah Pohe, graduating with a Bachelor of Health Science specialising in Mental Health and Addiction represents not only years of study, but also a commitment to supporting the people and communities around her.

Originally from Hawke’s Bay, Leeannah spent much of her life growing up in England before returning home to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2019.

After completing her first degree in the United Kingdom, Leeannah returned to New Zealand and began working in a mental health emergency service. That experience and seeing the impact mental health challenges had within communities and her own whānau, inspired her to continue studying.

“Mental health is close to home for me. I just wanted to help my people where I can, help my whānau where I can, and keep growing,” she says.

She describes graduation day as the moment everything finally came together after years of hard work and perseverance.

“I think graduating is the ‘I did it’ moment. You have your highs and lows over four years of study, but this is the place where it solidifies everything. It’s the cherry on top to say I did it, and it was worth it.”

Behind the celebration, however, was also deep emotion. Leeannah lost her father unexpectedly in January, just months before graduation.

“Today was hard because he’s not here physically, but I know he’s here watching down and he’d be so proud. I’m grateful I got to send him my certificate and tell him, ‘I did it. I finished. Now watch me graduate in May.’”

Leeannah says choosing to graduate in Palmerston North carried special meaning for her and her whānau.

“I chose to graduate in Palmerston North because my uncle Chris, one of my dad’s brothers, passed away in 2023. He worked in a wellbeing service helping men with their mental health and wellbeing in Palmerston North, and he’s buried there,” she says.

“He was really inspiring for me. My dad and his brothers were big figures in their community. They are my strength to keep going.”

Although she wishes her father could have been there in person, Leeannah says her achievement is dedicated to him.

“It’s for him.”

Now beginning the next chapter of her career, Leeannah hopes to work as an AOD (alcohol and other drug) counsellor in Hawke’s Bay, supporting individuals and whānau through difficult times.

“I just want to grow from there, develop my skills and help whānau as much as I can,” she says.

Looking back on her journey, Leeannah hopes other students considering study, especially in mental health, believe in themselves and take the first step.

“Studying can look confronting and overwhelming but trust your instincts and trust who you are as a person. If you know you can support and help people in your community, then go for it. It’s not that scary, and it’s worth it in the end.”

Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa

21/05/2026

20/05/2026

Driven by a desire to make a difference in Pacific communities, Alexandra Gasū has graduated with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology, while balancing full-time work, distance study, and summer school papers along the way.

Originally from Ōtara in South Auckland, Alexandra chose Massey University because of the flexibility of distance learning, which allowed her to balance full-time work alongside her studies.

Determined to complete her degree as efficiently as possible, Alexandra studied part-time while also taking summer school papers, finishing her qualification in just three and a half years.

Her passion for psychology was driven by a desire to better understand and support Pacific communities, particularly in the area of mental health.

“For me, it was seeing the gaps in Pacific communities in terms of mental health and education about human behaviour and why we do things the way we do things. There just aren’t enough resources out there to help people navigate that.”

Alexandra hopes to use the knowledge and skills gained through her studies to help bridge those gaps and serve her community.

Graduation day was especially meaningful because it marked the end of a journey filled with both challenges and support from loved ones.

“My highlight today is having the people that I love around me. They’ve been through the ups and downs with me,” she says.

During her studies, Alexandra experienced the loss of her father, who had been there at the beginning of her university journey.

“It was hard to navigate in the middle of the journey, but we made it to the end. That’s what I’m happy about.”

Now, Alexandra is already looking ahead to the next chapter. She has continued her studies with a postgraduate diploma in Psychology.

“I saw it was just one more year, so I thought, while everything’s still fresh in my mind, why not continue?”

Her advice to other Pacific students wanting to make a difference in their communities is simple:

“Just go for it. There are so many brilliant minds in the Pacific community. Act on those ideas, don’t just leave them in the vault. Walk the talk.”

Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa

19/05/2026

“A proud daddy moment.”

A lifelong goal has become reality for Dr Jack Scanlan, whose graduation also marks a milestone as Massey’s first Pacific graduate of the Doctor of Social Work programme.

“Really proud of being the first Pacific graduate of the Doctor of Social Work programme at Massey University,” Jack says.

“I want to honour my family especially for everything they do to support me. My wife Nicky is the real hero, and also my three kids. This is a proud daddy moment!”

His advice to current and future students: “Work hard, all things are possible, just try your best in anything you do.”

Congratulations Jack on this incredible achievement and welcome to Massey University Alumni whānau!

Read more about Jack's story: https://alumnionline.massey.ac.nz/alumni-profiles/jack-scanlan

Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa