Meet our researchers
Our researchers are innovative thinkers and makers. We work with industry, government and communities on projects that demand disruptive ideas for solving real-world problems. We carry out a diverse range of research activities and collaborations, and foster research and hands-on practice across fine arts, design, music and media production.
Our college's staff are recognised internationally for their contribution to indigenous art practice. We carry out research for the future of creativity in Aotearoa New Zealand and for the world. We have the highest number of top-ranked researchers in design, visual arts and craft in New Zealand, following the most recent PBRF round in 2018.
Research themes and strengths
The research themes and strengths at College of Creative Arts grow out of the school disciplines of:
- art
- design
- music
- creative media production.
They cover a range of topics including:
- wellbeing
- health
- climate change
- the environment
- policy and public good
- indigenous studies
- gender studies
- economics
- technological innovation
- industry advancement.
The college is known for its strong collaborations and team work when approaching research.
Research projects
View information about some of our research projects.
Toi Āria — Design for Public Good
Toi Āria is a Massey research centre with a mission to improve lives through design-led community engagement. Past projects include helping diverse Masterton residents to re-imagine and rejuvenate their town centre and co-designing a 'dreaming app' to help young Māori set and achieve their goals.
Video art urges action on climate change
Two college staff members have curated a moving collection of video works that take the voices of Pacific poets and orators to the world, in a timely call-to-action on climate change.
'Mana Moana — Pacific Voices' is the latest in an artist-led series that brings together work by musicians, artists, writers and choreographers. It was screened during COP26, the United Nations climate change conference in Glasgow in 2021.
Te Rau Karamu marae
The newest building on the College of Creative Arts campus stands as a symbol of Massey's commitment to kaupapa, mātauranga and tikanga Māori. Te Rau Karamu marae is at once an inspiring feat of collaborative creativity, a place to learn, and a warm and vibrant heart of the Pukeahu Campus community.
The marae is a finalist in the prestigious Best Design Awards 2021.
Impact stories and Rangahau articles
Our researchers are committed to making a real difference for Aotearoa New Zealand and for the world. Read stories about the impact our research is having and how it can change lives.
Transformed books & visual arts to spark the imagination
Dr Jess Richards weaves words and art together in quietly captivating ways to realise her long-held dream of a PhD.
Discovering & protecting our public art
Dr Bronwyn Holloway-Smith and Sue Elliott from Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts have developed a research initiative, Public Art Heritage Aotearoa New Zealand, to register twentieth-century public artworks around the country.
Using art & science to help with dementia
Emma Febvre-Richards' partnership project MinDArT explores the idea that in dementia, fine-motor capabilities are retained longer than verbal abilities and that drawing gives an opportunity to express in a medium that isn’t oral.
Amplify Aotearoa
Dr Catherine Hoad and Associate Professor Oli Wilson from the School of Music and Creative Media Production are making the New Zealand music industry a safer and more inclusive space with their research and work with SoundCheck Aotearoa.
Improving pharmaceutical fridges
Associate Professor Rodney Adank from Ngā Pae Māhutonga School of Design and his team are researching ways to improve pharmaceutical fridges, a vital part of the cold chain used by pharmacies, hospitals, doctors’ offices and laboratories.
Mana Moana
Associate Professor Rachael Rakena and Mike Bridgman from Whiti o Rehua School of Art are working on collaborative projects with Maori and Pasifika creatives and communities to tell stories through Mana Moana.
Creative arts research news
New lifejacket design more fit for purpose for flood events in India
Doctor of Philosophy graduate Dr Areef Shaik saw a real need for a more fit for purpose lifejacket for emergency responders in India, where flood events occur every year due to the tropical monsoon climate.
Tiaki: A shout-out to Aotearoa’s lesser-known creatures
To celebrate World Wildlife Conservation Day, we wanted to share the mahi a member of our Massey whānau has done to encourage the younger generation to get interested in conservation and our lesser-known endangered wildlife.
Operational hijab recognised for its social and cultural impact
An operational hijab designed by two Massey lecturers has been awarded the Tahunui-a-Rangi award by the Royal Society Te Apārangi.
Book seeks to capture iconic woolsheds before it’s too late
The place of woolsheds in the social and economic history of Aotearoa New Zealand is the subject of a book that hopes to capture this rich history before the sheds disappear.
Partner with us
Interested in partnering with us? We'd love to hear from you.
Contact us
College of Creative Arts – Wellington campus
- creative@massey.ac.nz
- Phone
- Location
Physical address
Block 1
Te Whare Pukākā
Mount Cook
Wellington 6021Use our Wellington campus maps or find us on Google Maps.