Our eminent professors
Massey's Professor Emeritus and Emerita are listed in alphabetical order below.
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Late Professor Emeritus Raymond Adams
PhD, MA, DipEd
Professor of Education, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Raymond Sabine Adams was a distinguished academic and researcher in education at Massey. A long-serving and respected faculty member, he dedicated his career to advancing educational theory and practice, particularly within the New Zealand context. Professor Adams's work focused on educational research and analysis. His publications contributed to understanding educational systems and student development within the country.
Professor Emeritus Adams's contributions extended beyond the classroom and research papers to shaping the pedagogical landscape, ensuring the quality and direction of academic work in the university's education departments in Palmerston North. Upon his retirement, Massey conferred the title of Professor Emeritus, recognising his substantial and sustained contribution to the university and his discipline. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 87, leaving a legacy as a foundational figure in New Zealand's educational scholarship.
Professor Emeritus Allan Anderson
FNZIFST, PhD, BTech(Hons)
Professor of Technology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Allan Anderson is a highly distinguished academic, entrepreneur and leader in the field of New Product Development (NPD) and Innovation Management. For much of his career, he served as a professor in the School of Engineering and Advanced Technology at Massey. His primary research focused on creating strategic frameworks to improve NPD processes, performance management and commercial success in the technology and manufacturing sectors.
Beyond academia, Professor Emeritus Anderson made a significant industry impact, notably serving as the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Dairy Research Institute, demonstrating his ability to apply scientific rigour to the nation's largest export industry. Globally, he's recognised for his advocacy of product innovation best practices. The Product Development and Management Association created the Allan Anderson Ambassador Award in his honour, celebrating his outstanding commitment to expanding the discipline internationally, particularly through a key partnership he forged with China. As Professor Emeritus, he continues to support entrepreneurship and the commercialisation of research at Massey.
Professor Emerita Marti Anderson
FRSNZ, PhD, MA, GradDipSci(Hons), BA
Professor of Statistics, College of SciencesDistinguished Professor Emerita Marti Anderson is recognised as a generational leader in ecological statistics, with a research portfolio spanning basic biology, ecology, mathematics and applied statistics. Her academic career at Massey began in 2009, followed by her appointment to the prestigious New Zealand Institute for Advanced Study (NZIAS) in 2011. Professor Emerita Anderson's exceptional international standing is evidenced by her high citation metrics, prolific publications and frequent keynote speaker invitations. Since 2016, she has demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit by balancing her academic role with her position as Chief Executive of PRIMER-e, a statistical software and development company that services researchers worldwide, underscoring her commitment to translating theoretical knowledge into real-world applications.
Beyond her research and business success, Professor Emerita Anderson has been an excellent supervisor and mentor to countless postgraduate students. Following her retirement, she plans to maintain an active, ongoing commitment to the university by leveraging her expertise for institutional benefit. Specifically, she intends to mentor staff interested in entrepreneurship and join groups focused on enhancing the development of commercialisation opportunities arising from university research, ensuring her legacy continues to influence both the academic and commercial sectors in New Zealand.
Professor Emeritus Robert Anderson
ONZM, CRSNZ, FNZIAS, PhD, MAgSc, BAgSc
Professor of Agricultural Science, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Robert Donald Anderson is a prominent academic and administrator known for his nearly 50-year career at Massey. His specialisation lies in animal science, focusing on biometrics and quantitative genetics (animal breeding).
Professor Anderson earned his Master of Science (Agricultural Science) from Massey and a PhD from Cornell University. He quickly rose through the academic ranks, being promoted to Professor of Animal Science at 32 in 1979. His administrative leadership at Massey was extensive, serving as Dean of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences and, for 18 years, as the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Sciences. He was also appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor in 2012. Beyond the university, he provided significant service to the agricultural sector, particularly in dairy herd improvement. In recognition of his enduring contributions to science and education, he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2007.
Professor Emerita Glenda Anthony
PhD, MPhil, LTCL, DipTchg, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Education, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Glenda Anthony is a highly influential academic and a leading figure in mathematics education, who was based at Massey's Institute of Education, where she completed both her master's and PhD, and achieved the rank of professor in 2010. Her research has had a nationwide impact on classroom practice, most notably through her co-authorship of the Ministry of Education's influential Effective Pedagogy in Pāngarau/Mathematics: Best Evidence Synthesis Iteration (2007). This crucial work champions a necessary shift from traditional instruction to methods that emphasise active learning, mathematical inquiry and highly responsive teaching.
Professor Anthony's scholarship is committed to equity, a focus evident in her work with the Developing Mathematical Inquiry Communities project, which promotes culturally responsive and ambitious teaching to boost success for Māori and Pasifika learners. Her distinguished career and impact have earned her significant recognition, including the prestigious Fulbright-Harkness New Zealand Fellowship. In 2013, she became the first New Zealander to receive the esteemed MERGA Career Research Medal.
Professor Emeritus Richard Archer
PhD, BTech(Hons)
Professor of Food Technology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Richard Archer is widely recognised for his services to food technology extending over a long and illustrious career. Initially holding lead industry roles, he joined Massey in 2003 as the Logan Campbell Chair in Food Technology and Head of the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health.
Professor Emeritus Archer’s expertise and research in food processing and engineering have led to significant commercial developments for the sector, establishing him as a prominent thought leader. He has received multiple awards, including the JC Andrews Award from the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology, where he also served as president.
During his academic tenure, Professor Emeritus Archer established Massey’s Master of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) offering and developed the Bachelor of Food Technology as an overseas offering in Singapore. Following retirement, he plans to continue assisting staff in developing greater industry relationships and sharing his experience in a teaching capacity.
Professor Emeritus Doug Armstrong
FRSNZ, PhD, MSc, BSc
Professor of Conservation Biology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Doug Armstrong has had a remarkable career in conservation biology, beginning when appointed lecturer at Massey in 1993. He is highly regarded globally for his significant and continuous contributions to the field, specialising in population ecology, reintroduction biology and the effects of habitat fragmentation. Professor Armstrong is an expert in population monitoring and sophisticated mark-recapture analysis, skills he applied to lead a world-renowned research programme.
Professor Armstrong's dedication to scholarship has a positive impact on both the environment and wildlife, evidenced by his extensive publication record. He peer-reviewed 160 papers in conservation biology and related fields, edited 2 books on reintroduction biology and achieved almost 9,400 citations. Professor Armstrong also dedicated himself to mentorship, supervising 62 postgraduate students who went on to make outstanding contributions to conservation. His research excellence has been formally recognised through major accolades – Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi in 2021 and the Te Tohu Taiao award for Ecology Excellence in the same year.
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Late Professor Emeritus Don Bacon
PhD, MSc
Professor of Microbiology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Donald Bacon was a pivotal microbiologist celebrated for his contributions to genetics and his foundational role at Massey. After earning his Master of Science at the University of Otago, he utilised a Fulbright Scholarship to complete his doctoral studies at Yale University. His PhD research focused on mutational processes in the bacterium Escherichia coli (E.coli), laying the groundwork for his later career.
Returning to New Zealand, Professor Emeritus Bacon was appointed Massey's inaugural Professor of Microbiology and the first Head of the Department of Microbiology and Genetics in 1966. He led this crucial department for 23 years, retiring in 1989. His work advanced the university's research capacity, particularly in the fields of microbial genetics and bacteriophages. As a highly respected figure, he was conferred the title of Professor Emeritus upon his retirement. He passed away in 2020, leaving a significant and lasting legacy that shaped the biological sciences in New Zealand.
Professor Emeritus Tom Barry
DSc, PhD, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Animal Science, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Tom Barry is an internationally recognised scientist specialising in ruminant nutrition and forage science. After completing his PhD at Newcastle University, he began his distinguished career at the New Zealand Department of Agriculture's Research Division in 1968.
Professor Barry's core research focused on manipulating protein digestion in ruminants by studying the effects of plant secondary compounds found in various forages. Early in his career, he identified that methyl-L-cysteine sulphoxide in kale caused hemolytic anaemia in livestock, leading to new management recommendations for brassica feeding.
Professor Emeritus Barry's most highly cited work investigated the role of condensed tannins in forages like Lotus corniculatus. He demonstrated that moderate tannin concentrations reduce protein degradation in the rumen, increasing the absorption of essential amino acids and boosting wool growth and milk production in sheep. Additionally, he worked extensively on comparative nutrition for farmed deer and goats, developing grazing systems that optimise venison production. Appointed as Professor of Animal Science at Massey in 1985, he continued his impactful research, supervising a large cohort of postgraduate students, retiring in 2010.
Late Professor Emeritus Richard Batt
MBE, HonFRACI, FRIC, FNZIC, FRSNZ, PhD, DPhil, MSc, MSc, MA
Professor of Biochemistry, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Richard Batt was a highly influential scientist and academic administrator, best known for his foundational role in shaping the Faculty of Science at Massey University. Professor Batt's core expertise lay in biochemistry. In a period of massive growth for the university, he was appointed the Foundation Dean of the Faculty of Science upon Massey receiving its university charter in 1964, serving 2 separate terms in this critical leadership position.
Professor Emeritus Batt was a visionary who championed the modernisation of biological sciences in New Zealand. Notably, he was instrumental in establishing the country's first undergraduate course in cell biology at Massey in 1967. Beyond the university, he actively contributed to national scientific governance, including involvement with the New Zealand Atomic Energy Committee and the Royal Society. In recognition of his substantial services to scientific research, Professor Batt was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1976.
Professor Emeritus Michael Belgrave
PhD, MPhil, BSocSci
Professor of History, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Michael Belgrave came to Massey when the Auckland campus opened in March 1993. He brought from his role as research manager at the Waitangi Tribunal a passion for public history and applied social science. Initially, he took a historian’s perspective on research and teaching in social policy and social work.
Professor Belgrave led the development of school social work in New Zealand, from small beginnings in a pilot on the North Shore to a nationally valued programme for families across the country. Throughout his time at Massey, he has continued to work with the Waitangi Tribunal, assisting claimants and helping negotiate treaty settlements.
As a prolific writer with an outstanding reputation across multiple fields of knowledge, Professor Emeritus Belgrave’s work in public history, Māori history, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and social policy has been internationally recognised. He has served as a vital link between academia and various government entities, involving social and political policy and diverse communities engaging with government.
Professor Emeritus Belgrave has been an active participant in the governance and management of the university, from chairing the Academic Board to convening college forums in Auckland.
Professor Emeritus Don Bewley
MEd, MA, HDipEd, DipOperaSt
Professor Emeritus Don Bewley was a transformative figure in New Zealand higher education, widely recognised as the architect of Massey's pioneering distance learning programme. Serving as the Director of the Centre for University Extramural Studies from 1967 to 1986, Professor Emeritus Bewley was instrumental in establishing Massey as the national leader in extramural education. Under his guidance, the university developed robust systems that enabled thousands of students to pursue degrees regardless of geographic constraints, fundamentally broadening access to higher learning across New Zealand. His vision helped shape the modern landscape of distance education, long before digital technologies made it commonplace.
A dedicated historian of his field, Professor Emeritus Bewley authored influential works documenting this journey. This included 'Extramural Studies at Massey University' (1983) and contributing significantly to 'Campus Beyond the Walls' (1985). His academic legacy was formally acknowledged in 2010 when Massey bestowed upon him an honorary Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) for his service and lasting impact on the institution and the nation's educational system. Professor Emeritus Bewley remains active in documenting the history of distance education, publishing a historical sketch as recently as 2024, cementing his reputation as a key figure in the history of flexible learning.
Late Professor Emeritus David Blackmore
CBE, FRCVS, MANZCVS, MRSVS, PhD, BSc
Professor of Veterinary Public Health and Meat Hygiene, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus David Blackmore was a highly influential veterinarian and academic, internationally renowned for his work in veterinary public health and animal welfare. After a distinguished early career in the United Kingdom, where his research earned him the Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Professor Blackmore was appointed in 1973 as the inaugural Professor of Veterinary Public Health and Meat Hygiene at Massey.
During his tenure, Professor Emeritus Blackmore made major contributions to New Zealand's public health, particularly through his research on zoonotic diseases, which was instrumental in the virtual elimination of leptospirosis transmitted from cows to farmers. Beyond disease control, he became a global pioneer and advocate for the humane slaughter of animals. After his retirement in 1989, he focused on animal welfare science, most notably founding the New Zealand Foundation for the Study of the Welfare of Whales. His scientific work proved that the electric lance used in whaling was ineffective and cruel, leading to a successful international effort to ban the practice. For his significant services to science, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1990.
Professor Emeritus Hugh Blair
PhD, BAgrSc(Hons 1st Class)
Professor of Animal Science, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Hugh Blair is a distinguished academic who dedicated nearly 50 years of his career to animal science at Massey. He is widely known for his expertise in animal breeding and genetics, with a primary focus on improving the application of genetic technologies to enhance the performance and health of production animals, particularly sheep and cattle, in New Zealand's vital primary industries. His research also explored developmental programming, which investigates how early-life nutrition and environment influence an animal's lifetime production and the Genetic causes of diseases in livestock.
Professor Emeritus Blair was a long-serving leader in the School of Agriculture and Environment, holding various roles, including Department Head of Animal Science. He also served as Co-Director (Operations) of the AL Rae Centre for Genetics and Breeding, a key research hub for world-leading agricultural genomics. His excellence in the field is underscored by his election as a Fellow of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics.
Professor Emeritus Igor Boglaev
FNZMS, DSc, PhD, MSc
Professor of Computational Mathematics, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Igor Boglaev is a highly distinguished scholar in computational mathematics, whose significant career at Massey began in 1996 when he was appointed as a professor. He earned a PhD in mathematics in 1976 and a DSc in mathematics and computer science in 1989 from Moscow.
Professor Emeritus Boglaev's primary research focused on developing and analysing sophisticated numerical methods for solving complex systems of nonlinear equations. His expertise lies particularly in nonlinear partial differential equations and singularly perturbed equations that arise in various physical, chemical and biological systems. He is renowned for his work on monotone iterative methods, including monotone schemes, which are used to find accurate, provably convergent numerical solutions to these problems. Before joining Massey, he held research and leadership roles in Russia, including the Department of Applied Mathematics at the Institute of Microelectronic Technology. His contributions to mathematical research in New Zealand were formally recognised when he was elected a Fellow of the New Zealand Mathematical Society.
Professor Emeritus Michael Bradbury
CMA, FCA, PhD, MCom
Professor of Accountancy, Massey Business SchoolProfessor Emeritus Michael Bradbury actively set international accounting standards throughout his career. He's been recognised with several professional awards, including the Outstanding Contribution to Practice Award in 2001 and the Outstanding Contribution to Accounting and Finance Education Award in 2019.
Professor Emeritus Bradbury joined Massey in 2006 and retired in December 2020, but still contributes to research projects, from theses to projects with junior staff that are progressing towards publication. He served on several editorial boards. A recent review of research in Australasia ranked him the second most prolific author, which contributed to Massey becoming the third-ranked university in accountancy in Australasia.
Professor Emerita Rosie Bradshaw
PhD, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Genetics, College of SciencesProfessor Emerita Rosie Bradshaw is a world leader in molecular plant pathology, pioneering studies on the molecular genetics and genomics of pathogens of both native and exotic tree species of global importance. She is recognised nationally and internationally, having been an invited speaker at numerous international conferences, an editorial board member of leading journals and an elected fellow of scientific societies.
Professor Bradshaw was a member of the team that won the 2015 Massey University Team Research Medal.
Professor Emerita Bradshaw has made significant contributions to undergraduate teaching in cellular and molecular biology and has been an advisor and mentor to postgraduate students. Following retirement, she will continue her research activities and maintain supervision of a postdoctoral fellow and doctoral students through to completion.
Late Professor Emeritus Andrew Brodie
FNZIC, FRSC, DSc, PhD, CChem, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Chemistry, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Andrew Brodie was a distinguished chemist who dedicated his career to research and teaching at Massey. Holding a Doctor of Science (DSc) from the University of Canterbury, he was appointed a Professor of Chemistry. His research specialised in inorganic chemistry, particularly the synthesis and structural characterisation of metal coordination complexes. A significant portion of his impactful work, often in collaboration, focused on the chemistry of copper and silver compounds. This research had practical industrial applications, including the investigation of chemical inhibitors for unwanted reactions that occur during the gold processing industry's leaching process.
Professor Emeritus Brodie was professionally recognised as both a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry (FNZIC) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), maintaining an influential research profile within the Institute of Fundamental Sciences for several decades.
Late Professor Emeritus Robert Brooks
FRSNZ, FNZIC, ARIC, MAustIMM, DSc, PhD, BSc, BA
Professor of Geochemistry, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Robert Brooks was an internationally renowned geochemist and zoologist who dedicated 4 decades of his career to Massey University. Primarily, he is known for his groundbreaking research into hyperaccumulator plants, species capable of concentrating extremely high levels of heavy metals such as nickel and gold from the soil, effectively pioneering the field of phytomining. His definitive 1987 work, 'Serpentine and its Vegetation' (1987), remains a global reference.
Beyond botany, Professor Emeritus Brooks maintained a deep interest in extraterrestrial material, studying meteorites and the geochemical evidence of the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary associated with the extinction of the dinosaurs. A dedicated educator, he helped establish analytical chemistry as a separate discipline at Massey. His distinguished contributions to science were formally recognised when he was the first Massey lecturer to be conferred with the Doctor of Science (DSc) degree and was later elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand (FRSNZ) in 1996.
Association of Applied Geochemists: Robert Brooks (1927-2001)
Professor Emeritus Tim Brown
FIBiol, CBiol, PhD, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Microbiology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Tim Brown is a distinguished academic best known for his long career in microbiology at Massey and his contributions to science communication.
As a Professor of Microbiology, he specialised in the study of microorganisms, including research on amoebae. His time at Massey was spent educating a generation of scientists and conducting laboratory research. He later served as an editor for The New Zealand Microbiologist, reflecting his deep commitment to the field. Upon his retirement, Professor Emeritus Brown shifted from the laboratory to public engagement, becoming a familiar voice and writer on scientific matters. He wrote a popular science column for the Manawatū Standard newspaper explaining complex scientific concepts to a general audience. He subsequently co-authored a book compiling these columns, securing his legacy as both a dedicated academic and a respected public communicator of science.
Late Professor Emeritus Arthur Neil Bruère
ONZM, MRCVS, FACVSc, PhD, DVSc
Professor of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Arthur Neil Bruère was a foundational and highly respected figure in veterinary medicine at Massey. Holding impressive qualifications, including a PhD from the University of Glasgow and a DVSc from the University of Sydney. He rose to the position of Professor and formerly served as the Head of the Department of Veterinary Sciences. His area of expertise was veterinary medicine and clinical pharmacology.
Professor Emeritus Bruère's impact extended to New Zealand's public health. Early in his career as a government veterinary surgeon, he was involved in the initial documentation of leptospirosis in the country, demonstrating his direct influence on animal and human health. Throughout his long career, he was widely regarded as an inspirational mentor who instilled the highest standards of professionalism in generations of veterinarians. For his contributions to veterinary science, he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2005. He passed away in 2023, leaving a profound legacy of scholarship and mentorship.
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Late Professor Emeritus Ian Campbell
FNZIAS, PhD, BAgrSc
Professor of Dairy Husbandry, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Ian Campbell was highly influential in the development of dairy science and administration at Massey. After graduating from Massey Agricultural College in 1936 and earning a PhD from the University of Missouri for his work on milk secretion and endocrinology, he began his career at the Dairy Research Institute.
In 1948, Professor Emeritus Campbell was appointed to Massey's third academic Chair, becoming Professor of Dairy Husbandry. His research focused on the effects of pasture feeding and other farm factors on milk's composition and quality. Beyond his research, he was a pivotal administrator. In 1962, he became the first Dean of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, a position he held for 15 years. He retired in 1980, having most recently served as Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor. His international experience included assignments for the World Bank and the FAO. He was honoured with the title of Emeritus Professor and the Massey Medal in 1993, recognising his immense and multi-faceted contributions to the university and the dairy industry.
Professor Emeritus Tim Carpenter
PhD, MSc, BA
Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Tim Carpenter is a specialist in veterinary epidemiology and economics, recognised for an influential career that spanned both the United States of America and New Zealand. He holds the title of Professor Emeritus in the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis and was a Director and Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology at Massey.
Professor Carpenter's research applies advanced quantitative methods to solve animal and public health challenges. He's internationally recognised for his expertise in disease modelling, developing and using complex simulations to accurately predict the spread of high-consequence infectious diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and Avian Influenza. A hallmark of his work is the integration of epidemiology with economic analysis to rigorously evaluate the cost-effectiveness of various biosecurity and disease control policies. This research provides critical, evidence-based guidance to veterinary authorities worldwide. His extensive publications are considered foundational to the field of veterinary infectious disease management.
Professor Emeritus Kerry Chamberlain
FEHPS, RegPsych, MA, BA
Professor of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Kerry Chamberlain is a highly influential academic with expertise in health and social psychology. He is internationally renowned for promoting and developing critical health psychology, an approach that fundamentally examines the broader social, cultural and political determinants of health and illness. His seminal research focused on health in everyday life, with a specific emphasis on inequality, disadvantage and the social meanings people ascribe to medication. He is also a pioneer in the use of innovative qualitative methodologies, such as photo-elicitation and diaries.
Professor Chamberlain was instrumental in establishing health psychology as a recognised field in New Zealand and demonstrated global leadership as a founding member of the International Society of Critical Health Psychology. His distinction in the field is further recognised by his status as a Fellow of the European Health Psychology Society. As Emeritus Professor, he remains highly active in research, holding an Adjunct Professor position at Victoria University of Wellington. He continues to contribute his critical perspective to contemporary health issues like cancer survivorship and urban poverty.
Professor Emeritus Sir James Chapman
FIARLD, PhD, MA(Distinction), DipTchg, BA(Hons), BA
Professor of Educational Psychology, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus James Chapman is a distinguished academic in educational psychology, renowned for his nearly 50-year career focused on literacy and learning difficulties. Holding a PhD from the University of Alberta, specialising in the cognitive-motivational factors associated with learning disabilities, Professor Chapman joined Massey in 1980. He had a highly influential career at the university, serving in leadership roles including Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Education for 10 years and Head of the Department of Learning and Teaching.
Professor Chapman's extensive research, documented in over 150 works, focuses on learning disabilities, early literacy development and reading intervention. Notably, his scholarship includes critical examinations of literacy policy, such as the Reading Recovery programme. His significant international contributions include serving a 4-year term as President of the International Academy for Research in Learning Disabilities.
Professor Chapman's research excellence has been formally recognised with the International Reading Association's Dina Feitelson Award in 1999 and the Eminent Researcher Award from Learning Difficulties Australia in 2024. In 2026 King's Birthday Honours, he was named a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM) for services to literacy education. He remains active in research consultancy, continuing to inform policy and practice in literacy education.
Professor Emeritus Srikanta Chatterjee
PhD, MPhil, MA
Professor of Economics, Massey Business SchoolProfessor Emeritus Srikanta Chatterjee is a distinguished economist whose academic career was based at Massey's School of Economics and Finance from 1981 until his retirement in 2011. He holds multiple degrees, including a PhD from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
A prolific researcher, Professor Emeritus Chatterjee's work focused on applied economics, specialising in international trade, economic development and social welfare analysis. A major theme in his publications is the analysis of the New Zealand economy, particularly the effects of the country's economic reform processes since the 1980s, including income distribution and inequality. He also conducted extensive collaborative research on household expenditure patterns in New Zealand and on economic development issues in South Asia, particularly India and Bangladesh. His expertise extends to public service, as evidenced by his appointment to the official Tax Review Team announced by the New Zealand government in 2000. He continues to engage with the academic community as an Emeritus Professor, contributing to the field of economics through his scholarship and mentorship. Member
Professor Emerita Norma Chick
FRCNA, PhD, DipNEd, BA(Hons)
Professor of Nursing, College of HealthProfessor Emerita Norma Chick is a foundational figure in New Zealand's nursing scholarship, widely credited, alongside Professor Nan Kinross, with initiating university-level nursing education in the country. Her career marked a crucial shift in the profession, steering it from a purely practical occupation toward one grounded in scientific evidence and clear rationale.
Professor Emerita Chick's academic journey included initial nursing training in Melbourne, followed by studies in psychology. In 1972, she transferred to the Nursing Studies Unit at Massey, where, in 1974, she and Professor Kinross introduced the first university-level nursing courses. With a PhD from the Australian National University – completed in 1974 – Professor Emerita Chick became the first staff member in nursing studies to hold a doctorate when appointed lecturer in 1976. She was appointed as a professor and the Chair of Nursing Studies in 1988. She became an Emeritus Professor upon her retirement in 1993. Her legacy includes publishing a history of the first 2 decades of nursing studies at Massey and serving on the editorial board of Nursing Praxis in New Zealand for over 30 years, cementing her status as a trailblazer who fundamentally advanced nursing as an independent academic discipline.
Professor Emerita Jane Coad
PhD, PGCEA, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Human Nutrition, College of SciencesProfessor Emerita Jane Coad began her distinguished career at Massey in 2001 as a senior scientist focused on the nutritional benefits of milk. She was quickly promoted to the inaugural position of Academic Leader in Human Nutrition. Under her leadership, the human nutrition programmes became highly successful at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Professor Emerita Coad was instrumental in establishing crucial nutrition research facilities across several Massey campuses. She directed nutrition and dietetics studies for many years.
Throughout her tenure, Professor Emerita Coad combined teaching with active research, establishing herself as an authority on the role of nutrition in chronic diseases and the function of micronutrients, such as Vitamin D and iron. Her expertise led to numerous invitations to speak at international research conferences. She served as president of the Nutrition Society of New Zealand for 2 terms and has authored over 150 research publications.
Notably, Professor Emerita Coad is the lead author of the international best-selling textbook, ‘Anatomy and Physiology for Midwives’ (2001). Following her retirement, she intends to remain active by continuing her research projects and actively supervising her postgraduate students.
Professor Emeritus John Cockrem
PhD, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Comparative Endocrinology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus John Cockrem has made valuable contributions to veterinary science and the advancement of knowledge in comparative endocrinology, his area of expertise. He is also recognised as a trailblazer in partnership with Māori and connections to iwi.
Professor Cockrem is nationally and internationally recognised for his expertise in comparative endocrinology, including work on the reproductive performance of penguins.
Professor Emeritus Cockrem has held adjunct and honorary positions at Griffith University, Australia, the University of Montana, United States of America and Kyushu University, Japan. In 2022, he received the University Research Medal for exceptional research citizenship. He is highly regarded among his peers as an outstanding researcher and environmental advocate. Following retirement, he will continue his research work and maintain supervision of doctoral students through to completion. He also plans to continue mentoring junior staff.
Late Professor Emeritus John Codd
OMNZ, PhD, MA DipEd, BA
Professor of Education, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus John Codd was a distinguished academic at Massey, renowned as a leading critic of educational reform in New Zealand. Specialising in the philosophy and sociology of education, he spent his long career analysing the intersection of theory, policy and practice. His most significant contribution was his robust, public critique of the neo-liberal policies that restructured New Zealand's education system, particularly the Tomorrow's Schools reforms of the late 1980s. Professor Emeritus Codd argued passionately against the market-driven, managerial approach, which he believed eroded academic freedom, exacerbated social inequalities and undermined fundamental educational values. He was a foundational voice that fulfilled the university's role as the 'critic and conscience of society'.
Starting his research in ethics and values education, Professor Emeritus Codd later became a prolific author on education policy, deliberately publishing in journals which directly engage the teaching profession. His significant influence on educational scholarship and policy debate was formally recognised with his appointment as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (OMNZ).
Professor Emeritus Murray Cox
FRSNZ, CMInstD, JP, DSc, PhD, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Computational Biology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Murray Cox is a globally recognised leader in computational biology, celebrated for pioneering analytical tools to extract profound biological insights from massive DNA datasets. His influential scientific discoveries, which leverage advances in population genetics, statistics and computer science, are routinely featured in top-tier journals and frequently capture international media attention. Professor Cox's research excellence has garnered significant global acclaim, including the prestigious Titular Fellowship from the Association of Commonwealth Universities at Oxford University (2016) and a Humboldt Foundation Fellowship at the Max Planck Society (2017). In 2019, he became the first New Zealander to receive the University of Melbourne's Miegunyah Distinguished Visiting Fellowship.
Professor Emeritus Cox's exceptional career has attracted over $12 million in funding. He has been honoured by the Royal Society Te Apārangi with both the Te Rangi Hīroa Medal (2018) and the title of Fellow. Having published over 150 papers, Professor Cox retired from Massey in December 2022, leaving a legacy as an outstanding researcher, leader and mentor.
Professor Emerita Glynnis Cropp
ONZM, PhD, LÈsL, MA(Hons), BA
Professor of French, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emerita Glynnis Marjory Cropp is a pre-eminent scholar of medieval French literature, whose academic career at Massey spanned nearly 5 decades, beginning in 1963. After earning her PhD from the prestigious Sorbonne, University of Paris, she rose through the ranks at Massey, making institutional history in 1985 when she became 1 of the university's first 3 women to be appointed as a professor. Her leadership extended to administration as she served as the first woman Dean of the Faculty of Humanities from 1987 to 1997.
Professor Cropp is internationally renowned for her meticulous research on medieval French manuscripts and for producing critical editions of complex texts, such as 'Le Livre de Boece de Consolacion'. Her significant scholarly contributions have been formally acknowledged by both France and New Zealand. She was awarded the Officer of the Ordre des Palmes Académiques by the French Government in 2012. In 2013, she was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to research in the humanities. Although officially retired, she continues to have a lasting influence as an Honorary Research Fellow.
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Professor Emeritus Clive Davies
FRSNZ, FEngNZ, AIChE, PhD, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Particle and Process Engineering, College of SciencesProfessor Clive Davies has had an influential career in chemical engineering and made a significant contribution to Massey. In 2023, he was awarded the prestigious Chemeca Medal, which is given to a prominent Australian or New Zealand chemical engineer who has made an outstanding contribution to the practice of chemical engineering in its most expansive sense and who continues to serve the profession.
Professor Davies has received multiple national and international fellowships in engineering and technology and has 187 peer-reviewed publications and eight patents to his name.
Professor Emeritus Davies was a member of the academic staff for more than 17 years before retiring. He has plans for continued association with Massey, including lecturing, research and committee work.
Professor Emerita Anne de Bruin
PhD, MEc, MA
Professor of Economics, Massey Business SchoolProfessor Emerita Anne de Bruin is a distinguished socio-economist and academic renowned for her 40-year career at Massey. She retired from the School of Economics and Finance in 2021. As a Fulbright New Zealand Scholar, her research has been instrumental in shaping the fields of social innovation and entrepreneurship. Her work focuses on how entrepreneurial activities can drive progressive social change and employment, particularly within disadvantaged communities. She is a leading expert on women's entrepreneurship, notably serving as a prominent member of the Diana International Network, which supports high-growth women entrepreneurs globally.
A key feature of Professor Emerita de Bruin's scholarship is Contextualised Entrepreneurship. Investigating the intersection of business practices with indigenous practices and cultural values within Aotearoa New Zealand. Professor de Bruin founded and directed Massey's interdisciplinary New Zealand Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Research Centre (SIERC). Her influence is reflected in her extensive publications in top-tier journals and her numerous leadership and governance roles.
Professor Emeritus Russell Death
PhD
Professor of Ecology, College of SciencesFor over 3 decades, Professor Death has been one of New Zealand’s leading freshwater ecologists. He has contributed widely to water management planning across the country, including the One Plan and Ruataniwha irrigation schemes. He has also engaged with the media and many community groups to encourage more effective protection of rivers.
With over 130 peer-reviewed publications in international journals and books and more than 8700 citations, Professor Emeritus Death ranks as one of the top academics Massey has had in the ecology-zoology field. He has secured numerous research grants during his 32 years at Massey, including multiple grants from MBIE and the Vision Mātauranga Fund. He has supervised 58 postgraduate students, including 12 PhD candidates and 36 master’s students, many of whom have gone on to hold leading positions in conservation, management and research.
In 2017, Professor Death was awarded the New Zealand Freshwater Science Medal for his outstanding contribution to the understanding and management of freshwater. He received a College of Sciences Research Award in 2019. Now in retirement, Professor Emeritus Death hopes to expand his research and publishing in freshwater ecology and continue assisting tangata whenua and community groups in restoring their rivers.
Professor Emeritus Serge Demidenko
PhD, ME, CertTchg, CEng
Professor of Electronics, Information and Communication Systems, College of SciencesSerge Demidenko is a Professor Emeritus in the School of Food Technology and Natural Sciences (formerly School of Food and Advanced Technology) at Massey, specialising in Electronics, Information and Communication Systems. He holds an ME (Computer Engineering) from the Belarusian State University of Informatics & Radio Electronics (1977) and a PhD (Engineering Cybernetics & Information Theory) from the Institute of Engineering Cybernetics, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (1984). His extensive professional career spans industry and academia across the Asia Pacific region and Europe. Professor Demidenko’s research expertise includes signal processing, instrumentation and measurement, electronics design and testing and computer systems. He is the author of 4 books, over 200 papers and 25 engineering patents.
A highly regarded figure in his field, Professor Emeritus Demidenko is a Fellow of the IEEE, a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and a UK Chartered Engineer. His contributions have been recognised with several national, regional and university awards for excellence in research and teaching.
Professor Emeritus Martin Devlin
ONZM, QSM, MAIIE, MCom, GradDBS, ED, BA
Professor of Education, Massey Business SchoolProfessor Emeritus Martin Devlin is a prominent academic in business administration and a former military officer who served at Massey for 35 years. His research, teaching and consulting expertise span the fields of Management, Entrepreneurship, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Corporate Governance. He held leadership roles, including acting as the director of Massey's Executive MBA programme.
Before and during his academic career, Professor Devlin had a distinguished Army career – holding the honorary title of Honorary Colonel. His deep engagement with both the corporate and public sectors led to his appointment as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2011 for his extensive services to business and education. In retirement, Professor Emeritus Devlin remains an active public commentator, often contributing insightful analysis to national discussions on corporate and public policy issues.
Late Professor Emeritus John Dunmore
CNZM, ChLHon JP, AIB, PhD, BA(Hons)
Professor of French, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus John Dunmore was a French-born New Zealander, a distinguished academic, historian, and a founding figure in the humanities at Massey. Born in France and raised bilingual, he emigrated to New Zealand in 1950. He joined Massey (then Palmerston North University College) in 1961 as the Foundation Lecturer in French, eventually becoming the university's first Professor of French, Head of the Department of Modern Languages and Dean of Humanities (1968 to 1981).
Professor Emeritus Dunmore's primary academic work was on the French exploration of the Pacific Ocean. He gained international recognition for his extensive research, translations and biographies of key navigators, including Jean-François de La Pérouse (whose journals he helped rediscover) and Louis de Bougainville. His body of work includes over 30 books. He founded 2 publishing houses, Dunmore Press and Heritage Press. A strong advocate for French culture in New Zealand, he was the long-time President of the Federation des Alliances Françaises. His significant contributions were recognised with a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) and the French government's highest honour, named an Officier de la Légion d'honneur. He was awarded the Massey Medal in 1993. Professor Emeritus Dunmore passed away in 2023.
Professor Emeritus Sir Mason Durie
Rangitāne, Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Raukawa
KNZM, ONZ, FRSNZ, FRANZCP, DPsych, DLitt, HonLLD, MBChB
Professor of Māori Studies, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Sir Mason Durie is one of New Zealand's most influential academics, a psychiatrist and a paramount leader in Māori health and development. After graduating in medicine and specialising in psychiatry, Sir Mason's work on the Royal Commission on Social Policy was pivotal in challenging conventional health models. This led him to develop the globally recognised Te Whare Tapa Whā model of wellbeing in 1982. This holistic framework defines health through 4 essential, interconnected dimensions: physical, mental, spiritual and family/social wellbeing.
At Massey, he served as Professor of Māori Research and Development , inaugural Head of School of Māori Studies Te Pūtahi-a-Toi, Acting Pro vice-Chancellor for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor. He championed Indigenous education, establishing the Centre for Māori Health Research and the Te Rau Puawai scholarship programme. Sir Mason has continuously shaped national policy, including chairing the taskforce that developed the Whānau Ora initiative. His exceptional contributions to public and Māori health have been recognised by the country's highest honours. He was knighted in 2010 and, in 2020, was appointed to the Order of New Zealand (ONZ), the nation's highest award.
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Late Professor Emerita Mary Earle
OBE, FNZIFST, FIPENZ(Hon), HonDSc, PhD, BSc
Professor of Food Technology, College of SciencesProfessor Emerita Mary Earle was an influential Scottish-born food technologist and engineer at Massey, and a pioneer for women in New Zealand academia.
Trained as a chemical engineer, Professor Emerita Earle emigrated to New Zealand in 1961. In 1965, she joined Massey's Food Technology Department, becoming the first female academic engineer in any New Zealand university. Her career was dedicated to applying rigorous engineering principles to food production, notably by introducing and championing the discipline of Product Development into the food technology degree.
Professor Emerita Earle was a strong link between the university and industry, establishing the Food Technology Research Centre and mentoring generations of students who affectionately called her 'Mother Mary'. She helped develop international food technology programmes, particularly in Thailand. In recognition of her vast contributions to her field, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1993. Following her retirement in 1994, she and her husband co-founded the Earle Creativity and Development Trust, continuing a legacy of supporting innovation and talent across science, technology and the arts. Professor Emerita Earle passed away in 2021.
Professor Emeritus Richard Earle
ONZM, CEng, FIPENZ, FIChemE, HonDSc, PhD, BSc, BE(Chem)
Professor of Biotechnology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Richard (Dick) Earle is a widely recognised, pioneering chemical engineer and academic, credited with establishing biotechnology as a formal university discipline in New Zealand. After completing his PhD in chemical engineering and serving as a senior engineer at the Meat Industry Research Institute of New Zealand, Earle joined Massey in 1965 as the world's first Professor of Biotechnology.
At Massey, Professor Emeritus Earle defined biotechnology broadly as the industrial processing of biological materials, building a groundbreaking education programme that integrated engineering principles with biological science. His influential leadership established a department known for its applied research across areas such as meat by-products, fermentation and effluent treatment. His textbook, 'Unit Operations in Food Processing' (1983), remains a key text globally, having been translated into several languages. Professor Earle retired in 1996, conferring the title of Emeritus Professor. He and his wife, Professor Emerita Mary Earle, co-authored influential books and demonstrated a commitment to philanthropy by founding the Earle Creativity and Development Trust and the Dick and Mary Earle Scholarship in Technology. His lifetime contributions to engineering and education were recognised with numerous honours, including his appointment as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM).
Late Professor Emeritus Wayne Edwards
OBE, ANZIM, FCCEAM, FNZEAS, PhD, MEAdmin, MA, AdvDipTchg, DipEd
Professor of Education, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Wayne Edwards was a distinguished academic who made a significant contribution to the field of Educational Leadership and Administration, primarily through his long career at Massey. His foundational work began in the early 1990s as the director of the Master of Educational Administration (MEdAdmin) degree programme at Massey, a role in which he was instrumental in shaping the careers of countless educational professionals. His scholarship and teaching focused on the importance of effective professional leadership in schools, contributing significantly to national professional development programmes for teachers and leaders.
Professor Emeritus Edwards was widely revered for his servant leadership style, characterised by a deep personal interest in his students and a humanistic, caring approach to academic guidance and critical mentoring. He passed away in 2021.
Professor Emeritus Hans-Jurgen Engelbrecht
PhD, MA, DipVolkswirt
Professor of Economics, Massey Business SchoolProfessor Emeritus Hans-Jurgen Engelbrecht is a distinguished academic from the Massey School of Economics and Finance, specialising broadly in economics with a specific focus on the knowledge economy, sustainable development and subjective wellbeing. His research frequently explores the intersection of these fields.
Professor Emeritus Engelbrecht analyses the impact of information and communication technology and human capital on economic growth and productivity, particularly within OECD countries. Furthermore, he investigates the link between technological and social innovation and subjective wellbeing, advocating for a 'National Innovation System plus Subjective Well-being' (NIS+SWB) approach to policy. Professor Engelbrecht contributes to the measurement of sustainable development using concepts such as inclusive wealth and natural capital as more comprehensive alternatives to traditional Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Professor Emeritus Engelbrecht's influential work has included a detailed analysis of the structure and growth of the information workforce in New Zealand. He is a prolific author, having penned or co-authored numerous publications throughout his influential career.
Professor Emeritus Ian Evans
FRSNZ, FAPA, FAPS, FNZPsS, PhD, BA(Hons), BA
Professor of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Ian Evans is a highly respected academic and clinical psychologist known for his significant contributions to applied behaviour analysis and cognitive-behavioural therapy. Following an established career in the United States of America, which included positions at the University of Hawaiʻi and SUNY-Binghamton, Professor Evans moved to New Zealand, joining Massey. He served as a Professor and Head of the School of Psychology before being conferred the title of Professor Emeritus upon his retirement in 2012.
Professor Emeritus Evans' pioneering research focused on the assessment and intervention of challenging behaviour in children and adults. He is a recognised expert in how associative learning and cognition influence psychopathology. A notable theme in his later work is the integration of traditional clinical practice with culturally informed approaches, particularly concerning Māori and Native Hawaiian communities. In addition to his prolific scientific publishing, Professor Evans has successfully transitioned to a career as a fiction writer, demonstrating a versatility that spans both rigorous science and literary arts.
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Professor Emerita Angie Farrow
ONZM, PhD, MEd, BEd
Professor of Theatre, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Angie Farrow is a distinguished academic renowned for her significant contributions in playwriting, community theatre, arts education and creative entrepreneurship. Her career in writing began in the United Kingdom as an undergraduate, where she won the coveted Sunday Times Student Playwriting Award and achieved a rare feat: a West End production with her first play, The Blue One. Professor Farrow has since written more than 50 plays across a range of genres, with her life's work boasting a consistent and broad-ranging series of performances, broadcasts and staged readings from 1974 to the present.
After retiring, Professor Farrow has continued to actively support theatre development by creating new works, convening writing workshops and acting as a dramaturg (literary adviser or editor), most recently for Tahi Tupu – New Zealand Festival of Solo Performance. She has been a tireless advocate for her subject area and its relevance to the broader community. Professor Farrow remains eager to actively contribute to Massey by mentoring theatre staff, giving guest lectures, presenting at research seminars and providing expert advice.
Late Professor Emeritus Eric Fielden
FRCVS, FACVSc, BAgrSc, BVSc
Professor of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Eric 'Des' Fielden was a leading figure in veterinary science, renowned as a key founder and leader of the School of Veterinary Science at Massey. His professional career began in agriculture before he trained as a veterinarian, graduating with honours from the University of Sydney. His early work was pivotal: from 1960 to 1963, he served as the founding Superintendent of the New Zealand Dairy Board's Awahuri Artificial Breeding Centre.
In 1963, Professor Emeritus Fielden was appointed Professor and Head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, becoming instrumental in establishing and building the curriculum for New Zealand's first veterinary school at Massey. He later served as the respected Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science until his retirement in 1989. Professor Emeritus Fielden's research focused on animal reproduction and fertility in grazing livestock, contributing over 50 refereed scientific publications. A dedicated educator and advocate, he was crucial in establishing continuing education for veterinarians. He also served as Chairperson of the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee. His lifetime contribution to the university was recognised with the Massey Medal in 2011.
Professor Emeritus Elwyn Firth
DSc, PhD, MSc, DipACVS, BVSc
Professor of Surgery, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Elwyn Firth is a highly distinguished veterinary scientist and a leading international expert in equine orthopaedics and exercise physiology. He holds the title of Professor Emeritus at Massey, where he served as a Professor in the Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences from 1988 to 2011. Professor Emeritus Firth is highly credentialed, holding a Doctor of Science (DSc) from Massey University, a PhD from Utrecht University and being a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (DACVS).
Professor Emeritus Firth’s core research, often conducted in collaboration with international institutions, focuses on the development and response of equine musculoskeletal connective tissues – specifically bone, tendon and articular cartilage – to growth, disease and exercise. His work has been particularly relevant to the horse racing industry, as he investigates the crucial early life changes that may predispose young racehorses to limb pathology and injury. His exceptional contributions to the field have been recognised internationally, including his induction into the prestigious Equine Research Hall of Fame.
Late Professor Emeritus John Flenley
DSc, PhD, MA, CertEd
Professor of Geography, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus John Flenley was a world-renowned British-New Zealand palaeoecologist and bio-geographer known for his pioneering use of fossilised pollen (palynology) to reconstruct ancient environments. His most celebrated work focused on Easter Island (Rapa Nui).
Professor Flenley's research established that the island was once covered by a massive palm forest. Its subsequent deforestation by human settlers led to ecological collapse – a story he documented in his influential book, 'The Enigmas of Easter Island' (2003). He joined Massey in 1989 as Professor of Geography, where he built a world-class palynology lab and mentored many postgraduate students until his retirement in 2001. He was instrumental in developing the automated pollen identification system, Classifynder.
Professor Emeritus Flenley was recognised for his global contributions as a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand and Honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Cambridge. His legacy rests on his rigorous science and his powerful message about the consequences of human-environment interaction.
Late Professor Emeritus Donald Souter Flux
PhD, MAgrSc
Professor of Dairy Husbandry, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Donald Souter Flux was a pivotal figure in New Zealand's agricultural science and a long-serving academic at Massey, specialising in dairy husbandry and animal science. A Massey alumnus, he earned his Master of Agricultural Science (MAgrSc) there before obtaining his PhD from the University of Reading. His career was dedicated to research that directly benefited New Zealand's vital dairy industry, focusing on factors that influence milk production and optimal feeding strategies for dairy cattle.
During World War II, Professor Emeritus Flux served as a Lieutenant with the 809 Naval Air Squadron. Following the war, he returned to Massey, where he rose to Senior Lecturer in Dairy Husbandry and was eventually appointed Professor Emeritus. Professor Emeritus Flux was highly regarded for grounding his teaching and research in the practical needs of the farming industry and mentoring generations of students who went on to shape the nation's agricultural sector. His work helped cement Massey's reputation as a leading institution for animal science.
Professor Emeritus Sir Alan Frampton
KNZM, HonDSc, PhD, MAgrSc, BAgrSc
Professor of Agricultural Science, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Sir Alan Frampton is a pre-eminent agricultural economist and a pivotal figure in the nation's dairy industry. Starting as a farmer, he returned to education, earning a Master of Agricultural Science from Massey in 1964 and a PhD in agricultural economics from Cornell University.
Sir Alan's academic career at Massey spanned from 1968 to 1983, during which he held the Walter Clarke Buchanan Chair in Agricultural Economics and Farm Management. He also served as the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences from 1978 to 1983. As an innovator at the university, he played a crucial role in establishing business studies, promoting the first Chair in Marketing in New Zealand and reforming the agricultural degree curriculum. Outside of academia, his influence on the dairy sector was immense. He was a long-serving member of the New Zealand Dairy Board from 1973 to 1993 and Chairman of the Tatua Cooperative Dairy Company Limited from 1990 to 2003, where he championed a strategic focus on high-tech, value-added products. For his wide-ranging services to agriculture, Sir Alan was initially appointed a Distinguished Companion and later redesignated as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM) in 2009. He remains an Emeritus Professor of Massey University, which has also conferred an honorary Doctor of Science degree and a distinguished alumnus award on him.
Professor Emeritus Graeme Fraser
CNZM, PhD, MA
Professor of Sociology, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Graeme Fraser is a distinguished sociologist and academic leader whose career at Massey spanned over 5 decades, beginning as a senior lecturer in 1967. After completing his PhD at the University of Missouri, he was appointed Massey's first Professor and Founding Chair of Sociology in 1970, pioneering the discipline in New Zealand academia with a focus on Aotearoa's unique societal realities.
Professor Fraser held numerous senior administrative roles at the university, including Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic) from 1985 to 2002 and a period as Acting Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Emeritus Fraser was a champion of distance education, helping to make university study accessible to wider segments of the population. Even after his official retirement in 2003, he remained highly active in academic mentorship, notably serving as Acting Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies, which he helped establish.
Beyond the university, Professor Emeritus Fraser significantly influenced national public policy and research governance, serving in high-profile roles, such as Chair of the Health Research Council and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. For his lifetime of exceptional service to education and the community, he was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in 2007 and later awarded the Massey Medal in 2017.
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Professor Emerita Philippa Gander
ONZM, FRSNZ, PhD, MSc
Professor of Sleep Medicine, College of HealthProfessor Emerita Philippa Gander is a pioneering, internationally recognised scholar in sleep, circadian rhythms and fatigue risk management. She dedicated her distinguished career at Massey to these interconnected sciences, notably as the founding and inaugural Director of the Sleep/Wake Research Centre (SWRC), established in 1998. The SWRC remains New Zealand's first dedicated research group for the field.
Professor Emerita Gander's core research focused on the circadian body clock – the biological timing system – and how its disruption by factors like shift work, jet lag and artificial light affects waking function and overall health. She is a global leader in translating this essential sleep science into practical fatigue risk management solutions for high-risk, 24/7 industries. Professor Emerita Gander's significant impact spans multiple sectors. She contributed to the Flight Crew Fatigue and Jet-Lag Program at NASA Ames Research Center. Professor Gander developed evidence-based safety systems through extensive field studies in both aviation and healthcare (including for nurses and junior doctors). Her recent book, 'Night Owls and Early Birds: Rhythms of Life on a Rotating Planet' (2023), further shares her expertise on the essential nature of biological time and sleep.
Professor Emeritus Philip Gendall
PhD, MSc, MAgrSc, BAgrSc
Professor of Marketing, Massey Business SchoolProfessor Emeritus Philip Gendall is recognised internationally for his expertise in market research methodology and his pivotal role in public health marketing. His long association with Massey began as a student in 1968, leading to an academic career and serving 20 years as the Head of the Department of Marketing. Upon his retirement in 2012, he was conferred the title of Professor Emeritus in recognition of his outstanding contributions.
Professor Emeritus Gendall's primary research expertise is in survey research methodology, specifically questionnaire design and question wording. He's an international authority in this area, demonstrated by his leadership roles, including chairing the methodology committee of the International Social Survey Programme and serving as New Zealand's representative for 2 decades. In recent years, he has successfully channelled his methodological expertise into public health, working as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Otago. He's a key member of the ASPIRE Aotearoa research group, where his work focuses on providing robust evidence for tobacco control policies such as plain packaging, vaping regulation and achieving the Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 goal.
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Professor Emeritus Bob Hargreaves
FPINZ, MAgribus, BSc, DipDairy Farming
Professor of Property Studies, Massey Business SchoolProfessor Emeritus Robert 'Bob' Hargreaves is an academic in property studies, celebrated for his long and influential career spanning 4 decades at Massey. His pivotal role began in 1972, when he was the foundation lecturer in rural valuation.
Professor Emeritus Hargreaves was instrumental in developing the university's property programme, strategically expanding the curriculum to include urban valuation and property management within the business studies degree and ensuring it was accessible across multiple campuses, including by distance study. He later served as the head of the Department of Property Studies. After his retirement, Professor Hargreaves continues an active academic role in property. He led the Massey Real Estate Analysis Unit, a commitment authoring quarterly publications and reviewing papers for international property journals, thereby ensuring his expertise continues to shape the ongoing body of knowledge in real estate and valuation. His expertise has been frequently sought after for commentary on the New Zealand housing and lending market.
Professor Emeritus Richard Harker
PhD, MA
Professor of Education, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Richard Harker's career includes a significant period at Massey, where his work centred on education and social science research. He is known for his research contributions to education policy, including co-editing the book 'Political Issues in New Zealand Education' (1990). His academic career involved teaching, research and mentorship to postgraduate students, with 1 citation noting his direct assistance in shaping research questionnaires.
Professor Harker's focus was on educational research, particularly the impact of class size and broader political influences on New Zealand's education system. His career represents an intersection of academic theory and practical educational policy.
Professor Emeritus Glyn Harper
PhD, MA(Hons), DipTchg
Professor of War Studies, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Glyn Harper is one of New Zealand's foremost military historians, whose career has made a world-class contribution to teaching, research and mentorship in war and defence studies over 3 decades. Following his retirement from the New Zealand Army in 2001, he joined Massey. He served as the Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies from 2003 to 2011, during which he co-established the Centenary History Programme.
Promoted to Professor of War Studies in 2009, he gained an international reputation with expertise spanning the First and Second World Wars, focusing on New Zealand and Australian military history and the social impacts of conflict. His research has significantly deepened global understanding of how war shapes people and communities. He was awarded the title Professor Emeritus in 2025, recognising his sustained and significant contributions to scholarship, leadership in the field and work as a respected author of both scholarly and award-winning children's books.
Professor Emeritus Richard Harris
FIE Aust., SMIEEE, PhD, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Telecommunications and Network Engineering, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Richard Harris is a distinguished academic in engineering and advanced technology, specialising in telecommunications and network engineering. He served as a Professor in this discipline at Massey from 2005 until his retirement, after which he became a Professor Emeritus and continued to serve on the School of Engineering and Advanced Technology advisory panel. Professor Harris's academic and research output is extensive, featuring over 130 publications focused primarily on information and communication technology, with specific research areas including network architecture, routing algorithms, network security and resilient network design, such as MPLS Network Design. He dedicated his career to advancing the theoretical and applied aspects of connecting the world through robust and efficient communication systems.
In addition to his contributions at Massey, Professor Emeritus Harris was actively involved in global academic quality assurance. Notably, he served as an External Examiner for the Bachelor of Information Technology degree programme at Universiti Tenaga Nasional in Malaysia, where he reviewed course structures and examination papers.
Professor Emeritus Stephen Haslett
FSS, PhD, CStat, BSc(Hons) BA(Hons), BSc, BA
Professor of Statistics, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Stephen Haslett is a highly respected statistician, renowned for his influential theoretical and applied work, particularly in sample survey design and small-area estimation. He is an Emeritus Professor of Statistics at Massey, where he served for many years, notably as Professor and Director of the Statistical Research and Consulting Centre. From 2015 to 2018, he also held a Professorial and Director role at the Statistical Consulting Unit at the Australian National University.
Professor Emeritus Haslett's research is distinguished by its breadth, with over 130 refereed academic papers published across a wide range of disciplines, including mathematical statistics, health sciences, economics, ecology and official statistics. The focus of his theoretical work is the theory of linear models and the advanced analysis of complex survey data.
However, Professor Haslett's most profound contributions are in international development and public policy. Over the last 2 decades, he has been the principal statistician for numerous large-scale statistical modelling projects for the United Nations and associated agencies. This critical work focuses on the small-area estimation of poverty, food security and child undernutrition in developing nations across Asia, Africa and the Pacific, providing vital data for resource allocation and emergency situations. A Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society, his service was recognised with the New Zealand Statistical Association's Campbell Award in 2010.
Professor Emeritus Richard Haverkamp
ACS, AIChE, PhD
Professor of Nanotechnology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Richard Haverkamp was a Professor of Nanotechnology in the School of Engineering and Advanced Technology at Massey, where he also served as a director for the nanotechnology group. He earned a PhD from the University of Auckland. Professor Haverkamp's research focuses on nanotechnology applied to soft and hard materials, encompassing areas such as material engineering and chemical engineering. His specific interests include collagen materials, such as the structure of leather and materials for medical applications and nanoparticles for electrocatalysts and from phytosynthesis. He also researches surface reactions in electrochemistry and catalysis, including single-molecule stretching using scanning probe techniques.
Before his career in academia, Professor Emeritus Haverkamp worked for about 10 years as a chemical engineer. Later, he became a nanotechnologist focusing on single molecules and nanoscale particles, a change he found creative and stimulating.
Even in retirement as a Professor Emeritus, he continues his collaboration with Massey, supervising student research, training staff in atomic force microscopy and assisting with the commercialisation of a medical device he invented. He has edited over 60 refereed journal publications. He is a fellow or member of several national and international societies, including the Royal Society te Apārangi.
Late Professor Emeritus Brian Hayman
PhD, MSc, MA
Professor of Statistics, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Brian Hayman was an influential academic and scientist at Massey, specialising in mathematical statistics and its application to quantitative genetics and plant breeding. He joined the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) in 1950, undertaking pioneering work in biometrical genetics. He later served as the Director of the Applied Mathematics Division of the DSIR before transitioning to Massey. As Professor of Statistics, he was instrumental in developing the university's academic and research capacity in statistical methodology and data analysis, particularly in agricultural and biological sciences.
Professor Emeritus Hayman's research was globally recognised, especially his contributions to the genetic analysis of quantitative variation in plants. Upon his retirement, he was conferred the title of Professor Emeritus, recognising a distinguished career dedicated to rigorous statistical science and its application to advancing agricultural practices in New Zealand.
Professor Emeritus Mike Hedley
PhD, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Soil Science, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Michael Hedley is a globally recognised soil scientist who spent his distinguished career at Massey. Initially from the United Kingdom, his academic journey began with a PhD at Massey, focusing on phosphorus run-off. His seminal contribution to soil science came during his postdoctoral work abroad, where he developed the renowned analytical method for phosphorus in soil known as the Hedley P Fractionation, for which he earned the 1983 International Phosphate Institute Agronomy Prize.
Returning to Massey, Professor Emeritus Hedley became a Professor in Soil Sciences and the long-time Director of the Farmed Landscape Research Centre (FLRC). His research was critical to the New Zealand agricultural sector, concentrating on sustainable nutrient management, water quality and the bioavailability of fertiliser contaminants. A significant career highlight was his leadership in developing professional courses in Sustainable Nutrient Management. After officially retiring from the FLRC and Massey in 2018, Professor Emeritus Hedley remains a respected figure, continuing to provide expert advice on both national and international agricultural and environmental issues.
View Mike Hedley's LinkedIn profile
Farmed Landscape Research Centre [LINK TO NEW WEBPAGE]
Professor Emeritus Gary Hermansson
ONZM, PhD, MA, BA, DipSocSci
Professor of Sport Psychology, College of HealthProfessor Emeritus Gary Hermansson is a pre-eminent figure in sports psychology and a highly respected academic whose career at Massey spanned 4 decades, beginning in 1974. He was pivotal in developing the university's counsellor education programme, including its extensive distance learning components, and eventually became a Professor of Sports Psychology.
Professor Emeritus Hermansson is best known for his influential work in high-performance sport. He served as the sport psychologist for New Zealand teams across 10 major games campaigns – including 5 Olympic Games (from Sydney 2000 to London 2012) and 5 Commonwealth Games. In this capacity, he focused on psychological skills development, performance under pressure and team cohesion, notably working with the New Zealand Cricket and Equestrian Teams. His published works, including the book 'Going Mental in Sport: Excelling Through Mind-Management' (2011), focus on mind-management strategies for top-tier athletes. For his service to the field, he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2015 and the prestigious Olympic Order of New Zealand in 2017.
Professor Emeritus Cord Heuer
PhD, DVM, MSc
Professor of Epidemiology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Cord Heuer is a globally recognised expert in veterinary epidemiology and infectious diseases, leading Massey's renowned EpiCentre, one of the world's leading veterinary epidemiology training and research centres. Professor Emeritus Heuer's research interests are highly practical, focusing on the epidemiology, public health and production economics of infectious diseases in both temperate and tropical livestock farming environments. His work often involves field investigations and mathematical modelling to understand the transmission, economics and control of diseases in animal and human populations. Key areas of his research include major livestock health issues in New Zealand, such as Johne's disease, leptospirosis and mastitis in dairy animals.
A significant part of Professor Heuer's leadership was as the Director of the WOAH (formerly OIE) Collaborating Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health, a joint effort between Massey University and the China Animal Health Epidemiology Centre. This role underscores his international influence in fostering expertise in biosecurity and public health across the Asia-Pacific region – pioneering the One Health research approach, which integrates human, animal and environmental health.
Professor Emeritus Errol Hewett
FNZSHS, PhD, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Plant Physiology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Errol Hewett is a prominent horticultural scientist and academic, recognised internationally for his expertise in postharvest physiology and technology. After training as a plant physiologist and working for the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), he became a Professor of Horticultural Science at Massey in 1986.
Professor Emeritus Hewett’s research primarily focused on the crucial factors influencing the quality and marketable life of fresh produce. His work emphasised that postharvest quality is determined before harvest and can only be maintained, not improved, by storage technologies. His research addressed real-world industry problems, with graduate studies leading to a better understanding of issues such as apple bruising and Botrytis in kiwifruit, thereby helping growers optimise storage to limit damage and increase profits. Internationally, he has held significant governance roles, including a position on the board of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), where he championed greater collaboration between academia, research and the private sector to improve the global supply chain for quality fresh produce.
Professor Emeritus Julian Heyes
DPhil, PGDipDevStud, BSc(Hons 1st Class)
Professor of Postharvest Technology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Julian Heyes earned a Doctor of Philosophy from Oxford University. His area of expertise lies in postharvest science. Having authored 67 journal articles, 7 book chapters and 54 reviewed conference publications, Professor Heyes' work has garnered significant recognition with 1930 citations to date. He has been chief or co-supervisor for 28 completed PhD students who are now working in the New Zealand fresh product sector or at overseas universities.
Professor Emeritus Heyes has been honoured with a New Zealand Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences Fellowship since 2009. He held an Honorary Fellowship at Plant and Food Research from 2012 to 2018. His commitment to the field is further evidenced by his life membership of the New Zealand Society of Plant Biologists, a recognition dating back to the year 2000.
Professor Emeritus Heyes is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Mataram, Indonesia. He is continuing to review science programmes for industry and governments, to serve on the organising committees of upcoming conferences and to support Massey's international networks. He plays a pivotal role in ensuring the continuity of strength and expertise in New Zealand's horticultural sector.
Late Professor Emeritus Richard Hodges
ANZIC, PhD, MSc
Professor of Mass Spectrometry, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Richard 'Dick' Hodges was a foundational academic at Massey, arriving at the College of Science in 1965 after having worked at Ruakura Research Centre. His research focus was on chemistry and biophysics.
Professor Emeritus Hodges ran the Mass Spectrometer unit at Massey from 1966 to 1988 and was instrumental in determining the structure of sporidemin. A long-serving Professor, he helped to guide the curriculum and research strategies of his department during a period of significant scientific advancement before retiring in 1989. Professor Hodges mentored countless students and researchers, ensuring the continuity and excellence of the science programs at Massey. His appointment as Professor Emeritus recognises his sustained, high-level academic service.
Professor Emeritus Bob Hodgson
FIPENZ, FNZCS, SMIEE, FIEE, PhD, BTech(Hons)
Professor of Engineering, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Robert 'Bob' Martin Hodgson is an eminent academic and engineer, renowned for his seminal work in digital image processing, computer vision and systems engineering. Throughout his long tenure at Massey, he held key leadership roles, including Head of the Institute of Information Sciences and Technology (1998–2005) and Director of the Massey School of Engineering and Technology (2005–2007).
Professor Emeritus Hodgson's research had a significant industrial impact, notably through his involvement with a start-up company that developed the Classifynder – an AI-driven technology for efficiently extracting information from microscopic images – which won a supreme national engineering award. Beyond his technical contributions, he was a major figure in engineering professionalism and quality assurance. He served as a founding member of the New Zealand Council of Engineering Deans. His commitment to quality and accreditation was recognised globally, as he served on multiple International Washington Accord Panels and locally when Engineering New Zealand bestowed upon him the title of Distinguished Fellow, their highest membership honour.
Late Professor Emeritus John Hodgson
FRSNZ, DSc, PhD, BSc(Agr)
Professor of Agronomy, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus John Hodgson was a highly respected Professor Emeritus at Massey, whose pioneering work in pastoral science revolutionised the management of grazed systems globally. Originally from the United Kingdom, he earned a Doctor of Science from the University of Leeds and joined Massey University in 1986 as a Chair in Agronomy. He later served as Head of the Agronomy Department and Head of the School for the Environment. An internationally recognised scholar, Professor Hodgson was renowned for his significant contributions to grassland management, evidenced by over 150 publications and numerous international projects, notably in China and South America. A dedicated mentor, he supervised more than 50 PhD students from across the world, inspiring a new generation of scientists.
Beyond his research, Professor Emeritus Hodgson was a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand and widely respected for his collaborative spirit and thoughtful approach to academia. He retired in 2002 but remained an active voice in his field until his death on 16 October 2018. His impact is permanently recognised by the John Hodgson Pastoral Science Scholarship at Massey, which supports future research in the discipline he helped to shape. He is warmly remembered by colleagues and former students as both an inspiring and caring mentor.
Late Professor Emeritus Colin Holmes
PhD, BAgr(Hons)
Professor of Dairy Production Systems, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Colin Holmes was renowned for his significant contributions to the New Zealand pastoral dairy industry over a career spanning more than 40 years. Joining Massey as a lecturer, he became the inaugural Professor of Dairy Production Systems in 1999, focusing his research on enhancing the efficiency of grass-based farming. He was instrumental in developing the widely used 'rising plate pasture meter'. He was the lead author and editor of the influential textbook 'Milk Production from Pasture: Principles and Practices' (1984), which became an essential resource for farmers. A staunch advocate for science-based pastoral systems, his work covered key areas such as optimal cow size, once-a-day milking and winter milk production. His impact extended beyond academia – he was a dedicated teacher and mentor known for his clear communication and practical approach.
In recognition of his significant contribution to agriculture, Professor Emeritus Holmes received numerous accolades, including being named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in 2009 and receiving the title of Professor Emeritus in 2010. He is remembered as a visionary expert whose legacy continues to influence dairy farming practices, nationally and internationally.
Professor Emerita Jillian Hooks
CNZM, FCPA, PhD, MMS, BBS, DipTchg
Professor of Accountancy, Massey Business SchoolProfessor Emerita Jillian Hooks is renowned for her significant contributions to accountancy and education, particularly in the complex area of financial and corporate reporting. She was a former Professor of Accountancy and Academic Coordinator of the Auckland campus at Massey, where she progressed from Lecturer in 1997 to being awarded Emeritus in 2019. Before her tenure at Massey, she held roles at Auckland University of Technology.
Professor Emerita Hooks is a highly credentialed professional. She holds a PhD from the University of Waikato. Is both a Chartered Accountant (CA) and a Fellow Certified Practising Accountant (FCPA).
Professor Emerita Hooks' extensive research, which boasts over 2,100 citations, has had a practical impact, actively shaping national and international accounting standards. She is particularly noted for her influential work in environmental and electricity industry reporting. A multi-award-winning educator, she was notably named Massey's overall Lecturer of the Year in 2011. In recognition of her lifetime of outstanding service to accountancy and education, Professor Emerita Hooks was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the 2025 New Year Honours.
Late Professor Emeritus Kerry Howe
PhD, MA
Professor of History, College of Humanities and Social SciencesDistinguished Professor Emeritus Kerry Howe was a highly respected historian and academic, best known for his extensive work on New Zealand and Pacific history. He held the title of Professor of History at Massey. He was also the university's first Distinguished Professor in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
During his career (spanning 4 decades), his prolific publications explore a wide range of topics, including pre-history, colonialism and postcolonialism. A central focus of his scholarship was the complex dynamics of culture contact and race relations, particularly between Māori and Pākehā in New Zealand. Professor Howe was renowned for his critical approach to historical narratives, including the investigation of the 'unreliable histories' of Oceania. His writing frequently explored the evolving social and political forces that have shaped the region, thereby solidifying his reputation as an influential voice in New Zealand's historical and cultural discourse. Distinguished Professor Emeritus Howe passed away in 2023.
Professor Emeritus Jeffrey Hunter
FNZMS, MRSNZ, DSc, PhD, MSc, BSc
Professor of Statistics, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Jeffrey Hunter is a highly respected statistician and academic leader, recognised for his expertise in applied probability and his extensive service to 2 major New Zealand universities. He earned his PhD in statistics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and later an advanced Doctor of Science (DSc) degree from Massey in 2005, for his core work in applied probability.
Professor Emeritus Hunter was a pivotal figure at Massey, where he arrived in 1990 and successfully established the separate Department of Statistics. His research focus is on stochastic modelling. Particularly, Markov chains, semi-Markov processes and real-world applications using generalised matrix inverse techniques, with relevance to optimising complex systems such as queueing theory. Beyond Massey, he held a professorship at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), where he was instrumental in establishing New Zealand’s first analytics degree programme. For his significant contributions to research and the statistics profession, he was honoured with the Campbell Award, the highest honour given by the New Zealand Statistical Association. He holds the title of Professor Emeritus at both Massey University and AUT.
Professor Emerita Roberta (Bobbie) Hunter
PhD, MEd, DipEd, BEd
Professor of Mathematics Education, College of Humanities and Social SciencesThrough her 20-year tenure at Massey, Professor Roberta Hunter has firmly established her reputation as one of the top influencers on Pacific peoples’ and Māori children’s mathematics learning and cultural self-realisation in primary school classrooms across New Zealand and several Pacific countries.
Professor Hunter developed the Developing Mathematical Inquiry Communities (DMIC) research, development and dissemination model of mathematics teaching. Within this model, she conceptualised cultural responsiveness, identity formation and the understanding of mathematics for both children and teachers. Securing multi-million-dollar government grants over the past 20 years, she successfully disseminated the DMIC approach to hundreds of schools in socio-economically challenged areas. As a result, Professor Hunter’s work has positively influenced thousands of teachers and young people, particularly in Pacific communities, providing them with opportunities in mathematics they may not have otherwise had.
Her work has received national and international academic acclaim. She collaborated with colleagues, leaders, principals, teachers, teacher aides, researchers, iwi, Pacific leaders, policy-makers, communities and children to effect change.
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Professor Emeritus Geoff Jameson
FRSNZ, FNZIC, PhD, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Structural Chemistry and Biology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Geoffrey Jameson is an eminent and well-known scholar and a highly respected Professor of Structural Chemistry and Biology at Massey. His central expertise lies in determining the precise, 3-dimensional structure of materials and biological molecules using advanced analytical techniques, most notably X-ray crystallography and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
Professor Emeritus Jameson's broad research interests successfully connect fundamental biochemistry with high-impact, real-world applications. His work includes investigating the structure and function of critical enzymes, such as superoxide dismutases and analysing the biophysical properties of important food components. Further demonstrating the breadth of his curiosity, he also conducts compelling research into Origin-of-Life Scenarios, studying the chemical behaviour of RNA under extreme conditions. Most recently, a medically focused aspect of his work involves developing novel anti-cancer molecules designed to disable enzymes responsible for causing DNA mutations.
Professor Emeritus Bob Jolly
ONZM, FRSNZ, FRCPA, FACVSc, DSc, PhD, DipACVP(Hons), BVSc
Professor of Veterinary Pathology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Robert Dudley 'Bob' Jolly is a highly distinguished veterinary academic and specialist in animal pathology. After graduating with his BVSc and completing his PhD at the University of Sydney, he was appointed a Senior Lecturer at Massey in 1965, where he served until his retirement in 1995, receiving the title of Emeritus Professor.
Professor Emeritus Jolly's pioneering research has been internationally influential. It focuses on identifying and studying animal models of human genetic diseases. His work was significant in lysosomal storage disorders, including Batten's Disease and Mannosidosis, where studying affected animal breeds, such as the Huntaway dog model of MPS IIIA, provided crucial insights into disease pathogenesis and potential therapies such as enzyme replacement. His contributions to science and the veterinary profession have garnered numerous high honours. Professor Emeritus Jolly was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand (FRSNZ) in 1985 and later awarded the society's prestigious Hector Medal in 1995. In 2005, he was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his exceptional services to veterinary science. His tenure at Massey established him as a key figure in the development of veterinary pathology and medical genetics in New Zealand.
Professor Emeritus Boyd Jones
ONZM, FACVSc, DECVIM, MRCVS, BVSc, BAgrSc
Professor of Companion Animal Health, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Boyd Jones is widely regarded as the father of companion animal medicine in New Zealand, having pioneered the field in the country. He has had a long and distinguished career in veterinary medicine, particularly at Massey, where he was one of the first students to graduate with a veterinary science degree in the 1960s.
Professor Jones's early career focused on establishing small animal medicine as a distinct and essential discipline. He returned to Massey in the mid-1970s and taught clinical and postgraduate students for 22 years, serving as the Head of the Small Animal Clinic and Hospital. His research interests lie in small animal internal medicine. He has published over 170 refereed papers, including the discovery of 5 previously unreported medical entities affecting cats and dogs. His leadership roles extended internationally. He was Chair of Small Animal Clinical Studies and later Dean of Veterinary Medicine at University College Dublin. Upon returning to New Zealand in 2009, he continued his work as Professor Emeritus at Massey, mentoring students and leading the Companion Animal Group.
Professor Emeritus Jones has been instrumental in the profession's governance, having served as Chairman of the Veterinary Council of New Zealand and President of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists. For his lifetime of services to veterinary medicine, he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the 2015 Queen's Birthday Honours.
Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Jones
PhD, MSc, BA(Hons)
Professor of Biostatistics, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Geoff Jones is a prominent Biostatistician who has been associated with Massey since 1997, where he was appointed Professor of Biostatistics.
Professor Emeritus Jones is highly regarded for his collaborative and applied statistical work across a wide range of disciplines. He completed his PhD at the University of California, Davis, in 1996, following many years of teaching in secondary schools in the United Kingdom and Malaysia. His research is distinguished by its practical application, particularly in diagnostic testing and epidemiology. He worked extensively with the veterinary epidemiologists at Massey's EpiCentre, specialising in the validation of diagnostic tests, often employing Bayesian latent class analysis to overcome challenges of imperfect reference standards. He is a member of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Collaborating Centre for Diagnostic Test Validation Science.
Beyond animal health, Professor Emeritus Jones has made crucial contributions to humanitarian efforts. He collaborated with Professor Stephen Haslett on a critical project for the UN World Food Programme, focusing on the small area estimation of deprivation indices to guide the effective allocation of food aid in developing countries.
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Professor Emeritus Peter Kemp
PhD, MScAgr
Professor of Pasture Science, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Peter Kemp is a highly esteemed pastoral scientist from the School of Agriculture and Environment at Massey, retiring in 2021. He is internationally renowned for his research in pastoral science and agronomy, focusing on improving pasture systems through the use of alternative herbages like plantain and chicory. His work is particularly critical to environmental sustainability in agriculture as he is a key researcher demonstrating how plantain can significantly reduce nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide emissions from dairy farms, directly addressing New Zealand's climate and waterway challenges. Professor Kemp's expertise also extends to Agroforestry, where he has studied how poplar and willow trees can be integrated into pasture for erosion control.
Professor Emeritus Kemp published over 300 scientific works during his distinguished career. He also served as the former Head of the Institute of Agriculture and Environment, where his leadership, research and prolific postgraduate supervision earned him the title of Professor Emeritus.
Late Professor Emerita Nancy Kinross
CBE, FRCNA, FCNA, RGON, PhD, MSc, BA, DipNurse
Professor of Nursing, College of HealthProfessor Emerita Nancy 'Nan' Kinross (CBE) was a highly influential leader who fundamentally transformed nursing education in New Zealand. She had a strong educational background, including a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Science in Nursing from UC Berkeley and later a PhD from Massey. Before entering academia, she held key roles, such as supervising matron at Southland Hospital and Assistant Director of the Nursing Division in the Department of Health.
In 1974, Professor Emerita Kinross was instrumental in establishing the first university-level nursing courses in New Zealand. Moving the profession's training away from the hospital-based apprenticeship model, the courses introduced an academic, research-focused discipline, paving the way for advanced practice roles like the Nurse Practitioner. She was appointed Massey's inaugural Professor of Nursing in 1985. Upon her retirement in 1991, she co-founded the MASH Trust to provide community health and disability support services. Her lifetime of service was recognised with the honour of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1993. Professor Emerita Kinross passed away in 2021.
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Professor Emeritus Steve LaGrow
EdD, MS, BA
Professor of Rehabilitation, College of HealthProfessor Emeritus Steve LaGrow is a distinguished academic in rehabilitation at Massey, celebrated for his pioneering work in orientation and mobility for the blind. Originally from Michigan, United States, his association with New Zealand began in 1988 when he arrived to establish the country's first accredited mobility program for the Blind Foundation. He went on to spend 28 years in teaching and research at Massey, working in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and later the College of Health in Palmerston North. He held significant leadership positions, including Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Studies and Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Health.
Professor Emeritus LaGrow's international contributions are particularly notable, demonstrating his global commitment to improving services for the visually impaired. He was responsible for providing the first professional training programmes for mobility instructors in both Mongolia and Myanmar. In recognition of his significant, worldwide impact, he was honoured with the prestigious Suterko-Cory Award in 2017. He retired from the university in 2015, leaving a powerful legacy of leadership and educational advancement in rehabilitation.
Professor Emeritus Chin-Diew Lai
PhD, MSC, BSc
Professor of Statistics, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Chin-Diew Lai is renowned for his long and distinguished career in statistics at Massey, where he served as a professor in the Institute of Fundamental Sciences.
Professor Emeritus Lai's research is foundational to the field of Applied Statistics and Reliability Engineering. He is widely cited for his work on various types of univariate and multivariate distributions, including the development of the modified Weibull distribution and analysis of other lifetime distributions used for reliability analysis. His expertise extended to models for stochastic ageing and dependence, which are crucial in assessing system reliability. His work often involved interdisciplinary applications, including models for volcanic eruptions and associated risk perceptions. With over 200 publications, Professor Emeritus Lai has made significant, quantitative contributions to statistical theory and its application in engineering and geophysics. Following his retirement, he has remained actively engaged with colleagues at Massey.
Late Professor Emeritus Mohan Lal
CMA, FCA, MBS, BCom
Professor of Accountancy, Massey Business SchoolProfessor Emeritus Mohan Lal was a long-serving and respected New Zealand academic and was fundamental to the School of Accountancy at Massey. His association with the university began in 1972, where he dedicated his subsequent career to teaching, research and leadership. As a Professor in the School of Accountancy, he was instrumental in educating generations of accountants and business professionals.
Professor Emeritus Lal's academic focus lay within the discipline of Accountancy, where he contributed significantly to the school's research output and curriculum development during a period of substantial growth for both the university and the field of business studies in New Zealand. His commitment to Massey was deep and enduring, serving the university for 3 decades until his passing on 24 July 2002.
Professor Emeritus Roger Lentle
PhD, MB BS
Professor of Digestive Biomechanics, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Roger Lentle is an acclaimed scientist and physician, known for his pioneering work in digestive biomechanics. A graduate of medicine and biochemistry from University College London, he also holds a PhD from Massey, where he spent the core of his career as Professor of Digestive Biomechanics in the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health.
Professor Emeritus Lentle's groundbreaking research focuses on the physical processes of digestion. He is world-renowned for developing novel methods to evaluate the gut. Professor Lentle was the first to describe properties of digesta (the contents of the gastrointestinal tract). He and his team developed state-of-the-art spatiotemporal mapping techniques to precisely map the movements and contractions of organs like the stomach, intestine and bladder. This research has critical applications in understanding and diagnosing motility disorders and in developing new methods for fatigue and appetite control, including work on natural gums with hunger-suppressing properties. Beyond his academic work, he has a strong interest in conservation, particularly the study of wild deer.
Professor Emeritus Peter Lineham
MNZM, PhD, MA, BD, BA
Professor of History, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Peter Lineham is one of New Zealand's foremost historians, recognised for largely shaping the academic field of New Zealand religious history over his 40-year career at Massey. His research covers a wide array of subjects, from 18th and 19th-century British Protestant sects to contemporary spiritual trends and the history of Brethren, Anglicanism and Evangelicalism in New Zealand. He is a prolific and celebrated public author whose key works include 'Destiny: the Life and Times of a Self-made Apostle' (2013) and 'Sunday Best: How the church shaped New Zealand and New Zealand shaped the church' (2017).
Beyond his scholarly publications, Professor Lineham has played a critical public role as a frequent media commentator on religious matters, helping to explain complex spiritual and social issues to a wide audience. His distinguished service to religious history and the broader community was formally acknowledged when he was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the 2019 New Year Honours.
Late Professor Emeritus Andy Lock
FBPsS, CPsychol, PhD, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Andy Lock was a respected international scholar and a Professor in the School of Psychology at Massey.
Born in Cardiff, Wales, he forged an extensive academic career spanning 42 years. Professor Emeritus Lock served as Head of Department (for a period in the 1990s), established the online Postgraduate Diploma in Discursive Therapies and served on various university committees before retiring in 2016. He maintained a vibrant association with the university through continued research until his passing on 1 April 2022.
A distinguished international scholar, his research interests were diverse, encompassing the construction of language in social interaction, adult-infant communication and the evolutionary history of language. His significant contributions to scholarship included co-editing 'The Oxford Handbook of Human Symbolic Evolution' (2021) and authoring numerous books and articles.
Andy Lock’s scholarly contribution to Massey praised at book launch, 22 March 2024 (PDF, 158KB)
Professor Emeritus Nigel Long
FNZPsS, PhD, MSc
Professor of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Nigel Long is best known for his significant and long-standing leadership in the Vice-Chancellor's Office at Massey, spanning the 2000s. While his academic expertise grounds his title, his core contributions were made through senior executive roles.
Professor Long held the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research), overseeing Massey's academic policies, research strategy and overall scholarly output. Before becoming Assistant Vice-Chancellor, he was instrumental in driving the university's research performance and successfully securing major external funding, including the Marsden Fund Grants, across diverse academic disciplines. His prominent administrative role made him a central figure in Massey's governance. Professor Long managed and communicated the university's stance on critical ethical issues, notably taking a firm public stance against the fraudulent use of qualifications and upholding academic integrity.
Late Professor Emeritus Sir Ralph Ngatata Love
GNZM, PCNZM, JP, ACIS, ANZIM, PhD, BCA(Hons), BCom
Dean of Business Studies, Massey Business SchoolSir Ralph Ngatata Love was a prominent academic, businessman and Māori leader of Te Āti Awa descent, renowned for his significant career in education and public service. He earned a PhD from Victoria University of Wellington. Eventually, he held the title of Professor Emeritus at both Massey University and Victoria University of Wellington, specialising in Business Development and Māori business.
Professor Emeritus Sir Love dedicated much of his professional life to land and development issues, serving as Chairman of the Wellington Tenths Trust and leading the Muru Raupatu Waitangi Tribunal claims processes for his iwi. Furthermore, he was the Chief Executive of Te Puni Kōkiri (the Ministry of Māori Development) from 1995. His extensive public contributions were recognised with a knighthood, being appointed a Knight Grand Companion of The New Zealand Order of Merit (GNZM).
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Professor Emeritus Barrie Macdonald
PhD, BA(Hons)
Professor of History, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Barrie Macdonald was a highly influential historian and academic, renowned for his definitive scholarship on the decolonisation and modern history of the Pacific Islands. A long-serving member of Massey, who joined the staff in 1971, he went on to become a Professor of History. His career was marked by both academic excellence and significant administrative contributions, including serving as Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, where he was credited with substantially growing the college's research capacity.
Professor Macdonald is best known for his foundational work on the former British territories of the central Pacific. His acclaimed book, 'Cinderellas of the Empire: Towards a History of Kiribati and Tuvalu' (1982), established him as a leading authority on the political development, colonialism and identity formation of these island nations. He maintained an active association with the university as Professor Emeritus during his retirement.
Professor Emeritus Cluny Macpherson
DPhil, MA(Hons), BA
Professor of Sociology, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Cluny Macpherson is a highly respected sociologist renowned for his pioneering work in the Pacific region and among Pacific people in New Zealand. A Professor in the former School of Social and Cultural Studies at Massey, his research focused on the social and economic consequences of migration, globalisation and social transformation in the Pacific states, with a particular interest in Samoa.
Professor Emeritus Macpherson's scholarship is characterised by its empirical foundation and a strong commitment to social justice and exposing the consequences of social and economic inequality. He is widely recognised for helping to frame and develop a local and engaged Pasifika sociology, often in collaboration with his co-author and researcher, La'avasa Macpherson. He was an early and passionate advocate for situating work with, rather than on, Māori and Pacific communities and has been a tireless mentor and facilitator for emerging Pacific staff and students. His significant contributions to the social sciences were formally recognised with the Royal Society's Te Rangi Hiroa Medal in 2005.
Professor Emeritus Ian Maddox
PhD, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Industrial Microbiology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Ian Maddox is a highly experienced specialist in industrial microbiology and biotechnology, whose long academic career at Massey was affiliated with the School of Engineering and Advanced Technology. His research focused on applying microbiological principles to enhance industrial efficiency. Professor Maddox is widely cited for his seminal work in fermentation technology, particularly optimising processes for the production of key industrial chemicals, such as butanol, often through ABE (Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol) fermentation.
Professor Emeritus Maddox also contributed significantly to the field of Bioreactor Systems, studying the use of advanced reactors, such as biofilm reactors, for efficient industrial bioconversion and wastewater treatment. Furthermore, his expertise extended to the study of probiotics, specifically investigating lactic acid bacteria and their beneficial products. With a prolific publication record of over 125 works, Professor Maddox made lasting contributions to biochemical engineering and applied microbiology and continues to utilise his extensive knowledge as an independent consultant following his retirement from Massey.
Late Professor Emeritus Geoff Malcolm
FNZIC, PhD, MSc (Hons 1st Class)
Professor of Physical Chemistry, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Geoffrey Malcolm was a distinguished physical chemist and a foundational figure in the development of science at Massey. He earned his Master of Science with first-class honours from the University of Canterbury. He completed his doctoral studies at the University of Manchester in 1956. Malcolm was appointed as the first-ever professor of chemistry at Massey University in 1969, establishing chemistry as an independent discipline at the institution. He held the Personal Chair of Professor of Physical Chemistry. Professor Malcolm's leadership extended far beyond his research and teaching. He served with distinction as the Dean of Science at Massey for a decade from 1984, where he oversaw significant growth and development.
Following his retirement in 1995, he was justly conferred the title of Professor Emeritus. Professor Emeritus Malcolm was a respected leader in his professional community, having been elected a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry (NZIC) in 1966 and serving as the President in 1977.
Late Professor Emeritus Bryan William Manktelow
CNZM, MRCVSc, MACVS, PhD, DipMicrobiol, BVSc
Professor of Veterinary Pathology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Bryan (Bill) Manktelow was a distinguished figure in veterinary pathology and a pivotal academic leader at Massey for 28 years until his retirement in 1995.
After graduating from the University of Bristol and spending time in practice and research, he was appointed Professor of Veterinary Pathology and Head of the Department of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health at Massey in the late 1960s.
Professor Emeritus Manktelow was renowned for his profound intellectual capacity, which he used to mentor and enable his staff. Beyond the university, he significantly shaped the New Zealand veterinary profession, publishing over 60 scientific papers and editing the widely used 'New Zealand Veterinary Handbook'(1988). Professor Emeritus Manktelow most enduring professional contribution was his pivotal role in formulating the legislation that led to the Veterinarians Act. He also established the Veterinary Council of New Zealand, where he served as a disciplinary chairman. In recognition of his contributions to veterinary science and governance, he was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in 1996.
Professor Emeritus Martin Mathews
MPhil, EdD, MPhil, MSocSc, DipBusStud, BBus, DipEd
Professor of Accountancy, Massey Business SchoolProfessor Emeritus Martin 'Reg' Mathews had a long and influential career at Massey. As a distinguished academic within the Department of Accountancy and Business Law, he specialised in the evolving fields of social and environmental accounting. His pioneering research in the 1980s and beyond focused on corporate social responsibility and the broader societal impacts of accounting practices, advocating for what he termed "mega-accounting" models that extend beyond traditional financial reporting.
Professor Emeritus Mathews was a prolific scholar, contributing extensively to academic journals and books on topics ranging from the history of accounting, through to the methodologies of distance education, an area in which Massey has a strong heritage. Throughout his tenure, he played a crucial role in shaping the curriculum and mentoring future generations of accountants. His ongoing affiliation as Professor Emeritus reflects a career dedicated to expanding the boundaries of accounting theory and practice to encompass a wider stakeholder view of business accountability. He is recognised internationally for his significant contributions to the development of social and environmental accounting as a legitimate field of academic study.
Professor Emeritus Joe Mayhew
CNZM, MANZCVS, DECVN, DACVIM, DSc, PhD, BVSc
Professor of Equine Studies, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Ian 'Joe' Mayhew is a highly distinguished figure in veterinary medicine, renowned globally as an authority on equine neurology and large-animal medicine. He joined Massey's Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences in 2006 as a Professor of Equine Studies. His arrival was instrumental in enabling the Veterinary School to become a world leader, crucially securing compliance accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). He was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus in 2017.
Professor Emeritus Mayhew's distinguished career highlights include board memberships on various professional veterinary colleges in the United States, Europe and New Zealand. He also served as the President of the European College of Veterinary Neurology for 3 years. His commitment to the profession continued into retirement. Notably, in 2024, he was named a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for his extensive services to the veterinary profession, especially equine medicine. He has also applied his expertise to broader animal health issues, implementing a test in New Zealand for inherited deafness in certain dog breeds.
Professor Emeritus Robert McKibbin
MRSNZ, FNZMS, PhD, MSc
Professor of Applied Mathematics, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Robert McKibbin is an applied mathematician, renowned for successfully bridging advanced mathematical theory with real-world geophysical and industrial applications. After completing his PhD in geothermal modelling in 1982, he joined Massey in 1991. He went on to become a Professor of Applied Mathematics at the Ōtehā campus. During his tenure, he notably led both the Centres for Mathematical Modelling and Mathematics in Industry.
Professor Emeritus McKibbin's primary expertise lies in developing mathematical models for complex physical phenomena. This includes significant early work in geothermal dynamics, focusing on the fluid dynamics and modelling of hydrothermal eruptions. He also specialised in transport modelling, skillfully utilising advection-diffusion equations to accurately predict the distribution of environmental phenomena such as volcanic ash, pollen and industrial spray drift. An effective advocate for industrial mathematics, Professor McKibbin was instrumental in extending the field's reach into Southeast Asia. His outstanding service to applied mathematics in the region was formally recognised with the prestigious ANZIAM Medal in 2012.
Late Professor Emeritus Michael McManus
DPhil, MA, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Plant Physiology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Michael McManus was a highly distinguished academic at Massey, primarily known for his work in plant biology and molecular biosciences.
Professor Emeritus McManus was a member of the Institute of Molecular BioSciences at Massey, where his research in later years focused on gaining a deep understanding of key metabolic pathways in plants, including studies on beneficial fungi and gene regulation in species like petunia and white clover. He was highly regarded as an inspirational teacher and supervisor to his students, who was a significant mentor to his colleagues. His outstanding contributions to his field and the broader New Zealand scientific community were formally recognised in 2011 when he was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus. Additionally, the New Zealand Society of Plant Biologists (NZSPB) conferred its Life Member Award on him. NZSPB established the Michael McManus Award for Best Student Paper in his honour following his death in 2015.
Professor Emeritus Anton Meister
PhD, MAgrSc, BAgrSc
Professor of Economics, Massey Business SchoolProfessor Emeritus Anton Meister is a highly influential academic, recognised for his expertise in resource and environmental economics. He was affiliated with the School of Economics and Finance at Massey, where he held the title of Professor of Natural Resource and Environmental Economics.
Professor Emeritus Meister's research career focused on developing economic concepts and policies for the management of natural resources, often addressing complex real-world issues. A significant area of his work is fishery management, for which he analysed the New Zealand experience, drawing lessons from the 'fishery problem' faced globally. His research also covered a wide range of topics in agricultural economics, particularly the economics of compliance with mandatory environmental standards and its implications for agricultural trade and competitiveness. Furthermore, he contributed to the economic valuation of environmental quality effects and recreational resources, such as Lake Tutira, utilising methodologies like the travel cost approach. His work also involved economic analysis of alternative fuels and the modelling of land and water resource use.
Professor Emeritus David Mellor
ONZM, PhD, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Animal Welfare Science, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus David Mellor is a world-renowned animal welfare scientist and bioethicist. Trained in animal fetal physiology, Professor Mellor made a pivotal assertion that animals do, in fact, have feelings. This became the foundation for his most significant global contribution: the Five Domains Model of animal welfare. This revolutionary framework systematically assesses animal welfare by evaluating 4 functional domains (nutrition, environment, health and behaviour) to holistically inform the fifth and most crucial domain: the animal's mental state (feelings).
As the Foundation Director of Massey's Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, Professor Emeritus Mellor's work has transformed how animal welfare is assessed and managed globally, shifting the focus to ensuring positive animal experiences. His innovative contributions have been adopted by governments, veterinary bodies and international organisations worldwide, earning him an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) and numerous international awards.
Professor Emeritus Ken Milne
CNZM, AHRIH, FNZSHS, PhD, MAgrSc, BAgrSc
Professor of Plant Health, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Kenneth Milne is a distinguished academic renowned for his decades-long contributions to dairy science, animal health and veterinary epidemiology. An alumnus who earned his PhD from the University of California, he was appointed Professor of Animal Health at Massey in 1986. His most significant achievement was founding the globally recognised EpiCentre, a leading research and training facility for biosecurity and food safety.
Professor Emeritus Milne's expertise has an international reach. He advised governments, including the British government, during major outbreaks such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease and secured a World Bank/EU contract for Massey to develop a One Health master's degree in South Asia. Dedicated to academic excellence, he served as the university's inaugural Dean of the School of Graduate Research. For his extensive service to veterinary science and international health, he was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in 2003, leaving a legacy of over 200 scientific publications.
Professor Emerita Sally Morgan
KASKA, MA (Distinction), BA(Hons)
Professor of Fine Arts, College of Creative ArtsDistinguished Professor Emeritus Sally Morgan is recognised as one of New Zealand's foremost university-based arts researchers, whose expertise in contextual, public and live art practices has garnered both national and international acclaim. Her academic leadership at Massey included being appointed Professor of Fine Arts in 2001 and serving as the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Creative Arts from 2004 to 2012. In 2016, she achieved the university's highest honour for research excellence, the Massey University Research Medal. She was also appointed Distinguished Professor that same year.
Professor Morgan's influence extends through a vast body of work, encompassing numerous creative projects and extensive publishing. Her scholarly work is internationally significant. Notably, an article on the film Braveheart was reproduced in a prominent collection alongside renowned critical thinkers such as Theodor Adorno and Stuart Hall. She has exhibited her work globally, with her art featured in major international festivals and displayed across the UK, USA, Europe, Brazil, Japan and New Zealand. Her continued impact on socially engaged art and her significant service to the creative arts community solidify her legacy.
Professor Emeritus Roger Morris
FRSNZ, FAmerCE, FACVSc, PhD, MVSc, BVSc
Professor of Epidemiology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Roger Morris is one of the world's preeminent veterinary epidemiologists, renowned for his contributions to global disease control and biosecurity policy. Trained at the University of Sydney and the University of Reading, Professor Morris held senior roles in both Australia and the United States, including Head of Population Medicine at the University of Minnesota, before joining Massey in 1986.
Professor Emeritus Morris was appointed the Gilruth Professor of Animal Health at Massey. He founded the influential EpiCentre, a research and training hub that achieved global recognition for its work in epidemiology, food safety and biosecurity. Professor Morris was instrumental in developing strategies that successfully reduced bovine tuberculosis in New Zealand. He was a key advisor to international bodies such as the World Bank and World Health Organisation (WHO), who also advised the British Government during major outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth and Mad Cow diseases. His expertise in developing sophisticated information systems for health surveillance culminated in Massey winning a multi-million-dollar World Bank contract for a One Health programme in Asia. For his extensive and distinguished service to veterinary science, he was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in 2003.
Professor Emeritus Steve Morris
CNZOM, PhD, BVSc(Hons)
Professor of Animal Science, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Stephen Morris is an internationally renowned scientist and a global authority in pastoral cattle and sheep production, dedicating 45 years to scholarship and service at Massey's School of Agriculture and Environment. His research has had a lasting legacy on New Zealand's primary industries, focusing on effective communication of scientific findings to farmers to drive direct practice change. During his extensive career, Professor Emeritus Morris became widely respected as an industry researcher, trainer and international speaker, contributing his professional expertise to livestock enterprises across South America, Europe, Asia and Oceania.
The conferral of the Professor Emeritus title in 2025 honours his outstanding scholarly contributions in animal science, his extensive industry engagement and his deep commitment to postgraduate supervision and academic service, including 14 years on the university's Animal Ethics Committee.
Professor Emerita Robyn Munford
ONZM, PhD, MSW, BSW(Hons)
Professor of Social Work, College of Humanities and Social SciencesWith more than 30 years of outstanding contributions to the field of social work, Professor Emerita Robyn Munford is a distinguished figure in that discipline. Recognised for her significant impact, she was honoured with the Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002.
Over the past 3 decades, her focus has centred on collaborating with practitioners in various social service agencies and community settings. Her work provides valuable learning opportunities, empowering practitioners to cultivate innovative approaches to working with individuals, families and communities. With an extensive scholarly footprint, Professor Munford's work has garnered approximately 3500 citations.
Professor Munford is not only a leader in academia, but she is also held in deep respect by her colleagues, who regard her as a mentor. Her impact extends beyond research and teaching as she is recognised as an inspiring educator, shaping the minds of future social work professionals.
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Professor Emeritus Vince Neall
MNZM, CRSNZ, FN, PhD, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Earth Sciences, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Vincent 'Vince' Neall is an Earth Scientist and Volcanologist who served on Massey's faculty for 4 decades, starting in 1973. He is one of the country's leading experts on its volcanoes and their hazards, particularly those in the central North Island, such as Mount Taranaki and the Tongariro volcanic plateau.
Professor Emeritus Neall's primary research uses tephrochronology – the science of dating using volcanic ash layers (tephra) – to precisely reconstruct the geological and eruptive history of these regions. His work has been essential for improving volcanic hazard assessment and risk communication in New Zealand. He has published extensively on volcanic mass flows, including lahars and pyroclastic flows, providing foundational knowledge vital for land-use planning and emergency management.
For his long and crucial service to earth science, Professor Neall was appointed a Companion of the Royal Society Te Apārangi in 2009. Further national recognition came in 2013 when he was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM).
Professor Emeritus Tom Nicholson
PhD, MA, BA, CertTchg
Professor of Literacy Education, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Thomas 'Tom' Nicholson is a highly respected academic and a leading international expert in literacy education and developmental psychology. He was based at Massey's Institute of Education, after holding prior posts at the University of Waikato and University of Auckland. Holding a PhD from the University of Minnesota, Professor Nicholson is renowned for his influential 1991 study, which famously debunked the popular theory of context clues – definitively demonstrating that proficient reading relies primarily on efficient word decoding.
A dedicated and prominent advocate for evidence-based literacy instruction. He is a leading voice on the importance of phonics, phonemic awareness and addressing learning difficulties. His expertise in this area led him to co-author the 'New Zealand Dyslexia Handbook' (2015). For his lifetime of groundbreaking contributions, he was inducted into the International Reading Association's Reading Hall of Fame in 2009. Throughout his career, he authored over 20 books. He directed a decade-long after-school programme helping hundreds of children overcome significant reading and spelling challenges. His impactful research continues to shape pedagogical practices for literacy acquisition globally.
Professor Emeritus Al Nielson
FNZIC, PhD, MSc
Professor of Chemistry, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Al Nielson began his journey with Massey 26 years ago, dedicating himself to lab work to produce significant publications in the field of chemistry and to mentoring his students. He is known for running additional tutorial sessions for chemistry students outside his regular hours to help progress their knowledge.
Professor Emeritus Nielson has an international profile. He was invited to numerous conferences in New Zealand and overseas to speak and present his research. He has undertaken 2 sabbatical periods at the Chemistry Department of Oxford University. His dedication to teaching has been recognised through multiple teaching awards. He was made a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry in 1987. In 2005, he was invited by the Royal Society of Chemistry in the United Kingdom to become a Fellow, a considerably rare honour for a non-UK chemistry researcher. Throughout his career, he has produced over 106 research papers.
In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Professor Nielson has been active in Massey administration. He has served on many committees. Chairing the Auckland campus Health and Safety Committee for over 2 decades, where he introduced many innovative health and safety systems. He has continued his association with the university through further research endeavours and running tutorials for chemistry students at the Auckland campus.
Professor Emerita Anne Noble
ONZM, Laureate, MFA, BFA
Professor of Fine Arts (Photography), College of Creative ArtsDistinguished Professor Emerita Anne Noble is celebrated both nationally and internationally as one of New Zealand's foremost contemporary photographers and a leading contributor to photographic scholarship. Her distinguished career and artistic output have made a significant, lasting impact on the field of visual arts, particularly at Massey. Professor Emerita Noble's scholarly record is extensive and critically acclaimed, encompassing 5 sole-authored books, 2 major photographic monographs and 2 co-authored books.
Beyond her publications, Professor Noble's artistic work has been featured in over 30 solo exhibitions and countless group shows, cementing her status in the global art scene. Her photographs have been displayed at prestigious venues worldwide, including major institutions such as the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, the National Gallery of Australia, the UN Headquarters in New York and the renowned Musée du Quai Branly in Paris.
Professor Emeritus Tony Norris
FRSC, FIMA, DIC, PhD, MSc, CChem, CMath, CSc
Professor of Computer Science, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Anthony 'Tony' Norris is a distinguished academic renowned for his expertise in computer science and health informatics. His long career at Massey was primarily focused on the Auckland campus, where he played a key role in teaching and developing the information technology curriculum, notably in designing the crucial first-year foundation course for the IT major.
Professor Emeritus Norris is best known for his influential research at the intersection of technology and healthcare. His work frequently utilised action research methodology to concentrate on solving real-world implementation challenges within complex health systems. A major theme of his scholarship was the development of programs to improve health data quality and the study of the factors, such as leadership and organisational change, that affect the sustainability of health information technology projects. He has contributed significantly to the academic literature in the field, publishing his findings in journals focusing on health technology and informatics.
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Late Professor Emeritus Bill Oliver
CBE, DLitt, DPhil, MA
Professor of History, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Bill Oliver was a well-known figure in New Zealand's intellectual and historical landscape. He began his academic journey at Victoria University of Wellington before earning his PhD from the University of Oxford. A historian and a poet, Professor Emeritus Oliver blended scholarly rigour with literary grace, publishing several highly regarded collections of poetry alongside his influential historical works.
Professor Oliver's key academic contribution began in 1965 when he became the inaugural Professor of History at Massey, where he shaped the discipline for 2 decades and later earned the title of Professor Emeritus upon his retirement in 1983. Professor Oliver then undertook his most significant national project: serving as the General Editor of the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography from 1983 to 1990. This monumental role was a testament to his expertise. His major publications include 'The Story of New Zealand' (1960) and 'The Oxford History of New Zealand' (1981). For his comprehensive contributions to historical research, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1990.
Late Professor Emeritus Roger Openshaw
DPhil, MA, DipTchg, BA
Professor of Education, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Roger Openshaw was a highly respected academic and historian of education. His career began in 1976 and is marked by a substantial body of work that critically examines the historical development and political forces shaping the education system in New Zealand.
Openshaw's research focuses on the intersection of policy, politics and pedagogy. A central theme in his scholarship is the tension between pursuing academic excellence and achieving the goal of social equity in education. He conducted detailed historical studies of major reforms, including the shift to the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) and the structural changes initiated by the Picot Report. Furthermore, he is known for his work on how educational institutions and curricula address cultural issues, including the historical representation of Māori in the education system and the promotion of Māori Science. As a prominent voice in education debates, Professor Openshaw used his deep knowledge of educational history to critically analyse contemporary issues and contribute to public discourse, often in collaboration with other academics.
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Professor Emeritus Tony Parker
ONZM, MDINZ, MCSD, MDes RCA, DipID
Professor of Industrial Design, College of Creative ArtsProfessor Emeritus Tony Parker is a highly accomplished figure in industrial design from Massey's College of Creative Arts.
Professor Emeritus Parker's expertise centres on aesthetically driven affective product design, focusing on creating products that excel in desirability, usability, experience and brand expression to maximise user satisfaction. His work bridges the gap between functional engineering and emotional connection. A hallmark of his career is industry collaboration, particularly his enduring, commercially successful design partnership with Gallagher Industries. For this leading New Zealand manufacturer, Professor Parker designed award-winning electric fence systems and other security and animal management products, demonstrating the real-world impact of industrial design. He also garnered recognition for his innovative, research-led contribution to automotive design with the experimental Hulme Supercar.
At Massey, he held leadership roles as Professor of Industrial Design and later as Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor and Director of Research for the College of Creative Arts. His significant contributions to the field were formally recognised in 2022 when he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to industrial design.
Professor Emeritus Tim Parkinson
RCVS, FRCVS, PhD, MEd, DipECAR, DBR, BVSc
Professor of Farm Animal Reproduction and Health, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Tim Parkinson is a highly distinguished veterinary scientist and academic leader known for his extensive career at Massey. He specialised in veterinary reproduction and clinical studies, establishing himself as a global expert in bovine and ovine fertility. A long-serving faculty member in the Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Professor Parkinson's research was characterised by its direct relevance to the farming industry, focusing on developing practical, effective solutions for reproductive problems in commercial cattle and sheep. He was a co-founder of Massey's respected Reproduction Unit, which remains a vital service provider to New Zealand's veterinary and farming communities.
Beyond research, Professor Emeritus Parkinson held significant administrative positions, including serving as the Head of the Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences. He is highly regarded as a dedicated educator and mentor who guided numerous postgraduate students to success. His appointment as Professor Emeritus recognises his exceptional service and lasting impact on the veterinary profession and agricultural science.
Professor Emeritus David Parry
CNZM, FNZIC, FNZIP, FRSNZ, DSc, PhD, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Biophysics, College of SciencesMassey's Distinguished Professor Emeritus David Parry is a world-renowned structural biophysicist and academic leader. His long career was dedicated to research at the boundary of physics and biology, specifically investigating the ultrastructure of fibrous proteins (scleroproteins) that form the structural bulk of the human body.
Professor Emeritus Parry's seminal work utilised advanced techniques in X-ray diffraction and modelling to precisely reveal the molecular structure of key components, such as collagen, keratin and muscle proteins. His findings have had a broad, transformative impact, informing everything from surgical procedures and medical science to applications in the wool and meat industries. His prominence is highlighted by his major international leadership roles, including serving as President of the International Union for Pure and Applied Biophysics and Vice-President of the International Council for Science. For his exceptional contributions, Professor Parry received New Zealand's highest academic honours, including the Rutherford Medal in 2008 and appointment as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in 2007.
Professor Emeritus Tony Paterson
PhD
Professor of Food and Bioprocess Engineering, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Anthony 'Tony' Paterson is a distinguished figure in bioprocess engineering, known for his long and impactful career in engineering and advanced technology. His research has been central to the unit operations and fundamental processes within the food and dairy industries.
Professor Emeritus Paterson's specific expertise is in key industrial areas – lactose crystallisation, accurate modelling of cheese salting and the spray drying of complex food ingredients such as fruit juices. His work has been essential for improving the efficiency and quality of New Zealand's vital dairy processing and food manufacturing sectors. Even in semi-retirement, he is actively involved in research projects and has mentored numerous postgraduate students. As an Honorary Research Fellow, Professor Parry maintains a strong connection to his research area, contributing a wealth of practical and theoretical knowledge to chemical and bioengineering challenges in the primary industries.
Professor Emeritus Murray Patterson
MZNPI, PhD, MSc, DipTchg, BSc
Professor of Ecological Economics, College of Humanities and Social SciencesMassey's Professor Emeritus Murray Patterson is a highly respected scholar and a recognised pioneer in ecological economics. He served as the Founding Director of the New Zealand Centre for Ecological Economics from 2003 to 2011. His career was dedicated to interdisciplinary research, successfully bridging economic theory with environmental sustainability and crucial public policy development.
A major focus of his influential work was the creation of robust environmental accounting and valuation methods. He is internationally recognised for developing frameworks to quantify natural capital and accurately assess the total economic value of New Zealand's key ecosystems, including estuaries and land-based biodiversity. Professor Patterson is known for his critical analysis of traditional economic measures, advocating powerfully for alternatives such as the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) over Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to better reflect national wellbeing. His research has directly influenced policy on energy analysis, sustainability indicators and natural resource co-management, especially with iwi, ensuring economic decisions account for long-term ecological and cultural health.
Late Distinguished Professor Emeritus Edward (David) Penny
CNZM, FRSNZ, ISSB, SMBE, NZAS, PhD, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Theoretical Biology, College of SciencesDistinguished Professor Emeritus Edward (David) Penny was a highly influential theoretical and evolutionary biologist who had a long career at Massey. He was named a Distinguished Professor in 2005 and Professor Emeritus upon his retirement in 2017.
Professor Emeritus Penny’s globally recognised research focused on developing mathematical and computational methods to analyse DNA and construct phylogenetic trees, significantly advancing the field of molecular evolution. His methods were applied to resolve significant controversies, including challenging origin-of-life theories and contributing to the understanding of the human settlement of New Zealand. His outstanding contributions were recognised with numerous honours, including the Marsden Medal (2000) and the Rutherford Medal (2004). He was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in 2006. In 2018, Professor Penny was elected a Foreign Associate of the US National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest scientific honours. He also actively engaged in science policy, serving as President of the New Zealand Association of Scientists.
Professor Emeritus Hector Perera
PhD, BCom(Hons)
Professor of Accountancy, Massey Business SchoolProfessor Emeritus Hector Perera is a globally recognised authority in international accounting, distinguished for his extensive academic career primarily spent at Massey. A graduate of the University of Ceylon, he earned his PhD from the University of Sydney, establishing a research focus on the impact of culture, globalisation and institutional contexts on accounting practices worldwide.
Professor Emeritus Perera joined the faculty at Massey in 1986, where he became a Professor of Accounting and supervised numerous doctoral and master's students. His scholarly output, comprising 3 books and over 25 articles in prestigious academic journals, positioned him among the most frequently published authors in international accounting research globally during the 1980s and 1990s. Professor Emeritus Perera's work has covered diverse areas, including the move to accrual-based public sector accounting in New Zealand and cross-country comparisons of governance mechanisms. He has also served on several editorial boards and was a key member of the Performance-Based Research Fund (PBRF) assessment panel for business and economics in New Zealand.
Professor Emeritus Bill Pomroy
PhD, PGDipVCS, BVSc(Hons)
Professor of Veterinary Parasitology, College of SciencesProfessor William Pomroy is a renowned figure in veterinary parasitology, distinguished by his long and impactful career at Massey's School of Veterinary Science. After graduating with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons) from the University of Sydney in 1976 and gaining early experience in mixed practice, he joined Massey as a lecturer, remaining dedicated to the university until his retirement.
Professor Emeritus Pomroy's core expertise lies in achieving sustainable parasite control in production animals. His critical research addressed the growing issue of anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes found in ruminants, including sheep, cattle and red deer. Beyond nematodes, he has been a leading figure in the study of apicomplexan protozoa. Recently, he has been investigating the significant impact of the emerging blood parasite Theileria orientalis on New Zealand cattle. Throughout his career, Professor Pomroy secured substantial research funding, contributed to the development of new anthelmintic products and published widely. His influential work has been vital to improving animal health, ensuring sustainable farming practices across New Zealand and earning him the title of Professor Emeritus, along with multiple awards.
Late Professor Emeritus Thomas Prebble
MNZM, FNZEAS, PhD, MA, DipTchg
Professor of Education Administration, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Thomas Prebble was a highly influential educationalist and university administrator, renowned for his pivotal role in championing distance education. A graduate of the University of Alberta with a PhD in education administration, he began his career at Massey in 1975, helping launch the country's first postgraduate programmes in educational administration.
Professor Emeritus Prebble's most significant contribution was his work with Massey's extramural studies programme. He was appointed Director in 1986 and later became the university's inaugural Principal of Extramural and International Students in 1999, overseeing the education of approximately 40,000 distance students annually and managing the university's international outreach. His academic focus remained on higher education, particularly research into student retention and the impact of institutional practices on learner outcomes. Upon his retirement in 2004, he was named Professor Emeritus. For his extensive dedication and service to tertiary education, he was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the 2019 New Year Honours. He passed away in 2021.
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Late Professor Emeritus Alexander Lindsay Rae
OBE, CNZM, FNZIAS, FAAABG, FRSNZ, PhD, MAgrSc (Hons 1st Class), BAgrSc
Professor of Sheep Husbandry, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Alexander 'Al' Rae was a transformative figure in New Zealand agricultural science, widely regarded as a founding father of modern animal breeding and genetics in the country. After completing his studies at Massey University and earning his PhD from Iowa State University under Professor Jay Lush, he was appointed to Massey's foundation Chair in Sheep Husbandry in 1951 at the remarkably young age of 27.
For nearly 4 decades, Professor Emeritus Rae led his field, distinguishing himself by integrating complex quantitative genetic theory with practical, national-level farming applications. He was instrumental in designing New Zealand's national sheep and dairy breeding programmes. Professor Rae developed the technical basis for schemes like Sheeplan, thereby revolutionising the genetic merit and productivity of the nation's livestock industries. A revered mentor and teacher, he trained numerous students who went on to become leaders across the globe. Professor Emeritus Rae's legacy is permanently honoured at Massey through the AL Rae Centre for Genetics and Breeding. His service to science was recognised with many honours, including the Sir Ernest Marsden Medal and the titles of OBE and Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Professor Emeritus Allan Rae
HonDSc, PhD, MHortSc
Professor of Agri-Economics, Massey Business SchoolProfessor Emeritus Allan Rae is a highly respected economist, distinguished for his career in agricultural economics, policy and international trade at Massey. Throughout his tenure at the university, where he also directed the Centre for Applied Economics and Policy Studies, his research was focused on applying sophisticated quantitative models to complex, real-world policy issues.
Professor Emeritus Rae became a leading international expert on the global and domestic consequences of international agricultural trade reform. His key work involved utilising the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model to analyse how the removal of tariffs and subsidies affects production, trade and the environment worldwide. He is particularly known for his influential analysis of the radical deregulation of New Zealand's agricultural sector in the late 1980s, providing critical insights into how markets and farmers adjust to the abrupt removal of government assistance. Beyond academia, Professor Rae consulted for major international organisations, including the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the World Bank. His exemplary service was recognised with the New Zealand Science and Technology Medal from the Royal Society Te Apārangi in 2001.
Professor Emeritus Velmurugu (Ravi) Ravindran
PhD, MSc, BAgrSc(Hons)
Professor of Poultry Science, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Velmurugu (Ravi) Ravindran retired in 2021, marking the end of a highly distinguished 38-year career. He spent 23 years at Massey, where he became a world leader in poultry nutrition. He joined the university in 1998 as the Director of the Poultry Research Centre. He was subsequently promoted to Professor of Poultry Science in 2004. His leadership was instrumental in building Massey’s reputation – establishing a poultry nutritional team whose expertise is now sought after both nationally and internationally.
Professor Emeritus Ravindran is recognised for his prolific scholarly output, with over 500 scientific works. This impressive body of work comprises 280 peer-reviewed journal articles, 5 books and more than 30 book chapters, cementing his global influence in animal science. Professor Ravindran's specialised scientific expertise has led to numerous research grants and frequent invitations to consult for industry, government and international agencies worldwide. His standing in the field is underscored by his service on the editorial boards of several major international journals, including Poultry Science and British Journal of Nutrition.
Late Professor Emeritus Ted Richards
FNZIC, FNZIFST, PhD, MSc
Professor of Food Technology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus EL 'Ted' Richards was a pioneering and influential figure at Massey, instrumental in shaping the landscape of food technology education and research in New Zealand and internationally. A chemical engineer by training, he established a department dedicated to research relevant to the burgeoning New Zealand food industry, particularly focusing on meat-by-product processing, refrigeration and fermentation technology. His pragmatic approach led to the formation of successful commercial ventures, including New Zealand Pharmaceuticals.
Beyond the university, Professor Emeritus Richards was known for his extensive international collaborations, notably assisting in the development of food and biotechnology programmes at universities in Thailand. In recognition of his impact and service, he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2003. Professor Richards received an honorary doctorate from Khon Kaen University and is celebrated as one of the key forerunners who laid the groundwork for New Zealand's robust food technology sector.
Professor Emeritus Mick Roberts
FRSNZ, FNZMS, FIMA, CMath, PhD, MSc, BSc
Professor of Mathematical Biology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Mick Roberts is a highly distinguished mathematical biologist and an international authority in mathematical epidemiology and infectious disease modelling. He was conferred the Emeritus title upon his retirement from Massey in 2021, where he had been a Professor of Mathematical Biology.
Professor Emeritus Roberts' primary expertise is using complex coupled differential equations and advanced mathematical analysis to understand disease dynamics and develop optimal strategies for controlling infectious diseases. His influential research has focused extensively on the epidemiology of zoonotic and emerging diseases, including detailed modelling of the spread of illnesses such as SARS, swine flu (H1N1) and measles. Earlier in his career, Professor Roberts also specialised in parasitology, leading programmes that modelled parasite transmission on pasture.
Professor Emeritus Roberts' work consistently delivers significant public health and policy impact, leading to his involvement with international organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Commission.
Professor Emeritus Ross Robinson
PhD, MA
Professor of Philosophy, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Ross Robinson was a foundational and highly respected academic at Massey, who established the discipline of philosophy at the institution.
Professor Emeritus Robinson was appointed on 13 October 1967 as Massey's Foundation Chair and Professor of Philosophy in what is now the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. He was instrumental in establishing the philosophy programme from its inception, defining the curriculum and establishing the intellectual standards for the discipline within the university. His work ensured that philosophy became a vital component of the humanities curriculum, influencing generations of students to critically examine ethics, logic and metaphysical issues.
He dedicated 20 years of service to the university as a Dean, leader and teacher before his retirement in 1987, when he was formally conferred the title of Emeritus Professor.
Professor Emeritus Mike Roche
DLitt, PhD, MA
Professor of Geography, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Michael Roche is a distinguished historical geographer who was based at Massey's School of People, Environment and Planning for many years, where he also served as Head of School. He received the title Emeritus upon his retirement in 2022. He is renowned for his extensive and influential work on New Zealand's human and environmental history, particularly focusing on how the geography of the past shapes the present and future landscape. A major thread of his research is the critical analysis of the country's farming and forestry sectors, including the history of land use, agricultural restructuring and forestry policy, a contribution best exemplified by his seminal work, 'A History of New Zealand Forestry' (1990). His expertise extended to practical geographic governance, demonstrated by his service as a member of the New Zealand Geographic Board Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa, the national body responsible for place naming.
Professor Roche's academic excellence is underscored by several key recognitions, including being conferred the rare Doctor of Literature (DLitt) by Massey in 2017, a degree that acknowledges the totality of his published work. He is also a Life Fellow of the New Zealand Geographical Society and a former editor of the New Zealand Geographer. He served as the National Delegate to the International Geographical Union, reflecting his high standing and leadership within the field.
Professor Emerita Kathryn Rountree
DPhil, MA
Professor of Anthropology, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emerita Kathryn Rountree is a highly respected anthropologist whose career at Massey has significantly advanced the study of contemporary spirituality, ritual and gender. Specialising in the anthropology of religion and ritual, her ethnographic research has focused extensively on contemporary Paganism, witchcraft and feminist spirituality in both New Zealand and the Mediterranean, particularly Malta.
Her influential books, such as 'Embracing the Witch and the Goddess: Feminist Ritual-makers in New Zealand' (2003) and 'Crafting Contemporary Pagan Identities in a Catholic Society' (2010), explore how individuals negotiate new spiritual identities within traditional cultural landscapes. Professor Rountree's work also delves into the anthropology of embodiment, pilgrimage and the contestation of sacred sites, often intersecting with archaeology. Now a Professor Emerita and Research Fellow, she continues to contribute to the academic community through publishing, peer review and mentoring postgraduate students.
Professor Emerita Sylvia Rumball
CNZM, ONZM, FNZIC, PhD, MSc
Professor of Chemistry, College of SciencesProfessor Emerita Sylvia Rumball is a distinguished scientist and public servant renowned for her influential career blending structural chemistry with bioethics. Professor Rumball earned her PhD in chemistry from the University of Auckland, followed by a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Oxford under Nobel Laureate Dorothy Hodgkin, where she specialised in X-ray crystallography. Joining Massey in 1967, she went on to become a Professor.
Professor Emerita Rumball's early scientific research focused on determining the 3-dimensional crystal structures of proteins, including pioneering work on lactoferrin. In the latter half of her career, Professor Rumball became a national and international leader in research ethics. She notably chaired the Massey University Human Ethics Committee. She also served as the chair of the National Ethics Committee on Assisted Human Reproduction (ACART). ACART's policy work was highly influential, significantly shaping New Zealand's Human Assisted Reproductive Technology Act. Professor Rumball's extensive contributions were recognised by the Crown with her appointment as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in 2008.
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Professor Emeritus Barry Scott
FRSNZ, PhD, BSc
Professor of Molecular Genetics, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Barry Scott is an internationally renowned scientist celebrated for his foundational research into the understanding of plant-microbe symbiosis. His distinguished academic career at Massey saw him become one of the institution's most highly regarded researchers, leaving a significant legacy in molecular biosciences and the Massey University Centre for Genomics. His scholarship is extensive, including 125 primary research papers, 30 of which have been cited over 100 times.
Professor Emeritus Scott's exceptional research has been recognised globally, including receiving the Marsden Medal (2010), being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi (2010) and earning a Humboldt Research Award (2014). He also received the inaugural Massey University Research Medal for Exceptional Citizenship.
Beyond his research, Professor Scott was a significant leader, serving as the Head of the Institute and founding a Professorial Forum. He is highly respected for his generous mentorship of colleagues across all career stages and his instrumental role in raising the university's research standards and grant success rates. Although retired, Professor Scott remains actively engaged with Massey in a valued teaching and research capacity.
Late Professor Emeritus James Kelvin Scott
CBE, FNZIM, FIFST, MIChemE, BE(Hons)
Professor of Industrial Technology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus James Kelvin Scott was an influential engineer and academic, renowned as a foundational figure in Food Technology and administrator at Massey.
Trained as an engineer, Professor Emeritus Scott joined Massey Agricultural College in 1946 and quickly pioneered the application of engineering and scientific principles to food processing, particularly within the dairy industry. He established the first food technology programme in New Zealand during the 1950s, building it into a department of international repute.
Beyond his research on improving dairy manufacturing efficiency, Professor Scott played a vital role in Massey's institutional transition. He served as Assistant Principal (later Assistant Vice-Chancellor) from 1964 to 1978, guiding the university's physical and academic development during its crucial transformation from an agricultural college into a university. For his services to education and the dairy industry, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1979.
Professor Emeritus Andy Shilton
MIPENZ, FENZ, PhD, MTech(Hons), BE
Professor of Environmental Engineering, College of SciencesUpon joining Massey 30 years ago, Professor Emeritus Shilton was instrumental in the design and establishment of the country’s first environmental engineering degree. He has taught in several qualifications across the College of Sciences, sharing his expertise in waste minimisation and treatment. An internationally recognised expert in environmental engineering, Professor Shilton has established several successful research platforms, including natural wastewater treatment systems, resource recovery from waste and treatment of fluids using ultraviolet light. He has received multiple grants for his research, including from the Marsden Fund and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)’s Smart Ideas fund.
Professor Emeritus Shilton is not only known for his strong history of innovation and impact but also as an entrepreneur. He founded the company Novolabs, which developed a Supercritical UV™ treatment device that has been granted patents in 29 countries. He is also a Fellow of Engineering New Zealand for his contribution to advancing engineering knowledge in various wastewater treatment processes. Professor Shilton has a strong publication record and a history of leading international experts for special issues in journals. He also produced the definitive textbook on pond treatment technology. Following his retirement, Professor Shilton intends to continue providing advice and mentorship to Massey staff on writing external funding applications and supporting emerging Massey entrepreneurs.
Late Professor Emeritus George Shouksmith
FBPsS, FNZPsS, PhD, CPsychol, MA
Professor of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor George Shouksmith was a foundational figure in New Zealand psychology, best known for his 30-year tenure at Massey. Educated at Edinburgh University and holding a PhD from Belfast, he was appointed the Foundation Professor of Psychology at Massey at a relatively young age. He played a crucial role in developing the department, pioneering the establishment of professional psychology training clinics across Massey's campuses, which became the nation's largest source of clinical psychology graduates.
His academic excellence was reflected in the publication of 9 books and over 150 papers on social sciences and applied psychology. Beyond the university, Professor Shouksmith maintained a distinctive role in aviation psychology, consulting with major airlines, including Air New Zealand and the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority and teaching in Massey's School of Aviation. He served as the Dean of Social Sciences from 1989 until his retirement in 1997, when he was conferred the title of Professor Emeritus. He is remembered by colleagues as a warm, humorous and exceptionally productive academic.
Late Professor Emeritus Tony Signal
MNZIP, PhD, BSc
Professor of Physics, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Tony Signal was a distinguished theoretical physicist renowned for significant contributions to the fields of nuclear and particle physics. His work emphasised deep inelastic scattering and Quantum Chromo Dynamics, earning him high esteem among his peers.
Professor Emeritus Signal's long connection with Massey began when he completed his first-class honours degree in 1985. After successful doctoral and postdoctoral studies overseas, he returned to Massey, where he served for over 3 decades, progressing from lecturer in 1990 to Professor. His commitment and expertise were recognised when he was made a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Physics in 2004 and received the New Zealand Science and Technology Bronze Medal from the Royal Society of New Zealand the following year.
Professor Emeritus Signal was known as an influential university citizen and held various roles throughout his tenure, including Academic Dean. In August 2022, following his retirement in July, he was conferred the title of Professor Emeritus. He continued to collaborate with researchers and experimental groups at particle physics laboratories worldwide.
The academic community was saddened by his passing on 29 October 2024.
Professor Emerita Heather Simpson
PhD, BSc
Professor of Animal Physiology, College of SciencesProfessor Emerita Heather Simpson is a distinguished animal physiologist with a long and impactful career in veterinary sciences at Massey. After earning her BSc (Hons) from the University of Queensland, she completed her PhD at Massey in 1969. She joined the Massey faculty in 1976 and, upon her retirement in 2015, held the distinction of being the university's longest-serving academic, having spent 50 years at the institution.
Specialising in the biology of gastrointestinal parasites in sheep, Professor Emeritus Simpson's research primarily focused on agriculturally important nematodes. Her work investigated the complex host-parasite relationship and the struggle between the 2 organisms, resulting in over 60 published papers on the topic. Throughout her tenure, Professor Simpson taught nearly every veterinary student who graduated in New Zealand, making an indelible mark on the country's veterinary profession. She continues to retain an honorary position at AgResearch.
Professor Emeritus Ralph Sims
Nobel Peace Prize winner 2007 (co-recipient)
CNZM, CRSNZ, FIPENZ, FIAgrE, CEng, MSc(AgEng), BSc(Ag Hons)
Professor of Sustainable Energy, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Ralph Sims is one of New Zealand's most distinguished figures in sustainable energy and climate change mitigation, having dedicated over 5 decades of his career to Massey. Initially joining the university in the early 1970s as a lecturer in agricultural machinery, Professor Sims's work soon pivoted to pioneering research on biofuels, including making biodiesel from animal fats, which laid the foundation for his shift into renewable energy and climate policy.
Professor Emeritus Sims' international reputation is well known. He was a lead author for 5 major mitigation assessment reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and notably shared in the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the IPCC. Further underscoring his global expertise, he completed a 4-year secondment to the International Energy Agency (IEA) in Paris. Professor Sims is a highly respected public voice on New Zealand's climate policy, advocating for decisive action on renewable energy, transport and agricultural practices. His lifetime of outstanding service was formally recognised in 2023 when he was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM). He was also the 2025 recipient of the Sir Geoffrey Peren Award, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University's most prestigious award.
Professor Emeritus Frank Sligo
PhD, MBS(Hons), BA
Professor of Communication, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Frank Sligo is a founding academic in the field of communication studies, having dedicated nearly 50 years to Massey. His long career culminated in his appointment as Professor Emeritus following his retirement. Professor Sligo is renowned for being the first New Zealander to earn a PhD in communication, a major milestone in establishing the discipline nationally.
At Massey, he was instrumental in developing the curriculum, creating and teaching the country's first university-level papers in business communication, public relations and communications media management. He later served as Head of the School of Communication, Journalism and Marketing for many years, also introducing an academically rigorous journalism studies programme. His extensive research is primarily focused on adult literacy and orality. Notably, he directed New Zealand's only major longitudinal study of adult literacy, learning and employment, alongside exploring the communication challenges faced by managers and the significance of Te Ao Māori understandings of literacy. Through his teaching and research, Professor Sligo profoundly shaped professional communication practice and education in New Zealand.
Late Professor Emeritus Warwick Slinn
PhD, MA, BA(Hons)
Professor of English, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Errol Warwick Slinn (known as Warwick) was a distinguished scholar of English literature, widely recognised for his long and influential career at Massey. A dedicated academic, his research and teaching specialised in the fields of literary theory, critical discourse and Victorian poetry, particularly the complex relationship between philosophy and literature in the 19th century.
Professor Slinn's educational background includes an MA from the University of Canterbury, an MA from the University of Hawai'i and a PhD from the University of British Columbia (UBC), establishing a strong international foundation for his scholarship. He served for many years as a Professor in the English and Media Studies programmes and also as Head of the School of English and Media Studies. He remains a noteworthy figure in the academic study of literary analysis and is often cited in critical theory circles. He passed away in 2024.
Late Professor Emeritus Ivan Snook
OMNZ, PhD, MA
Professor of Education, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emeritus Ivan Snook was a highly influential academic, philosopher of education and staunch advocate for teacher professionalism. He began his career as a secondary school teacher before lecturing at the University of Canterbury and eventually moving to Massey University in 1981 as a Professor of Education. At Massey, he held key leadership roles, serving as Head of the Department of Education (1985 to 1990) and Dean of the Faculty of Education (1989 to 1993). He was known for his critical commentary on educational policy, particularly arguing against the managerialist ideologies that he believed undermined teacher autonomy and reduced education to skills training.
His significant written works, such as 'Concepts of Indoctrination' (2009), established him as a leading authority in the philosophy of education. In 2012, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Massey and posthumously, in 2019, he was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for his outstanding services to education.
Professor Emeritus Paul Spoonley
ONZM, PhD, MSc, MA, PGDipArts, BA, DipEd
Professor of Sociology, College of Humanities and Social SciencesDistinguished Professor Emeritus Paul Spoonley is one of New Zealand's foremost social scientists and a highly influential public intellectual whose career at Massey spanned over 4 decades. He served as Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences until his retirement in 2021. He was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his services to sociology.
Professor Spoonley's extensive research and public commentary focus on social and demographic change in Aotearoa New Zealand. He is a leading expert on immigration and diversity, notably coining the term "superdiversity" to describe the country's rapidly changing cultural makeup. His work on demographic disruption explores critical societal shifts, such as population ageing and regional divergence, detailed in his book, 'The New New Zealand' (2020). Recognised internationally, he is also a leading expert on the radical right and extremism, which led to his appointment as Co-Director of He Whenua Taurikura: The National Centre for Countering Violent Extremism following the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks. His research also covers the changing nature of work and its impact on the workforce. He maintains a strong public profile and numerous advisory roles.
Professor Emeritus Brian Springett
PhD, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Zoology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Brian Peter Springett is a distinguished zoologist and ecologist, with a long and influential tenure at Massey. His career was dedicated to understanding the intricate relationships between animals and their environments, particularly in the fields of ecology, physiology and behaviour.
Professor Emeritus Springett was a key member of the academic staff, working in zoology within what became the Institute of Agriculture and Environment. His research interests were broad, encompassing studies on the natural history of whole organisms and how factors, such as temporal constraints, morphology and nutrition influence animal behaviour and ecological function. A significant part of his legacy lies in his role as an educator and mentor, where he supervised numerous postgraduate students whose research covered a diverse range of New Zealand fauna, including kiwi and wallabies. Through his teaching and supervision, Professor Springett fostered the next generation of ecologists and zoologists, solidifying his status as a long-serving and respected figure within the university’s scientific community.
Professor Emeritus Kevin Stafford
CDACAW, FACVSc, FRCVS, PhD, MSc, MVB
Professor of Veterinary Ethology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Kevin Stafford is a well-known veterinarian and academic, specialising in animal welfare, behaviour and ethology. He held the title of Professor of Veterinary Ethology at Massey, serving in key leadership roles, including Dean of Postgraduate Studies and Research in the Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences.
Professor Emeritus Stafford is a prolific researcher, having authored over 200 refereed papers and several influential books, such as 'Animal Welfare in New Zealand' (2013). His research is dedicated to advancing animal welfare science, focusing on critical topics such as the alleviation of pain in livestock, enhancing the welfare and survival of both farm and companion animals, and the clinical treatment of animal behaviour problems. Professor Stafford’s work is widely recognised for contributing significantly to New Zealand’s preeminence in the field of animal welfare. As both a veterinarian and academic, he has been instrumental in teaching animal behaviour and welfare to a wide range of students across veterinary science, agriculture and ecology programs, leaving a lasting impact on both animal health and scientific education.
Professor Emerita Kathryn Stowell
ONZM, PhD, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Biochemistry, College of SciencesProfessor Emerita Kathryn Mary Stowell is a distinguished biochemist and educator at Massey, who led her discipline for over 20 years. Her expertise has been internationally recognised, involving leadership roles on bodies such as the European Malignant Hyperthermia Executive Committee and the Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptibility Variant Curation Expert Panel (USA). Professor Stowell is renowned for her pioneering work in the molecular genetics of malignant hyperthermia (MH), a rare, life-threatening condition during anaesthesia that is of particular importance to some Māori communities in the North Island. Her collaboration with Palmerston North Hospital led to vital pathology discoveries and diagnostic techniques now adopted worldwide.
Beyond research, Professor Emeritus Stowell was passionate about teaching, specifically driving major curricula changes in the first-year biochemistry for the veterinary science programme. Her dedication earned her the best teacher award for 100-level Veterinary Science in 2019. A lasting academic legacy is the postgraduate research methods course she established in 1995, which remains a compulsory component of the Master of Science qualification today.
Professor Emeritus Pat Sullivan
FRSNZ, FNZIC, PhD, MSc
Professor of Biochemistry, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Patrick Sullivan is a distinguished molecular biologist and biochemist. His work focused on the fundamental mechanisms of fungal pathogenicity, specifically studying how plant pathogens, such as Glomerella cingulata, infect their hosts.
Professor Emeritus Sullivan's research was central to understanding the sophisticated transcriptional programmes and structures fungi use to breach plant tissues. Notably, he investigated the critical role of turgor pressure generated within the specialised infection structure, known as the appressorium. Professor Sullivan's collaborations with institutes like HortResearch led to significant findings on the genetic factors, such as the GcSTUA gene homolog, that control fungal development and effective infection. He was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus by Massey in recognition of his extensive and high-impact contributions to molecular biosciences.
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Professor Emerita Margaret Tennant
FRSNZ, PhD, MA, BA(Hons)
Professor of History, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emerita Margaret Tennant is a pre-eminent historian and a leading authority on social policy and women's history. Professor Tennant spent the majority of her distinguished career at Massey, where she was both an alumna and later a Professor of History, retiring in 2012. Her influential scholarly work critiques traditional, top-down historical narratives, instead focusing on the lived experiences of the marginalised and the complex workings of the welfare system. Key books, such as 'Paupers and Providers: Charitable Aid in New Zealand' (1989), delve into the histories of charitable aid and the non-profit sector.
A Fellow of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, Professor Tennant has also made extensive contributions to public history and heritage preservation, particularly in the Manawatū region. She co-edited the definitive local history, 'City at the Centre: A History of Palmerston North' (2020) and chairs the Palmerston North Heritage Trust. She remains an active advocate for blending rigorous academic standards with a commitment to making local history accessible to the public.
Professor Emeritus Roderick Thomas
PhD, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Botany, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Rod Thomas was a highly respected senior academic whose career at Massey spanned a period of significant growth for the university.
Professor Thomas was notably honoured with the distinguished responsibility of serving as the orator for the awarding of an Honorary Doctor of Science degree in 1976. A role reserved for the most prominent members of the professoriate, underscoring their high professional standing and contribution to the university's intellectual and ceremonial life.
Professor Emeritus Thomas' long and dedicated service within the academic faculty ensured his ultimate appointment as Professor Emeritus, recognising a career defined by leadership, commitment to scholarship and foundational contributions to the university's development.
Professor Emeritus Keith Thompson
ONZM, MBE, CMG, PhD, MA, BA
Professor of Veterinary Pathology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Keith Thompson is a highly respected academic and a distinguished expert in veterinary pathology at Massey. His career focused extensively on the study of diseases affecting the skeletal system of animals, making significant contributions to veterinary science.
A long-serving and influential member of the Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Professor Thompson held the key leadership role of Head of Veterinary Pathology for 10 years. His dedication to both research and institutional service was pivotal in the development of the veterinary programme at Massey. In recognition of his long and exceptional service to veterinary pathology and science in New Zealand, he was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the 2017 New Year's Honours List. Professor Emeritus Thompson's legacy lies in his specialised knowledge and leadership in advancing the understanding of animal health and disease.
Professor Emeritus Russ Tillman
PhD, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Soil Science, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Russell Tillman is a highly respected scientist whose 4-decade career at Massey focused on the critical relationship between soil science, agriculture and environmental quality. Holding a PhD in soil science from Massey, he rose to become a Professor of Soil Science and eventually Head of the Institute of Natural Resources before being awarded the title of Professor Emeritus in 2009. His core expertise lies in soil chemistry, nutrient cycling and fertility management in agricultural systems.
Professor Emeritus Tillman’s influential research heavily addressed the environmental consequences of land use, particularly quantifying and managing the loss of nitrogen and phosphorus from farmland to New Zealand waterways. He was instrumental in developing and teaching the university’s professional development courses on sustainable nutrient management and frequently provided expert evidence in regional policy settings regarding water quality and nutrient load management. A prolific contributor to his field, Professor Tillman remains an active consultant and researcher, having authored or co-authored over 140 scientific and technical publications.
Professor Emeritus Bob Townsley
FNZSFM, PhD, MAgrSc, BAgrSc
Professor of Agriculture, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Robert Townsley is a distinguished academic in agricultural economics and mathematics. He earned a Master of Agricultural Science (MAgrSc) from Victoria University of Wellington in 1963, where his thesis focused on the application of production functions to pig farming. He gained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of Iowa.
Professor Emeritus Townsley worked in areas that blended quantitative methods with agricultural studies. His research centred on applying advanced techniques, such as linear programming, to crucial areas of farm management and commerce, particularly within the New Zealand context.
Distinguished Professor Emeritus Bill Tunmer
PhD, BS
Professor of Educational Psychology, College of Humanities and Social SciencesDistinguished Professor Emeritus William 'Bill' Tunmer is a well-known figure in educational psychology, specialising in early literacy development, reading difficulties and intervention. After receiving his PhD from the University of Texas at Austin, he joined Massey in 1988, where he held key leadership roles, including Professor of Educational Psychology, Head of Department and Dean of the Faculty of Education.
His most notable and enduring contribution is co-developing the Simple View of Reading (SVR). This widely accepted theoretical model asserts that reading comprehension (R) is the product of 2 fundamental components – word decoding (D) and language comprehension (C), often expressed as the formula R = D x C. This framework has been crucial globally for diagnosing and effectively addressing reading disabilities such as dyslexia and hyperlexia. Professor Tunmer is a prolific scholar, having published over 150 works on reading and literacy. His commitment to evidence-based instruction has earned him significant recognition, including the International Reading Association's Dina Feitelson Award for Excellence in Research (1999) and the Eminent Researcher Award of the Australian Journal of Learning Difficulties (2019). He has also played a critical policy role, serving on the National Literacy Reference Group for the New Zealand Ministry of Education.
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Late Professor Emeritus Paul van Moeseke
FBAEF, FRBA, PhD, MA, MS, LIC, ME, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Economics, Massey Business SchoolProfessor Emeritus Paul van Moeseke was an influential economist and academic figure who contributed significantly to New Zealand's economic discourse and intellectual life. A Belgian native who earned his doctorate from Yale University, Professor van Moeseke held esteemed academic positions at both the University of Otago and Massey. His professional expertise lay in advanced theoretical economics, specialising in asset models under risk conditions and game theory.
Beyond his academic contributions, Professor Emeritus van Moeseke was known for his decisive role in national policy debates, most notably as a forceful and rational voice opposing the controversial Aramoana aluminium smelter project in the late 1970s. He also served as a Professorial Fellow at the Reserve Bank of Australia. Professor van Moeseke's legacy is that of a principled scholar whose intellectual rigour shaped both his students and the nation's understanding of complex economic decisions.
Professor Emeritus John Veale
JP, AHRIH, PhD, MSc, DIC, MIBiol
Professor of Horticultural Science, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus John Veale was a highly influential figure in New Zealand's horticultural science, dedicating over 2 decades of his career to Massey. His tenure spanned 21 years (1964 to 1985), during which he was a key leader in the Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences Department.
Professor Emeritus Veale held 2 prominent titles: Head of the Department of Horticulture and Professor of Horticultural Science. His expertise lay in plant biology and the application of scientific principles to horticultural practice. In his roles, he played a crucial part in advancing Massey's reputation in plant-related research and education.
Professor Emeritus Tony Vitalis
PhD, MErgS, MIMechE, CEng, MSc, DMS, BA(Hons)
Professor of Ergonomics, Massey Business SchoolProfessor Emeritus Antonios 'Tony' Vitalis is recognised for his extensive career in management and ergonomics at Massey's School of Management. After earning his MSc and PhD in ergonomics from the University of London, he joined Massey in 1980. His core research focused on occupational safety and health and human factors in engineering, investigating the complex interactions between people and their working environments. Professor Vitalis's published work includes studies on managing workload, physical demands and human error at various rigorous settings, notably involving firefighters.
Professor Emeritus Vitalis is widely known for his dedication to postgraduate education. His generous commitment to mentoring and developing research culture was recognised with the College of Business's Research Medal for Supervision in 2008, having successfully guided a significant number of doctoral students – many of whom went on to hold academic leadership roles – to completion. He also contributed to his field through external service, including a term as the President of the New Zealand Ergonomics Society.
Professor Emerita Pamela von Hurst
PhD, PGDip Business, BSc(Hons)
Professor of Human Nutrition, College of HealthProfessor Emerita Pamela von Hurst has established herself as a highly respected Professor of human nutrition, holding numerous advisory roles with the Ministry of Health and non-government organisations. She is frequently invited to speak and collaborate with international and high-profile researchers. Throughout her career, Professor von Hurst demonstrated consistent success in research funding, enabling her to supervise over 50 PhD and master’s students, lead 17 major research projects and publish 90 articles in peer-reviewed journals.
In her specialised field of vitamin D research, Professor von Hurst has produced novel studies about the status of the New Zealand population and was the first scientist to demonstrate the effect of vitamin D on insulin sensitivity. During her 14 years with Massey, she made substantial contributions, serving in various leadership roles within the School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition. She held roles on the College of Health Research Committee and the Academic Programme Committee and has actively contributed to nutrition science at national and international levels.
Professor Emerita von Hurst has an Honorary Research position, which allows her to continue supervising postgraduate students and mentoring junior staff. She intends to continue her roles in the international nutrition community and remain a positive ambassador for the university.
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Professor Emeritus Graeme Wake
FIMA, FNZMS, FRSNZ, PhD, DSc, CMath
Professor of Industrial Applied Mathematics, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Graeme Wake is a globally recognised industrial and applied mathematician with a focus on using mathematical modelling to solve real-world problems. Based at Massey for many years, he holds 2 doctorates (PhD and DSc) in the applied mathematical sciences. His work falls under the wider scope of analytics and systems science.
Professor Wake's pioneering work has involved:
- developing models for spontaneous combustion in materials such as wool and hay
- optimising agricultural productivity, like pasture growth
- modelling population dynamics for pest control and environmental systems
- creating innovative biomathematical models for cancer cell growth and therapy.
Professor Emeritus Wake is a major figure in the Australasia region for the development of applied mathematics. He was the first New Zealander to be awarded the prestigious ANZIAM Medal (2006) and is a Fellow of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. He also received the Marsden Medal of the NZ Association of Scientists (1999). A strong advocate for collaboration, Professor Wake helped form Mathematics-in-Industry NZ (MINZ) to actively foster the use of higher science and technology by industry clients, continuing to mentor a significant number of research students and collaborators.
Professor Emerita Margaret Walshaw
PhD, MEdAdmin(Hons), DipTechg, BSc
Professor of Mathematics Education, College of Humanities and Social SciencesProfessor Emerita Margaret Walshaw is a distinguished academic specialising in mathematics education and theoretical inquiry. Professor Walshaw spent her career at Massey's Institute of Education, where she served as a Professor and Co-Director of the Centre for Research in Mathematics Education (CeRME). Her research is internationally recognised for its ability to bridge mathematics education with contemporary theory, particularly drawing on post-structuralist thought to critically examine crucial issues of power, identity and social justice in the classroom. This focus began with her 1999 PhD, which explored the politics surrounding girls in school mathematics.
A key contribution to New Zealand education is her co-authorship of the influential 'Effective Pedagogy in Pāngarau/Mathematics: Best Evidence Synthesis Iteration (BES)' (2007). A foundational document that defines and champions best practice for mathematics teaching nationwide. Beyond her research on effective teaching characteristics, Professor Walshaw made significant contributions as an academic leader, including serving as a former editor of the Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education and as a mentor for numerous postgraduate students.
Professor Emeritus Qiao Wang
FRSNZ, PhD, MSc, BSc
Professor of Entomology, College of SciencesProfessor Qiao Wang is an internationally renowned entomologist who has been at Massey for 28 years. His research and work on biological control and behavioural ecology of plant pests, particularly longicorn pests, have advanced the detection and management of invasive pests in many countries. His work has enhanced trade policymaking, quarantine pest identification and control measures, averting potential losses of billions of dollars from invasive pests.
Professor Emeritus Wang’s dedication to the university and the wider academic community has been extensive, evidenced by his service on editorial boards, academic panels and committees. He has published more than 300 scientific works, including more than 200 peer-reviewed journal articles, books and book chapters. Numerous national and international grants have supported his research and he has received multiple awards and distinctions, including the prestigious Distinguished Scientist Award from the Entomological Society of America in 2012. He was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand in 2022.
Upon retirement, Professor Wang has continued to advise and support staff and postgraduate students in the School of Agriculture and Environment, as well as jointly publish and collaborate internationally under the Massey umbrella.
Professor Emeritus Ian Warrington
CNZM, FRSNZ, PhD, MHortSc, BHortSc
Professor of Horticultural Science, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Ian Warrington is a highly distinguished horticultural scientist and academic leader whose career spanned significant roles in government research and higher education. He earned his Master of Horticultural Science and Doctor of Science degrees from Massey. His career began with a prominent 30-year tenure at the former DSIR, where he became known for his pioneering research on controlled-environment agriculture.
Professor Emeritus Warrington's core scientific expertise lies in plant environmental stress physiology, investigating the responses of horticultural, agronomic and forestry crops to environmental factors such as light quality, day length and extreme temperatures. Notably, his master's research involved designing the lighting system for New Zealand's controlled-environment facility, the DSIR Climate Laboratory. He later served as the Chief Executive of HortResearch (now Plant & Food Research). Professor Warrington returned to Massey as Professor of Horticultural Science, taking on significant senior executive roles, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Acting Vice-Chancellor. His outstanding contributions were recognised with the T. K. Sidey Medal in 1984. He was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for services to science in 2011.
Professor Emerita Lady Joyce Waters
ONZM, FRSNZ, FNZIC, PhD, MSc
Professor of Chemistry, College of SciencesProfessor Emerita Lady Joyce Mary Waters is a pioneering scientist recognised for her monumental contributions to inorganic chemistry and X-ray crystallography. Lady Waters holds the distinction of being the second woman to earn a PhD in chemistry at the University of Auckland, where her doctoral research focused on determining the molecular structure of coordination compounds. She joined Massey in 1983 and was appointed a professor at the Auckland campus in 2000.
Professor Emerita Lady Waters' primary research was using X-ray crystallography to determine the precise arrangement of atoms in molecules. Notably, she achieved a scientific first by publishing the structure of a coordination complex containing a metal–hydrogen bond. Beyond her academic career, she made history by serving as the first woman President of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry, from 1989 to 1990. In recognition of her services to chemistry, she was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2006.
Late Professor Emeritus Sir Neil Waters
KNZM, FNZIC, FRSNZ, FANZAAS, HonDLitt, HonDSc, DSc, PhD, MSc
Professor of Chemistry, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Sir Thomas Neil Morris Waters was a distinguished inorganic chemist and transformative university administrator, most noted for his 13-year tenure as the second Vice-Chancellor of Massey University (1983 to 1995). A distinguished scholar with a PhD and DSc in Chemistry from the University of Auckland, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand. As Vice-Chancellor, Sir Neil navigated Massey through a challenging era of government reform, defending academic freedom and the value of fundamental research.
Professor Emeritus Sir Waters' most enduring legacy is the visionary establishment of the Massey University Auckland campus in Albany, which opened in 1993. This bold expansion was instrumental in transforming Massey from a regional agricultural college into a truly national, multi-campus institution, with student numbers doubling during his leadership. For his services to tertiary education, he was appointed a Knight Bachelor (KNZM) in 1995. His contribution is permanently commemorated by the Sir Neil Waters Building at the Auckland campus.
Professor Emeritus Ian Watson
FNZIC, PhD, MSc
Professor of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Biophysics, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Ian Watson is a prominent academic and university administrator known for his significant contributions to Massey's growth and leadership, particularly its Albany operations. A former Principal of the Auckland campus, Professor Watson was instrumental in developing and expanding Massey's presence in the Auckland region during a crucial period of institutional growth in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Professor Emeritus Watson's leadership extended beyond regional management. He was part of the university's senior administration, as Assistant Vice-Chancellor – Academic, before assuming the role of Principal. His most comprehensive contribution to the university's history is chronicled in his book, 'Shaping Massey' (2023), which details the institution's development from its origins as Massey Agricultural College through to the early 2000s, focusing on the leadership styles of its Principals and Vice-Chancellors. Upon his retirement, he was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus in 2004 and also an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from the university, recognising his administrative and scholarly impact.
Professor Emeritus David West
FACVSc, PhD, BVSc
Professor of Sheep Health and Production, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Dave West is a highly distinguished veterinary scientist. After graduating from Massey with both his BVSc and PhD, Professor West spent 4 years in rural practice before returning to the university in 1974. He remained a professor until his retirement in 2011, having played a key role in educating a majority of New Zealand's veterinarians in animal health and production.
Professor Emeritus West's research expertise centred on ruminant health, particularly the sheep and beef cattle sectors, which are crucial to the New Zealand economy. A prolific author, his research covered practical issues such as ovine brucellosis, Johne's Disease and trace element deficiencies. Professor West is internationally recognised for his pivotal work in parasitology, where he was instrumental in documenting and addressing the growing problem of anthelmintic resistance in cattle. He is a primary author of the authoritative textbook, 'The Sheep: Health, Disease and Production' (1993), which has served as an essential guide for veterinarians and farm advisors worldwide.
Professor Emerita Carol Wham
NZRD, MNZIFST, PhD, MSc, BHSc, DipEd
Professor of Public Health Nutrition, College of HealthProfessor Emerita Carol Wham is a recognised authority in nutrition and dietetics, holding the distinction of being one of the first New Zealand dietitians to achieve a PhD and the first to be appointed professor. Her significant contributions have elevated professional standards within the discipline, an achievement highlighted by the Dietitians' New Zealand Award of Excellence.
Professor Emerita Wham's research career, which began at Massey in 2003, has been pivotal. Her work has shifted the paradigm by increasing awareness of nutrition status and the need for appropriate nutrient reference values for older adults in New Zealand.
Demonstrating innovation and leadership, Professor Wham was instrumental in developing the university's undergraduate Bachelor of Science Human Nutrition and postgraduate Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics qualifications. As a researcher, she successfully secured over $10 million in external research funding.
Following her retirement, Professor Emerita Wham remains actively engaged at Massey as an Honorary Research Fellow. In this capacity, she will continue to supervise PhD and master's students and mentor staff on the training programme. She plans to collaborate with students to develop evidence-based nutrition resources and social media communications. Furthermore, she was recently appointed Scientific Director of the New Zealand Nutrition Foundation, ensuring her expertise will continue to shape national nutrition policy and public awareness.
Late Professor Emeritus Alan Williams
AAMI, PhD, MA, BA(Hons)
Professor of Human Resource Management, Massey Business SchoolProfessor Emeritus Alan Williams was a distinguished academic at Massey, beginning his tenure in the late 1960s as a foundation lecturer in labour economics within the Business Studies department. He earned his PhD in 1977, was appointed Professor of Human Resource Management in 1985 and later received the honorary title of Professor Emeritus. His extensive career at Massey also included a role as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Aviation, where he coordinated postgraduate management programmes. A prolific scholar, he authored 8 books and over 50 papers, which contributed significantly to his fields of study.
Beyond his work in New Zealand, Professor Emeritus Williams was internationally active, consulting on MBA degrees and aiding university development across China, Saudi Arabia, the Pacific and Asia. He passed away on 15 June 2011, leaving a legacy as a talented teacher with a deep passion for education and the arts, including active involvement in the university's drama society.
Professor Emeritus Norm Williamson
ONZM, NZVA, MANZCVS, MVSc, BVSc, DipACT
Professor of Dairy Cattle Health and Production, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Norman Williamson is an internationally recognised veterinary scientist and academic, celebrated as a pioneer in dairy herd health and production. His distinguished career spanned 3 continents, including prominent roles at the University of Melbourne, the University of Minnesota (as an Extension Veterinarian and Professor) and Massey, where he served for 11 years as Program Director in Veterinary Sciences.
Professor Emeritus Williams' most famous contribution to the dairy industry is the invention of "tail painting," a simple, cost-effective method of colour-coding cattle that revolutionised the detection of oestrus (heat) in dairy cows worldwide. A leader in applying computation and systems thinking to animal health, Professor Williamson helped pioneer the development and implementation of computer-based herd health programs. His influential research focused on crucial areas such as reproduction, lameness, mastitis and infectious diseases in dairy cattle. In recognition of his substantial contributions to veterinary education and the profession, he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) and given the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges' Billy E. Hooper Award. Professor Williams continues to serve the profession, notably as Chairman of the Veterinary Schools Accreditation Advisory Committee for the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council.
Professor Emeritus Peter Wilson
PhD, MACVSc, BVSc
Professor of Deer Health and Production, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Peter Wilson is a globally renowned academic and veterinarian, widely considered the founding father of modern deer medicine and production in the country. He has an almost 40-year career with Massey's Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences.
Professor Emeritus Wilson's expertise in deer health and production was instrumental in transforming deer farming from a niche activity into a sophisticated, multi-million dollar industry. His extensive research, encompassing over 240 technical papers, focused on critical areas such as deer nutrition, reproduction, welfare, disease epidemiology and whole-farm systems analysis. A key achievement was his groundbreaking work on deer welfare, particularly in developing the current national code for velvet antler removal, which is internationally regarded as an exemplar for industry self-regulation. In recognition of his enduring influence, Professor Wilson was awarded the Deer Farmers Association's Premier Industry Award and Life Membership of the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA). He continues his association with Massey following his retirement, mentoring staff and students.
Professor Emeritus Ray Winger
MAIFST, FIFST, FNZIFST, PhD, MSc, BTech(Hons)
Professor of Food Technology, College of SciencesProfessor Emeritus Ray Winger is a distinguished academic in food science and technology. His extensive research career focused on the science of food processing, composition and quality, with a strong emphasis on the properties and science of meat and muscle foods. His work contributed to a deeper understanding of factors affecting eating quality, such as meat juiciness and texture.
Professor Emeritus Winger's academic efforts spanned several critical areas within food science, including protein and muscle science, food engineering and extrusion, and new product development, where he advocated for integrative, cooperative networks. He also conducted influential research on food fortification. Investigating the technological challenges of fortifying processed foods with essential elements like iodine. Through his research and supervision, Professor Winger played a significant role in developing the next generation of food scientists, contributing substantially to Massey's prominent history in food technology education.