Massey University Disability and Inclusion Action Plan

Our learners are diverse, and that diversity continues to grow. They include disabled and neurodivergent learners, part-time and distance learners, first-in-family students and mature learners. They also include working professionals and people who have historically faced barriers because of culture, location or financial circumstances.

This diversity is central to who we are. At Massey, equity sits alongside excellence. We want a university where different experiences, perspectives and ways of learning are recognised and valued. This challenges traditional ideas about who university is for. It also shapes Massey's distinctive contribution to tertiary education in Aotearoa New Zealand.

For more than 60 years, distance study has opened university study to people wherever they live. Today, this is part of our online, blended and digitally enabled approach. Flexible learning remains a strength and will continue to shape how we support lifelong learning.

Students start university from different places. They bring their own knowledge, skills, life experiences and goals. They may need different types of support to take part and succeed.

Accessibility is more than being able to enter a building, use a system or enrol in a course. It also means being included, respected and able to take part fully. Our aim is for disabled and neurodivergent students and their whānau to have equitable and empowering experiences across university life. We want Massey to be a place where students feel seen and understood. Here, they can share their strengths and reach their potential.

Massey launched its new strategy, Connecting People, Place and Possibility: Massey University Strategy 2026-2030 in August 2026.

The strategy aims to benefit students, communities and Aotearoa New Zealand. It focuses on 5 areas: Equip, Innovate, Connect, Build and Scale. These are supported by Enable, which creates the conditions needed for success. The strategy upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi and supports lifelong learning, belonging and connection. It aims to reduce barriers so everyone can succeed.

The Disability and Inclusion Action Plan mainly supports the Equip, Connect and Build areas. These focus on:

• learner-centred pathways
• stronger relationships
• services people can trust
• a simpler, better-run university that benefits learners.

Disability and inclusion priorities

As we put the strategy into action, our disability and inclusion work aims to:

• support learner belonging, participation, equitable outcomes and success
• connect students, teaching staff and support services more clearly
• work with students, whānau, iwi, communities and partners to design practical improvements
• use evidence, data and student voice to understand barriers, guide decisions and measure progress
• build inclusive skills, accountability and continuous improvement across the university.

Accessibility and inclusion are shared responsibilities.

Support at every stage

During enrolment, you'll be asked whether you live with the effects of a significant injury, long-term illness or disability. If you answer yes, we'll send you information about Disability Services and exam support.

You can also contact Disability Services before or during your studies. Some students get advice or support without formally registering. This may include students who:

• have a specific learning disability, ADHD or autism but no formal diagnosis
• can't easily get health or assessment documents
• are worried about being identified or treated differently.

Support is available at every level, however you study. It can start before you begin, with you and your whānau, teachers or support workers. It continues through to your final months of study. Disability support works alongside other student services, including cultural, health and wellbeing support.

Disability Services also advises teaching staff and promotes inclusive practice.

Action Plan 2024-2027

We'll update the Disability and Inclusion Action Plan 2024–2027 as this work progresses, so it aligns with Massey University Strategy 2026–2030.

This will confirm priorities and improve how we measure progress. It will also make sure disability and inclusion stay part of how Massey equips learners and connects people and partners.

Get involved

The students’ associations share opportunities to join reference and advisory groups. You can take part in topic-based working groups or surveys from time to time.

Students' associations

To get involved or receive updates, complete our online form.

Disability and Inclusion Action Plan form

For other enquiries, email diap@massey.ac.nz.