Massey News - Pitopito kōrero

Stay up to date with the latest Massey University news and articles – from research findings to student activities.

University news

Discover news about our university – from all three campuses and online: Auckland, Manawatū in Palmerston North and Wellington.

Massey welcomes seventh Vice-Chancellor

Tuesday 10 February 2026

Last week, Professor Pierre Venter began in the role of Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Vice-Chancellor.

A photo of Professor Venter smiling as he speaks to staff

Massey University Press welcomes Odessa Owens as new Publisher

Thursday 29 January 2026

Massey University Press is entering a new chapter with the appointment of Odessa Owens as its new publisher. She succeeds founding Publisher Nicola Legat, who has led the Press since its establishment in 2015.

Portrait captures a leader grounded in place, people and purpose

Thursday 29 January 2026

A striking black and white image of outgoing Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas has taken its place among Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s five former Vice-Chancellors, but with a distinctly contemporary shift in tone and tradition.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas and Chancellor Alistair Davis in front of the portrait by photographer Sara Tautuku Orme.

Making visits to the V-E-T as exciting as a W-A-L-K

Wednesday 28 January 2026

Behaviour enthusiast and veterinary nurse at Massey Companion Animal Hospital Renee Greenwood is the driving force behind Purely Pawsitive, a programme delivering positive visits designed to make veterinary care less stressful for pets, owners and the veterinary team.

veterinary nurse sitting outside on grass with dog

Research news

We are a research-led university with a reputation for excellence in innovation and the creation of new knowledge. Get the latest research stories.

Leading the global conversation on lahar hazards

Monday 9 February 2026

Dr Anke Zernack has been recognised as one of the world’s leading experts on lahars – destructive volcanic mudflows - having contributed to a Nature Geoscience panel alongside three other international specialists.

lady standing on bank beside lahar

Pivot funding awarded to Taranaki focused research projects

Thursday 5 February 2026

Two groundbreaking projects have received more than $60,000 in funding through the Pivot Award, which supports research initiatives that foster innovation in Taranaki’s agriculture, horticulture and veterinary sectors.

Improving how we estimate future stock market returns

Tuesday 3 February 2026

From KiwiSaver balances to global retirement funds, millions of people are affected by how financial markets are judged, even if they never buy a single share themselves.

More not always better: New research reveals sensory limits to New Zealand white wine flavour

Friday 23 January 2026

New Zealand white wines are celebrated for their distinctive flavours, from the vibrant aromatics of Sauvignon Blanc to the diverse styles of modern Chardonnay. However, new research suggests there is a limit to how far those signature characteristics can be pushed before intensity affects enjoyment and changes how the wine tastes compared with expectations.

three half full wine glasses held together

Student success news

Discover the inspiring success stories of our students, many of whom are balancing studying alongside other commitments.

Studying humanities in the age of AI: why human skills still matter

Thursday 22 January 2026

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in creative and communications roles, questions are being raised about what skills graduates will need to succeed in a changing job market. For Jessica Kennington, a recent Bachelor of Communication graduate, entering the workforce has reinforced the enduring value of a humanities education.

Ask questions and try everything – Boyuan’s guide to thriving at Massey

Tuesday 6 January 2026

When Boyuan Wang first arrived at Massey University from his home in Guangzhou, China he knew immediately he’d need to grab every opportunity to improve his English if he was to achieve his career goals.

Aviation students gain their ‘wings’

Friday 19 December 2025

Students of the 81 cohort celebrated getting their commercial pilot licence and multi-engine instrument ratings at a ‘Wings’ ceremony earlier this month.

Master of Applied Social Work students acknowledged for care and community

Thursday 11 December 2025

The School of Social Work recently celebrated four Master of Applied Social Work (MASW) students who are the recipients of the Student Excellence Awards and the Te Ata Hāpara Award.

Opinion and features

Get commentary, opinions and editorial articles from Massey's experts and our wider community.

Is it time for regime change…..in the United States?

Wednesday 28 January 2026

By Dr John Battersby

Opinion: The US just increased global insecurity, again

Tuesday 13 January 2026

By Dr John Battersby

Opinion: Chocolate box rejects – and why we love to hate them

Friday 19 December 2025

By Professor Joanne Hort

a pile of brightly coloured wrapped chocolates

Awards and appointments

Read about our latest successes and appointments.

Taboo word hits the mark as Quote of the Year winner announced

Thursday 18 December 2025

The swearing taboo may be losing its grip on New Zealanders if the winner of the 2025 Massey University Quote of the Year is anything to go by.

Journalist Andrea Vance. Photo credit: Ricky Wilson/Stuff Digital.

Bridging oceans and communities with Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowship

Wednesday 10 December 2025

Behavioural ecologist and conservation scientist Dr Philippa Brakes has been awarded a Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowship from Royal Society Te Apārangi.

Finalists announced for 2025 Quote of the Year competition

Wednesday 10 December 2025

Politicians under pressure, our most successful high jumper, an award-winning film maker, and some frustrated and frank conservationists are among the finalists in Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s annual Quote of the Year competition.

Montage image of Quote of the Year finalists, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Olympian Hamish Kerr and Green party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.

Master of Sustainable Development Goals wins silver at Global Education Awards

Tuesday 9 December 2025

Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Master of Sustainable Development Goals (MSDG) programme has been internationally recognised for its innovative approach to sustainability education, earning silver at the QS Reimagine Education Awards.

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All news

Massey welcomes seventh Vice-Chancellor

Tuesday 10 February 2026

Last week, Professor Pierre Venter began in the role of Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Vice-Chancellor.

Leading the global conversation on lahar hazards

Monday 9 February 2026

Dr Anke Zernack has been recognised as one of the world’s leading experts on lahars – destructive volcanic mudflows - having contributed to a Nature Geoscience panel alongside three other international specialists.

Pivot funding awarded to Taranaki focused research projects

Thursday 5 February 2026

Two groundbreaking projects have received more than $60,000 in funding through the Pivot Award, which supports research initiatives that foster innovation in Taranaki’s agriculture, horticulture and veterinary sectors.

Improving how we estimate future stock market returns

Tuesday 3 February 2026

From KiwiSaver balances to global retirement funds, millions of people are affected by how financial markets are judged, even if they never buy a single share themselves.

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Communications and Public Affairs

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Jenna Nichols (Communications Manager – Corporate) +64 21 302 906

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Location

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Communications and Public Affairs
Massey University
Private Bag 11 222
Palmerston North
4442
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