A successful roadshow to strengthen our Pacific partnerships

Building on Massey's longstanding research and educational connections across the region, the delegation met with government representatives, university partners, industry leaders and alumni to strengthen relationships and explore new opportunities for collaboration. The visit highlighted shared priorities in agriculture, education, health, aviation and sustainable development.

Led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Pierre Venter alongside AVC Pacific Professor Tasa Havea and representatives from Massey's Global Engagement team, the Pacific Roadshow provided an opportunity to deepen existing relationships and establish new connections that support the university's goal of creating meaningful impact across the Pacific.

A key outcome of the tour was the establishment and renewal of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with leading Pacific tertiary institutions. The trip included signing ceremonies to formalise new MoUs with The University of Papua New Guinea and Tonga National University, and the renewal of the longstanding partnership with National University of Samoa. These agreements create a platform for future collaboration in teaching, research, staff and student mobility, and capacity building.

The delegation also met with partners at the University of the South Pacific and Fiji National University to explore opportunities to expand existing collaborations and develop tangible outcomes for students, researchers and communities across the region.

Agriculture emerged as a significant theme throughout the trip. Meetings with government agencies, research organisations and industry leaders identified opportunities to leverage Massey's expertise to support Pacific food systems, agribusiness development and climate resilience. Discussions included collaboration with the Pacific Community's Land Resources Division, the regional centre for agricultural research and innovation, as well as engagement with agricultural producers and government agencies in Samoa and Tonga.

In Samoa, conversations with Pouli Dr Keneti Faulalo, Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Export Authority and a Massey alumnus, highlighted opportunities to connect the university's strengths in agriculture and agribusiness with local value chains and export development. In Tonga, visits with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food and leading producer Nishi Trading provided insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Pacific agricultural sectors.

The roadshow further strengthened industry connections in sectors critical to regional economic growth. Engagements with Air Niugini in Papua New Guinea and Air Rarotonga in the Cook Islands explored opportunities to support aviation education and workforce development. With new direct flights between Port Moresby and Auckland set to commence from November 2026, aviation presents a growing area for business collaboration and knowledge exchange between New Zealand and the Pacific.

Meetings with New Zealand High Commissioners and diplomatic representatives in Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga provided valuable insight into regional development priorities and opportunities for Massey to align its expertise with initiatives in areas such as education, agriculture and health.

The trip also showcased the impact of Massey's alumni network across the Pacific region. Massey’s alumni working in leadership positions across government, industry and community organisations shared perspectives on emerging opportunities and future workforce needs that Massey could help address. Meetings included organisations such as PNG Power, Fiji Rugby Union, BSP Life and the Samoa Export Authority.

A series of Massey Friends and Alumni receptions held in each destination brought together more than 140 alumni, government representatives, university leaders, students and industry partners. The gatherings celebrated the university's growing community in the Pacific, while creating new opportunities for connection. The reception events in Tonga and the Cook Islands marked Massey’s first ever alumni engagements in these countries. In Fiji another significant milestone was marked: the announcement of the first Massey Alumni Ambassador in the Pacific, Ms Maria Elder.

The roadshow reflects Massey's enduring commitment to the Pacific and its role as New Zealand's university for the region. By working alongside Pacific universities, governments, industry and communities, Massey aims to support knowledge exchange, develop future talent and contribute solutions to shared challenges across the region.