Massey’s support initiative drives Pacific student achievement

Of the 165 Pacific students who graduated from Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University this year, more than 40 per cent completed post-graduate qualifications, with 11 students receiving a graduate diploma, 27 receiving a postgraduate diploma, 26 receiving a master’s degree and three receiving their doctorate degree.

These graduates reflect the success of Massey’s strategic initiative Pūrehuroatanga which was launched in 2021 and focuses on removing institutional barriers and offering targeted and proactive support throughout the university, to improve student success.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students and Global Engagement Dr Tere McGonagle-Daly, Ngāti Whakaue ki Maketu, Te Arawa, says Pūrehuroatanga has also delivered improved success outcomes among Massey’s Māori, disabled and neurodiverse student communities.

“It shows the incredible work many teams across the university are doing to help our students thrive. When our ākonga receive the right support, we know they can achieve their aspirations. We are incredibly proud of our graduates. Many of them will go on to share their knowledge with their own communities and inspire future generations of learners.”

Dean Pacific Professor Tasa Havea and Director Pacific Student Success Melvin Apulu lead the team which provides pastoral, cultural and academic support to Pacific students to create a strong sense of belonging, worth and security.

Mr Apulu says seeing the number of students graduate this year was enormously satisfying.

“My team’s job is to understand the individual needs, values and backgrounds of Pacific students and the challenges they may encounter while studying. So, not only is it an emotional moment for our graduates, it’s also a celebration for our staff who have supported these students every step of the way. Our dedicated team of Pacific Learning Advisors are incredibly proud of the work these graduates put in to get here.”

In 2024, Massey achieved the highest pass rate ever recorded for Pacific tertiary students in Aotearoa New Zealand. Figures published by the Tertiary Education Commission, Pacific on-campus students had a course pass rate of 82.9 per cent.