Professor Emeritus honour recognises distinguished accounting leader

Professor Laswad has dedicated more than 21 years to Massey, serving as Professor of Accounting and Head of the School of Accountancy. During his tenure, he transformed the School into one of the most highly regarded accountancy schools in Australasia, strengthening its reputation for teaching excellence, research impact and international accreditation.

Professor Laswad says he’s honoured to be bestowed with the title of Professor Emeritus.

" It has been a privilege to spend so many years teaching, researching and working alongside outstanding colleagues and students at Massey”

Under his leadership, Massey's accountancy programme became one of only two in Aotearoa New Zealand accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and one of only 12 programmes outside the United States to achieve this distinction. The School also maintained accreditations with leading professional bodies including Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and CPA Australia.

His influence has extended well beyond Massey. A Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) and Fellow Certified Practising Accountant (FCPA), Professor Laswad has held numerous leadership positions across the profession, including Chair of the Education Board for Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and President (New Zealand) of the Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand. He continues to contribute internationally through editorial roles, AACSB accreditation activities and academic mentoring.

Alongside his leadership, Professor Laswad has maintained an exceptional research record, publishing more than 80 refereed journal articles and making significant contributions to accounting education and financial reporting research.

Reflecting on the honour, Professor Laswad says he is grateful for the opportunities and relationships that have shaped his career.

“Looking back on my academic journey, I am especially grateful for the opportunities I have had to lead the School of Accountancy, contribute to the university's mission and support the development of future accounting professionals.

“This recognition means a great deal to me. I see it not only as a personal honour but also as a reflection of the many valued relationships, collaborations and shared achievements that have made my time at Massey so rewarding. I remain grateful to everyone who has been part of that journey."

The Professor Emeritus title is conferred upon retirement to select nominees who are recognised nationally as having been outstanding in their discipline; and who have made an outstanding contribution to scholarship or the university or both; as well as being held in the respect and esteem of colleagues.