Professor Emeritus Barrie Macdonald, his wife Maureen and son Bruce at Professor Macdonald’s farewell in 2008.
Professor Macdonald was a distinguished historian and university leader whose career left an enduring mark on Massey University and the wider academic community. Joining Massey in 1971, he served as Professor and Head of History from 1990, before becoming Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences in 1997, serving in this role until his retirement in April 2008.
Internationally respected for his scholarship on Pacific history, colonisation and decolonisation, and the governance and political development of the Asia-Pacific region, Professor Macdonald was known for his integrity, strategic insight and generosity as a mentor.
Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Professor Cynthia White says Professor Macdonald made an enormous contribution to Massey.
“As foundational Pro Vice-Chancellor for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Barrie sought and secured new opportunities, most notably in the establishment of a number of research institutes accompanied by significant growth in external research income. He worked hard to develop partnerships within the sector, including significant relationships with the Landcare Research Group, the New Zealand Army and Air Force, and the Waitemata District Health Board.
“With Professor Sir Mason Durie, he played a key role in the establishment of the Te Rau Puawai programme, focused on developing a Māori mental health workforce, an initiative which continues to this day. Barrie was, in equal measure, wise, committed, incisive and compassionate, and both the College and Massey University were fortunate to have such a consummate leader at a critical time in our history,” Professor White says.
Professor Barrie Macdonald in 2011.
Professor Macdonald’s thoughtful leadership strengthened research culture and academic collaboration across the university. During his time at Massey, he also served in interim roles as Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Business, Acting Director of the Centre for Educational Development, Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Business, and Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Health.
Professor Macdonald served on the Council of the University of the South Pacific, the Sasakawa Foundation, the Marsden Fund, the Pacific History Foundation, and the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs.
Massey University farewelled Professor Macdonald in 2008, after 37 years. In 2017, he was awarded the Massey University Medal for outstanding service to the university, its management and development and the wider community.
Professor Macdonald continued his legacy well into retirement through his roles with the C Alma Baker Trust and the University of the South Pacific. He was known for his sound judgement, wit and enduring commitment to the values of scholarship and service.