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Kia ora koutou katoa,
While Massey is one of only eight universities in New Zealand, there are tens of thousands of universities across the globe. It can be extremely difficult to judge the quality of an institution when there are so many worldwide, with each university varying significantly in structure, focus and mission.
I’m proud to share that Massey has moved up nine spots in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings to be 230th equal in the world, and third in New Zealand. This result is testament to our impactful research, growth of international students, quality teaching and graduates, and sustainability efforts.
A big factor in determining a university’s ranking is its reputation, both within academic circles and among those who engage with it through avenues such as hiring its graduates, collaborating on research, or solving industry problems. A component of the QS Ranking process is done by conducting a reputational survey to measure how universities compare, as judged by those who interact with them.
Each spring we provide QS Ranking with hundreds of contacts who are willing to complete a short confidential online survey the following February.
People who champion Massey in this way can help us retain – or even improve – our international ranking. This means we can attract more students and students, research funding and partnerships, which will ultimately amplify the impact we can have in Aotearoa and the world. If you would like to participate in the QS Ranking survey, please complete this form.
Thank you for your continued support for Massey. I hope you enjoy reading about the wonderful things our staff and students have been up to lately.
Ngā mihi nui,
Professor Jan Thomas
Vice-Chancellor
Massey achieves highest on-campus course pass rates of all NZ universities
For the third year in a row, students studying on-campus at Massey have the highest course pass rate of all universities in the country.
In addition, students across the board are benefiting significantly from the way we teach and supports students, which is further enhanced through our Pūrehuroatanga initiative.
The latest results published by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) show that at Massey University in 2024 on-campus students had a successful course pass rate of 92.8 per cent, an increase of 0.5 per cent from 2023. This is the highest pass rate in Aotearoa New Zealand.
New artificial intelligence major set to launch in 2026
A new major spotlighting AI will be added to the Bachelor of Information Sciences in 2026, helping prepare tomorrow’s technology leaders for a changing world.
Massey ranked third in NZ, climbs global rankings amid international growth
The university has risen nine spots in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, coming in at 230th equal in the world.
Professor Emeritus Ralph Sims CNZM receives Sir Geoffrey Peren Award
The Sir Geoffrey Peren Award recognises and celebrates alumni with a long history of achievement who have provided meritorious service to Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, the community or nation. The award is bestowed by the Vice-Chancellor and commemorates the university’s founding Vice-Chancellor Sir Geoffrey Peren.
Massey recognised as global leader in sustainability in 2025 THE Impact Rankings
The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings measure global universities’ success in delivering on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University has one SDG ranked in the top 10 worldwide, three in the top 50 and a further three in the top 100.
New Zealand Police trainees welcomed to Massey
Police have celebrated the opening of the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) Auckland Campus at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University.
On Friday 27 June, Massey University hosted an event to bless the former Watson Labs on level 2 of Student Central before officially handing over the space to New Zealand Police.
Paora Ammunson confirmed as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori
We're pleased to announce Paora Ammunson, Ngāti Kahungunu and Rangitāne o Wairarapa, Te Arawa and Tainui, has been appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori.
King’s Honours for Massey academics and alumni
Several members of the university community were recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List including Professor Emeritus Paul Spoonley (left) and Dr Malcolm Mulholland, Ngāti Kahungunu.
A taste of innovation: 2025 NZ Food Awards finalists serve up function, flavour and flair
After putting the call out to Aotearoa New Zealand’s vibrant and innovative food and beverage sector, the 2025 New Zealand Food Awards finalists have been selected and are ready to take to the stage. This year, more than 365 entries were received from 138 companies, resulting in 48 outstanding product finalists from all across the motu.
Home affordability continues to improve in second quarter of 2025
Massey's Home Affordability Report has shown another notable improvement this quarter.
Professor Emeritus honoured for contribution to animal welfare
Professor Emeritus David Mellor has received the 2025 Award of Excellence in Animal Welfare, recognising a lifetime of work and advocacy in modern animal welfare science.
Propagating success -updated degree offers new pathways in horticulture
Massey's Bachelor of Horticultural and Plant Systems has been introduced as an updated qualification designed to help students harness the power of plants, shape the future of sustainable plant-based food systems and meet the needs of Aotearoa New Zealand’s thriving horticultural industries.
New governance course puts leadership into practice
Real-world governance experience is hard to come by, but Massey’s course in applied global governance and responsibility helps to bridge that gap.
Designed for experienced professionals, the course gives students the opportunity to step inside a boardroom, observe governance in action and contribute meaningfully to an organisation’s strategic oversight.
Lecturer, composer and sound artist wins APRA award
School of Music and Screen Arts Lecturer Dr Jesse Austin-Stewart is one of five recipients of the 2025 APRA Professional Development Award.
As a physically disabled and neurodivergent person, composer, sound artist and producer, Dr Austin-Stewart seeks to promote accessibility for tāngata whaikaha Māori, d/Deaf, and disabled people within Aotearoa New Zealand.
Unique German – Kiwi design collaboration results in new embassy logo
The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Aotearoa New Zealand has adopted a new tohu or logo created through a unique collaboration between cultures, enabled by Massey University.
The tohu, Whiri Tāngata Weaving People, powerfully embodies the connection between the two countries. German Ambassador Her Excellency Nicole Menzenbach intends to use it throughout her embassy’s activities in New Zealand.
Massey alumna turns toastie dream into a national brand
Bachelor of Business alumna Taylor Hamilton was recently named Future Leader of the Year at the 2025 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence, for co-founding fast-growing sandwich shop Toastie Lords.
Invasive spider confirmed in Aotearoa New Zealand
The noble false widow spider (Steatoda nobilis), already considered one of the world’s most invasive arachnids, has officially established itself in New Zealand. While bites are rare, the spider raises concerns for human health and native ecosystems.
Double the drive: Artistic roller skating sibling duo skate to success
For student athletes and siblings Jessica and Ben Shirley, artistic roller skating is more than just a sport; it’s a family tradition, a passion and a pathway to personal achievement.
Riiki Reid’s rise from Massey to music stardom
From campus studios to international stages, artist Riiki Reid’s journey from student to star began at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University.
The Kiwi Whakapapa and Tomo Project
Kiwi, a precious taonga and symbol in Aotearoa, are severely threatened by introduced mammal predators and habitat loss.
Learn about the team using genetic testing to better inform conservation efforts.
Researchers secure funding to advance animal care through new technology
Two projects led by researchers from the College of Sciences have received funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Endeavour Fund.
The Smart Ideas projects include the development of a world-first, high-intensity focused ultrasound method for painless calf disbudding, and the creation of new technologies to rapidly and accurately diagnose bovine mastitis.
Massey scientists collaborate with NASA to monitor geothermal fields
A team of researchers from the College of Sciences is collaborating on a three-year joint venture between NASA and Aotearoa New Zealand that could transform how scientists monitor the world’s geothermal fields.
The Massey University led project, will receive just over NZ$1 million from the new funding round.
From headlines to healing: A journalist’s second act
When Dr Tamara McLean crossed the stage in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland to receive a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology, her three children were there to celebrate as their mother embarks on a second career.
Near-Death Experience study achieves international recognition
A study into near-death experiences and dreaming by a team of psychology researchers has been featured by the American Psychological Association.
Land, legacy and the future
For Master of International Development student Sieni Tiraa, land is more than a resource, it’s about belonging, history and responsibility.
Her research looks at how land in Rarotonga has been affected by tourism and what this means for Cook Islanders today.
From paddocks to papers, gumboots to gowns: Massey and the Manawatū story
University Archivist Louis Changuion reflects on the university’s early years, sharing how the founding of Massey Agricultural College in Manawatū helped shape both the campus and the wider region.
Updated Social Vulnerability Indicators highlight pressure points across New Zealand
More children are going hungry; more adults are experiencing psychological distress and household crowding is on the rise - according to the latest update of New Zealand’s Social Vulnerability Indicators released by Environmental Health Intelligence New Zealand.
New book supports learners on their reo Māori journey
As one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most experienced teachers of te reo Māori, Associate Professor Hone Waengarangi Morris, Ngāi Te Rangitotohu, Ngāti Mārau, Ngāti Maru, Ngāi Te Ao Kāpiti, has drawn on decades of insight to publish a new book with Massey University Press.
Student artists buzzing after creating Wellington’s newest mural
Student artists and DJs from Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts had a blast painting and playing music at the site of Wellington’s newest mural in inner-city Cuba Street last month.
Imagine waking up one morning and finding yourself on billboards across the nation promoting a political campaign that is the antithesis of everything you believe in. Well done, then, to Hobson’s Pledge (HP), which has put Rotorua kuia Ellen Tamati in exactly that position by using an image of her in its campaign against the retention of Māori wards and constituencies.
Why abandoning NCEA isn’t clear-cut
Education Minister Erica Stanford’s proposal for significant changes to New Zealand’s senior secondary school qualification, the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), comes amidst public concerns about declines in student achievement, confusion about NCEA requirements and its value.
The immorality of famine as a colonial tool: Gaza, Bengal, and the echoes of hunger
The images of emaciated children in Gaza, their hollow eyes and frail bodies deprived of food as bombs drop around them, sear through our collective consciousness, offering a haunting reminder of a past that refuses to stay buried.
Living with the scars of the 1943 Bengal famine, with stories of chronic hunger shared by generations that lived through extreme food shortages and starvation, I am struck by the chilling parallels between the hunger in Gaza today, and the starvation that ravaged my ancestral homeland.
