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History of Massey University , Tātai Kōrero mō Te kunenga ki Pūrehuroa

Massey University has grown from a small agricultural college in Palmerston North to become New Zealand's largest residential university. We are spread across three campuses and have the most distance students.

Massey's beginnings

Massey's beginnings towards becoming a university began as an agricultural college in Palmerston North.

McHardy property Tiritea McHardy property Tiritea McHardy property Tiritea McHardy property Tiritea

Foundation years

The new College was carried through the difficult years of World War Two and Great Depression by staff and students.

Massey's consolidating years

When World War Two and the Depression were over, the College continued to grow and work towards becoming a university.

Massey becomes a university

Massey University College of Manawatu became Massey University of Manawatu on 1 January 1964.

Coat of arms Coat of arms Coat of arms Coat of arms

Massey spreads its wings

Massey University expanded in the 1990s with new campuses in Auckland and Wellington.

Milestones & further growth

Massey celebrates milestones and continues to grow.

The arms and colours of Massey University

Learn about the history of Massey's arms and colours.

The Massey University logo The Massey University logo The Massey University logo The Massey University logo

Related history

Whakapapa

The students and scholars who have laid the foundations of Māori @ Massey.

Our history Our history Our history Our history

Tāmiro

See taonga from the collections of Massey University Library

Taonga Taonga Taonga Taonga

Massey University Archives

The Massey University Archives collections are available to staff, students, and members of the public.