Massey associates with Victoria University of Wellington
When the University of New Zealand was dissolved in 1961, most of its constituent colleges became autonomous universities. Massey Agricultural College was renamed Massey College and elected to associate itself with Victoria University of Wellington, until Massey could attain full autonomy.
Massey establishes a range of other faculties
In 1962, the College Council approved the establishment of faculties of technology and veterinary science, alongside the existing Faculty of Agricultural and Horticultural Science.
Massey was and is still the only university in New Zealand to provide training in veterinary science. In 1963, a Faculty of Science was also established.
Massey forms the Massey University College of Manawatu
On 1 January 1963 Massey College was amalgamated with the fledgling Palmerston North University College to form the Massey University College of Manawatu.
The Palmerston North University College, a branch of Victoria University of Wellington, was established in 1960 to provide extramural education as well as education in the arts. Palmerston North University College became the Faculty of General Studies of the new Massey University College.
Timeline of consolidating years
1946
Bourke property purchased
The Government bought the Bourke property, immediately adjacent to the Main Building, for the College in April. Much of it has been used for campus development while the remainder constitutes No. 3 Dairy Farm.
Rehab hostels
The Rehab hostels were moved from the Linton Army Camp in mid-1946 to serve as student accommodation.
1948
Tuapaka Farm
Tuapaka Farm was purchased by the Government for College purposes in July.
First PhD
Massey awarded its first PhD degree in July. The student was W. A. McGillivray.
1951
Rata Farm and Wharerata purchased
Rata, a 1908-acre farm in Southern Hawke's Bay, was acquired by the College in January. This has since been sold. Wharerata, the 16-acre property of the late Mrs A.E. Russell, was purchased by the Government for the College in April.
NZ College of Agriculture dissolved
The New Zealand College of Agriculture was dissolved, resulting in the termination of the association between Massey and Lincoln, which had existed since 1937.
1953
Young Farmers Club Memorial Building opened
Young Farmers Club Memorial Building, erected with funds collected by The Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, was opened in October.
1955
Bernard Chambers Veterinary Clinic
Bernard Chambers Veterinary Clinic was opened on 4 February.
1956
Palmerston North Teacher's College established
New Zealand's sixth teachers' college was opened in Palmerston North on 23 March 1956. Throughout its history the Palmerston North Teachers' College has had a close association first with Victoria University College and later with Massey University. Massey University provided degree level training in some subjects to Teachers' College students.
Sports pavilion
The Students' Association erected a small pavilion at the sports fields in July.
1958
Science courses introduced
First year science courses were introduced, laying the foundations for the Faculty of Science which was established in 1963.
Principal of College retires
After more than 30 years of service, Professor Geoffrey Peren retired as Principal of the College. He was awarded as Knight (Commander of the Order) of the British Empire (KBE) in the New Years Honours.
1959
Principal of College appointed
Dr. Alan Stewart assumed the role of Principal on 1 January.
1960
PNUC lectures begin
In March, lectures started at the Palmerston North University College, a branch of the Victoria University of Wellington, established on a 30-acre site at Hokowhitu and at Caccia Birch House in Palmerston North. It catered mainly for extramural students and also provided tuition for arts students in the Manawatū.
1961
Massey renamed
In terms of the Massey College Act 1961, Massey Agricultural College was renamed Massey College in January.
Monro House
Building work started on Monro House, an annex to Moginie House, in March.
University of New Zealand dissolved
The University of New Zealand was dissolved at the end of 1961. Massey elected to associate itself with Victoria University for the conferment of degrees pending the assumption of full autonomy.
1962
Wellington Polytechnic formed
The polytechnic and high school parts of the Wellington Technical College were separated and the Wellington Polytechnic and the Wellington High School came into being. The Wellington Polytechnic merged with Massey University in mid-1999.
Establishment of other faculties recommended
The Principal of Massey College reported that the College Council had approved a recommendation by the Professorial Board (now Academic Board) for the establishment of other faculties alongside the existing Faculty of Agricultural and Horticultural Science. Deans for the Faculty of Agricultural and Horticultural Science, the Faculty of Technology and the Faculty of Veterinary Science were appointed between March and May 1962. Massey was and still is the only university in New Zealand to provide training in veterinary science.
1962, Faculty of General Studies
In February, the Palmerston North University College became the Faculty of General Studies of the new University College.
1963
Massey and PNUC amalgamation
The Massey College of Manawatu Act 1962 amalgamated Massey College and the Palmerston North University College as from 1 January 1963 to form the Massey University College of Manawatu.
First meeting of Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science held its first meeting in July. For a time it was called the Faculty of Biological Sciences.
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