Massey invites community to help welcome students

As part of Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s 2025 orientation programme, departments across the university and Students’ Association Te Tira Ahu Pae have collaborated to put together a series of academic, social and wellbeing experiences to warmly welcome both new and returning students back to Massey.

Orientation is a crucial part of helping students feel welcomed and supported as they transition into their new community and home for the next few years. It’s an opportunity for students to form relationships with their peers, connect with the local community and discover where they fit in. As new students come from around Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas, orientation helps them adjust and build a sense of belonging in their new environment.

For the community, the influx of students provides a chance to engage by welcoming them and participating in events, fostering a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere that enriches the area for everyone. This shared connection strengthens both the students’ experience and the community's sense of unity.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students and Global Engagement Dr Tere McGonagle-Daly says orientation is as essential part of the university experience as it helps students transition smoothly into academic and campus life.

“Orientation provides our students with the tools, resources and support they need to thrive, both academically and socially. In fact, there is a growing field of research that clearly evidences the link between a strong orientation and future academic success. By fostering a sense of belonging and connection from the start, orientation ensures that students feel confident, engaged and empowered to make the most of their time at Massey, which sets them up for the future.

“We are really keen on connecting our students with the community; it not only enriches their academic journey but also helps to build a strong support network,” Dr McGonagle-Daly says.

General Manager of Te Tira Ahu Pae, James Collings, acknowledges how overwhelming it can be to start university and move to a new region, but highlights the importance of human connection in easing the transition.

“We’re welcoming over 4,500 new students to the Massey whānau and also to the communities they will live in. As our students become part of the Massey community, we’ve designed events that encourage the public to join in. We hope these will foster a sense of connection, create lasting bonds and bring a little fun to everyone in a relaxed atmosphere on our campuses,” he says.

This year, the community has been invited to come along and be part of the festivities on each campus. The first public event of the programme is the Community Market Day, which runs on each campus from 11am to 2pm on Tuesday 25 February. Market Day will feature an amazing variety of stalls from students, artists, craftspeople and local community groups. With live music and food trucks onsite, it’s a fun and free event that promises to get everyone buzzing. For campus-specific details, check out the website here.

One of the most anticipated events is the comedy night on Thursday 27 February held across all three campuses.

Auckland

The Auckland show will be hosted at the Merchant Pub Co. in Albany and is headlined by Cori Gonzales-Macuer, an award-winning comedian and actor best known for 7 Days, What We Do in the Shadows and Wellington Paranormal. He’s a two-time Billy T Award nominee and the 2021 Fred Award winner. Also on stage will be Brendon Green, who brings world-class storytelling as the MC, while Annie Guo, Sophie Stone and Paul Douglas deliver an unforgettable mix of sharp, deadpan and award-winning comedy. To purchase your tickets and check out the full line-up click here.

Manawatū

The comedy night in the Manawatū will be held in the state-of-the-art auditorium in the historic Sir Geoffrey Peren Building. Featuring comedic powerhouse Justine Smith and other talented local acts, including student Siobhan Barnard, Morgan Hunter-Bell, Alex Neil and MC Callum Wagstaff, this night guarantees laughter and good vibes. At just $20 per person, it’s an affordable and entertaining way to spend the evening. To purchase your tickets and check out the full line-up click here.

Wellington

Join us for a night of top-notch comedy featuring Hoani Hotene, a 2025 Billy T Award nominee known for his dry humour and award-winning performances. Kipling DC will host the event, with his sharp and silly wit, while Jak Darling, also a 2025 Billy T nominee, brings his award-winning energy. Plus, Alayne Dick, fresh from the 2024 NZ Comedy Festival, will keep the laughs coming. Don’t miss this hilarious lineup. At just $20 per person, it’s an affordable and entertaining way to spend the evening, held at the historic Dominion Museum Building. To purchase your tickets and check out the full line-up click here.

As the Massey community comes together to celebrate the beginning of another academic year, it’s a reminder of how vital human connections are in creating a vibrant, inclusive environment for everyone. Through these shared experiences, both students and locals have the opportunity to grow, connect and build lasting memories that will shape their university years and beyond.