Michael Ahie concludes his time as Chancellor of Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University

After first stepping on to the Manawatū campus as an undergraduate student 40 years ago, Michael Ahie, Taranaki, Ngā Ruahine, Ngāti Ruanui, has concluded his term on Council and stepped down as Chancellor of Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University.

At the University Council meeting on 7 March, Mr Ahie was thanked for his 12-year term on Council and eight years as Chancellor and praised for his unwavering dedication to advancing the university’s commitment to excellence and equity.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says, “Michael has been the Chancellor the entire time I’ve been in the role of Vice-Chancellor. We’ve shared the stage at graduation more times than I can count and have become great friends over the years. His dedication to Massey is admirable and I have no doubt he will continue to be an ally of our great university for years to come.”

An event to formally farewell and thank Mr Ahie for his many years of service is scheduled to be held in May.

Mr Ahie was first appointed to the Council by the Minister of Tertiary Education in December 2012, and went on to become Pro Chancellor in December 2013. In 2016 he became the university’s first Māori Chancellor.

He is a Massey alumnus, having graduated with a Bachelor of Business Studies with First Class Honours in Marketing in 1988. After graduating, Mr Ahie embarked on a career that saw him take on senior roles at Toyota New Zealand, the New Zealand Dairy Board and Wrightson Ltd. He then went on to establish AltusQ New Zealand, a firm dedicated to coaching and mentoring individuals in various organisations. He has served on multiple advisory groups and boards of directors, including Zespri International Limited, Spring Sheep Milk Co, Plant & Food Research, FMG and the Plant Market Access Council.

Mr Ahie says he looks forward to watching the university’s continued success.

“As Massey approaches its centennial year in 2027, I have great pride in what we have achieved and what we represent – a unique New Zealand institution with a student-centric heart and a distinctive character shaped by our diverse, mature and regionally-dispersed student body. Our people and our graduates embody the quintessential New Zealand character, full of aspiration and ready to challenge the status quo.

“As a community, I look forward to our university continuing to foster confident, creative and compassionate people – qualities essential for the 21st century leaders who will emerge from our halls.”

He plans to continue his involvement in governance across the research, education and food and fibre sectors, as well as supporting his wider whānau in their endeavors.

Alistair Davis ONZM, who has served on the Massey University Council since 2018, has been elected to the role of Chancellor.