School of Agriculture and Environment - Massey University

30/08/2026

What a fantastic day at Wellington Zoo Te Nukuao for our Animal Science students this week!
Students had the opportunity to hear from Animal Science Manager Simon Eyre about how the Five Domains Model, developed by Professor Emeritus David Mellor at Massey’s Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, is helping shape animal welfare practices around the world. They learned how the model underpins welfare assessments used by all Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia accredited zoos and aquariums, and how it is applied in practice at Te Nukuao.
Students also enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the Zoo’s Nutrition Centre, gaining insight into how they cater for the diverse dietary needs of the animals. A guided tour with Simon highlighted how exhibits and feeding programmes are carefully designed to support animal wellbeing, bringing classroom learning to life.
And, of course, there was some time to explore the zoo and meet its residents up close!
A huge thank you to Wellington Zoo Te Nukuao for hosting us and providing such an inspiring opportunity to learn more about animal welfare and nutrition in wild species under human care.

24/08/2026

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is seeking applicants for a scholarship programme helping to boost on-the-ground support for farmers and growers. “Six scholarships, worth $5,000 each or a total of $30,000, are on offer for the 2027 academic year,” MPI’s director of On Farm Support Ch...

24/08/2026

Are you a tertiary student who’s keen to pursue a career in the primary industry advisory sector – or do you know one?

Applications are now open for MPI’s On Farm Support Science Scholarships.

Six scholarships, worth $5,000 each, are on offer for the 2027 academic year to students enrolled in relevant degrees.

Applications close at 5pm on 28 September 2026.

Further information, including relevant degrees and how to apply, is available on MPI’s website:

Scholarships of $5,000 are awarded to tertiary students interested in working as advisers in the primary sector. Learn more about the scholarships and eligibility criteria.

23/08/2026

Although an early foray into study didn’t work out, Kelsey Norrie, 26, still wanted to continue her studies. The Culverden-based dairy farmer found distance study through Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University to be the right fit. Although recovering from a traumatic brain injury, Kelsey went ...

23/08/2026

The industry is "crying out" for agriculture graduates, according to Massey University's Professor Paul Kenyon, who says students from the School of Agriculture and the Environment are securing jobs before they even graduate. Enrolments have risen steadily to around 370 students, with 40% now studying by distance — a trend Kenyon says makes sense for those already living and working in rural regions.

19/08/2026

Good morning...Rural Delivery is coming up shortly on TVNZ1 and you can watch other episodes on TVNZ+ TVNZ 1 TVNZ+ FMG Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa

19/08/2026

19/08/2026

13/08/2026

For three years, Massey’s Dairy 1 research farm has been comparing the performance of heifers reared on their dams, with heifers hand-reared on milk replacer. Dr Natalia Martin and Dr Michaela Gibson share the findings of this work, finding that cow-reared calves were less labour intensive, but milking times and weaning needed additional management.

A television series celebrating New Zealand’s rural sector since 2005. Screening on TVNZ 1 on Saturdays at 8.00 am and Sundays at 6.00 am. Made with support from New Zealand On Air.

06/08/2026

In a collaboration with New Zealand’s Bioeconomy Science Institute and France’s National Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment, Associate Professor Carl Mesarich shares the research underway to find novel control methods for Apple Black Spot, also known as Scab disease, which is the most economically important disease of apples worldwide.

A television series celebrating New Zealand’s rural sector since 2005. Screening on TVNZ 1 on Saturdays at 8.00 am and Sundays at 6.00 am. Made with support from New Zealand On Air.