A new partnership between Massey University and Northland Inc is set to strengthen education, research, and innovation opportunities across Te Tai Tokerau’s food and fibre sector.

The partnership was formalised with the signing of a Heads of Agreement in Whangārei this week.

The agreement, signed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas and Northland Inc Board Chair Suzanne Duncan, signals a shared commitment to build a future where tertiary education, research, and regional development work hand in hand to uplift people, communities, and industries across the region.

Primary industries such as pastoral farming, horticulture, fishing and aquaculture, and forestry remain the economic backbone of ther Te Tai Tokerau region. They contribute more than $1.4 billion to Northland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year and accounting for around 68% of the value of Northland’s exports.

But supporting systems for education, training, and research have not always kept pace, leaving untapped potential across the region. Many of Northland’s young people leave the region to study, and businesses often need to look elsewhere for research support or technical expertise.

Professor Jan Thomas says the partnership reflects a natural alignment between Massey’s expertise and Northland’s ambitions.

“Our university’s roots are in agriculture, horticulture and applied food technology, and we’re deeply committed to supporting regional Aotearoa New Zealand,” she said.

“Working with Northland Inc, iwi, schools and industry partners, provides an opportunity to co-design education and research that reflects the unique strengths and aspirations of Te Tai Tokerau.

Suzanne Duncan, Chair of Northland Inc, said the agreement represents an important step in unlocking the full potential of Te Tai Tokerau’s food and fibre sector.

“We know that the future of food and fibre in Northland depends on the people who grow, study, and innovate here. Having Massey University working alongside our communities and industry partners – in our region, on our whenua – will build capability and confidence from the ground up.

“This partnership is about action: getting teaching and research happening locally, connecting students to opportunities, and building pathways that mean our young people don’t have to leave Northland to access world-class learning and leadership.”

The agreement sets out shared priorities that include:

• Supporting secondary schools to deliver quality learning in agriculture, horticulture, food technology and environmental management.
• Co-developing tertiary pathways from Level 1–3 training through to advanced qualifications and degrees.
• Growing regional research partnerships, including with Northland Agricultural Research Farm (NARF), the Kaipara Moana Restoration project, Ngāwhā Innovation and Enterprise Park, and iwi-led initiatives in food and fibre.
• Exploring the development of micro-credentials and short-courses that respond directly to local workforce needs.
• Working toward a physical Massey presence within the planned Whangārei Knowledge Hub, ideally by mid-2026, including the appointment of two roles based in Northland.

The first phase of the partnership will begin in early 2026, with the appointment of two roles (1.5 FTE) based in Northland. One role will focus on building local research and student engagement, promoting regional study opportunities and postgraduate training pathways, and connecting learners with funding and industry partners.

The second will focus on long-term Māori partnership development.

Work is already underway to scope Massey’s involvement in the Whangārei Knowledge Hub, a proposed centre for innovation and education, and to co-develop regionally focused programmes in horticulture and agriculture. This includes exploring existing and new micro-credentials and professional development pathways at Massey, tailored to the needs of Northland’s farmers, growers, and educators.

Source: Massey University