The final new build in a project over more than 10 years to upgrade the veterinary facilities at Massey University was officially opened this month by the Minister for Universities, Dr Shane Reti.
Ngā Huia is a new $70 million veterinary research and teaching facility on Massey’s Manawatū campus, with state of the art laboratories for specialised researchers in areas such as Pathobiology and Infectious Diseases, the Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, and production, working and native animal health.
The building includes academic and postgraduate student offices, as well as student collaboration and study spaces.
Pro Vice-Chancellor College of Sciences Professor Ray Geor described the Ngā Huia opening as a significant milestone in the School of Veterinary Science’s 64-year history.
“Ngā Huia will strengthen our ability to lead and support the nation to battle disease outbreaks, deal with pandemics and care for the animals in Aotearoa New Zealand. As an alumnus myself, I am very proud that Massey is reinforcing its highly regarded reputation for excellence in veterinary science and as an applied university at the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy.”
The Ngā Huia opening completes the third phase of the $160 million veterinary facilities upgrade programme, which was first approved by University leadership in 2011 and has been fully funded by Massey.
The upgrades have included Massey’s equine hospital, new Wildbase facilities (native wildlife hospital), veterinary clinic spaces and the Student Learning complex with new pathology, anatomy and clinical skills laboratories. These works also included demolition of the iconic former Vet Tower during 2022.
Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science is the sole provider of veterinary education in New Zealand, and for the past two years has been named the number one veterinary school in Australasia and Asia and ranked 19th in the world in the QS University Rankings.
In 2023, Massey increased its intake to 175 students per year.
Head of the School Professor Jon Huxley told the audience that for the past four years, Massey veterinary graduates have ranked in the top six globally, based on employer reputation. The support and input of key industry organisations such as the New Zealand Veterinary Association, the Veterinary Council of New Zealand and the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer has played a key role in this ongoing success.
Source: Massey University
