Engineering students run far from Massey after course cuts

Engineering students flock to other universities after the Massey course was cut in Albany late last year and the Manawatū course is on its way out.  

Engineering students who have one year or less left can continue their degree at Massey, however, many have transferred to Auckland University, Canterbury University, Waikato University and UCOL Polytechnic.  

Engineering student Jared Hill transferred to Canterbury saying he found the limited updates over summer extremely aggravating. 

He felt this especially affected students who were taking summer school classes at the time of the announcement. 

Hill said, “The cuts mean I must leave behind friends, and family for my degree. I love what I study, I am not afraid to continue what I love.

“Massey offered to pay us out for any inconveniences faced by moving out, but it will never be enough.” 

Ray Geor pro vice chancellor College of Sciences said, ''we wanted this to be as open and transparent a process as possible''. 

Geor said the university communicated the changes ''every step of the way'' through email, social media updates, Q&A sessions and its website.  

@masseyuni on Instagram posted four times regarding the College of Sciences change, all of which did not give any concrete updates, directing students to its website.  

Geor was grateful to other universities for working alongside Massey to develop other options for students who wanted to transfer. 

“Massey supported students to remain in place and to complete the summer school courses by distance to relieve any pressure on a move before the beginning of 2024.” 

Course and staff cuts had affected master's student Martin Allen, causing him to lose his ''superstar'' supervisor and research progress.  

He had thoughts of finishing his studies in Canterbury or abroad but decided to stay as he's almost finished his course.  

''It will be very challenging”.

Nelson Harper, Engineering graduate and Palmy business Precycle owner, said the cuts meant interns and graduates were harder to find.  

Harper said, “Big companies like Greentech, or Levno are stationed in Palmerston North because of the engineering students and play a big part in Palmerston North’s GDP, many startups rely on a flow of local interns and graduates.” 

Wendy Carr, Te Tira Ahu Pae’s general manager took third year students to an IT industry breakfast in October, which allowed students to talk to industry leaders about the cuts.  

Carr said business owners were frustrated about the lack of consideration given to their workforce pipeline, many of whom take on interns and graduate engineers from Massey. 

She said there were many local businesses that have chosen to base themselves in the Manawatū due to the types of programmes offered at Massey University. 

"Many were mystified that no consideration had been given to the ramifications of these cuts.'' 

One business told Carr it would have to reconsider relocating to either Auckland or Christchurch to ensure they had a connection to a university. 

Students were recommended to look at the College of Sciences proposal for change website for further information, such as financial aid, which remains open for students.