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Chris Kelly.
Massey University tried to limit the damage from Kelly’s comments, with outgoing vice-chancellor Steve Maharey sending an email to all staff saying:
“Staff may be aware of comments attributed to chancellor Chris Kelly published in Rural News. The chancellor has asked me to pass onto all staff the following: ‘I sincerely apologise for the remarks reported in a recent Rural News article. It does not reflect my personal view of Massey or its courses. It was certainly not my intention to offend anyone, but I concede I have done so. I was trying to explain changes Massey University has made over a number of years in the veterinary science programme in response to industry needs, and I also concede that the information was not factual.’ "
However, such was the torrent of outrage and upset that Kelly late last week told Massey he would step down from his position, effective immediately.
“Having had time to carefully consider the views of many staff, students and stakeholders, I believe it is in the interests of the university that I step aside,” he said.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
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Minister for Universities, Shane Reti, has opened the final new build in a ten plus year project to upgrade the veterinary facilities at Massey University.
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Registrations are now open for the 2026 Ruralco Golf Classic, with all proceeds from the event set to support the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust.
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