New partnership to boost Northland’s food and fibre future

A new partnership between Northland Inc and Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University is set to strengthen education, research, and innovation opportunities across Te Tai Tokerau’s food and fibre sector, with the signing of a Waka Hourua (Heads of Agreement) in Whangārei on Monday 03 November.

The agreement was signed by Northland Inc Board Chair Suzanne Duncan and Massey University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas.

The agreement, signed by Northland Inc Board Chair Suzanne Duncan and Massey University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas, 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.

The Waka Hourua framework draws on the symbolism of a double-hulled voyaging canoe - two strong hulls, each with their own strengths and momentum, navigating together in the same direction. It represents a commitment to collaboration, balance, and purpose.

For Te Tai Tokerau, that shared purpose is clear. Primary industries such as pastoral farming, horticulture, fishing and aquaculture, and forestry remain the economic backbone of the region, contributing more than ~$1.4 billion to Northland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year and accounting for ~68% of the value of Northland’s exports.  

Despite the significance to the region, the 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. The Waka Hourua partnership aims to change that, by building a strong, enduring Massey University presence in Northland and co-developing programmes that reflect local needs and aspirations.

Suzanne Duncan, Chair of Northland Inc, says 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.

Northland Inc Chair Suzanne Duncan speaks prior to the signing of the agreement.

“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 establishes a platform for collaboration between the university, Northland Inc, iwi, local schools and industry. It 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.

Massey University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas.

Massey University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas says the Waka Hourua 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. 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.

“Massey’s core mission has always been about creating enduring impact for learners, for communities, and for the land. As the leading distance education provider in New Zealand, we want to see more of our students studying in the regions, more research projects embedded in local contexts, and more collaboration that connects knowledge with practice. The Waka Hourua agreement provides the foundation for that in Northland.”

The first phase of the partnership begins 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, ensuring the collaboration upholds tikanga and delivers meaningful outcomes for tangata whenua and communities across the region.

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.

The Waka Hourua partnership will be guided by shared principles and values that reflect both organisations’ commitment to leadership, sustainability, inclusion, and community. This includes:

• Whakapapa- Recognition of the unique strengths, history and role of each party.
• Manaakitanga - Deep respect for people and place.
• Kaitiakitanga - Guardianship of whenua, taiao, and knowledge.
• Mōhiotanga - A shared commitment to knowing our region, our learners, and our sectors well.
• Tūraru - Managing risk to ensure sustainable, financially viable delivery.
• Kotahitanga - Partnership and unity of purpose and commitment.
• Whakamana - Actions that uphold and grow the mana of others

Ms Duncan adds, “By bringing Massey’s expertise into our region and aligning it with local priorities, we’re creating opportunities that stay here - in our schools, on our farms, in our communities. This is about Te Tai Tokerau standing strong in its own right, growing talent, innovation, and research capability that reflect who we are and where we’re heading.”

(L-R) Northland Inc Head of Investment and Infrastructure, Vaughan Cooper, Northland Inc Head of Kaupapa Māori, Piripi Moore, Massey University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori, Paora Ammunson, Northland Inc Board Chair, Suzanne Duncan, MP for Northland, Grant McCallum, Massey University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jan Thomas, Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper, Massey University Pro Vice-Chancellor College of Sciences, Ray Geor, Northland Inc Chief Executive, Paul Linton.