Activities for Auckland / Palmerston North / Wellington, New Zealand

Recreational facilities are available on each campus and most activities are free or have a minimal fee. Group exercise classes, massages, personal trainers, and health assessment tests are available at all campus recreation facilities. These campus facilities and opportunities are without a doubt the best in the city and probably unmatched by any other university in the country.

Global Student-Athlete provides students studying on the Manawatū campus the opportunity to combine elite coaching and training with one or two semesters of study. Their certified high-performance trainer crafts individualized programs designed to meet your specific athletic goals so you return home stronger and in better shape than when you left.

Massey’s student associations ensure that students have the best experience possible through the provision of a huge array of clubs, events, and leadership activities. Some popular choices include volleyball, water polo, rugby, ultimate Frisbee, chess, drama, anime, jujutsu, music, religion, and politics. The on-site Student Support teams can help guide you to on-campus resources for all of your interests.

Rugby opportunities

New Zealand has a very strong rugby culture and history. Massey offers the perfect way to experience the Kiwi lifestyle and culture by playing rugby at the Massey University Rugby Football Club (MURFC) based at the Palmerston North campus while enrolled. You do not have to be a professional rugby player to join; all that is required is a keen interest for New Zealand’s national passion. Open to players at all levels, MURFC provides students with an excellent opportunity to improve their rugby skills and ability by training in the world’s rugby capital. For students who already have finely tuned rugby skills, they are encouraged to apply additionally to the Rugby Academy program, which is run by the Manawatū Rugby Football Union for players who show professional potential.

The club rugby season runs from March until July, so most students begin their study in February (Semester One). Students typically study four undergraduate courses per semester and then play rugby as part of a Massey club team and join in the training sessions and Saturday games outside of usual university classroom hours. USAC students interested in this option will submit the MU Rugby Football Club Pre-Registration form; the additional Manawatū Rugby Football Union form is available upon request.