The Central Luzon State University (CLSU) through the International Affairs Office (IAO) was invited by the New Zealand Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines, Her Excellency Dr. Catherine Mcintosh and Massey University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students and Global Engagement through CHED International Affairs Service (CHED-IAS) to participate in an exploratory partnership meeting dubbed as “Friends of Massey University” Dinner which was held at the Official Residence of the Ambassador of New Zealand to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday 27th of March 2026.

The International Affairs Office Director Dr. Parsons Hail, and Chief of Engagement and Collaboration Division Dr. Ella Joy A. Ponce represents CLSU in the partnership meeting. Massey University, New Zealand and CLSU share numerous aligned academic and research programs for future collaboration specifically in the areas of Sustainability in Agriculture, Veterinary Science Medicine, Science and Technology, Communication and Development Studies, International Relations, Information Technology, Business and Finance. Massey University and CLSU has signified its strong intention for academic and research collaboration in the specific areas but not limited to the mentioned fields of discipline.

CLSU team had a separate meeting with Professor Mohan J. Dutta, Dean and Chair Professor of Communication at Massey University and Director of the Center for Culture-Centered Approach to Research and Evaluation (CARE), College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Prof. Gourab Sen Gupta, Director International and Programme Development Coordinator, and Dean of the College of Science and discussed proposed student, faculty academic collaborations.

Moreover, H. E. Ambassador Dr. Catherine Mcintosh encouraged CLSU and other Philippine HEIs to apply for the Manaaki Scholarship grants and opportunities offered by the New Zealand government. Dr. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students and Global Engagement Dr. McGonagle-Daly expresses his gratitude and appreciation to CLSU’s efforts to establish partnership with Massey University.