December 7th, 2024 marked a historic day for Trinity Methodist Theological College as it celebrated a series of unprecedented academic advancements and honours, coinciding with its 180th anniversary. The College held a special ceremony to recognise individuals whose extraordinary contributions have shaped theological education in Aotearoa and beyond.

Trinity College conferred the honorary title of Fellow to two outstanding individuals. Rev. Dr. Arapera Ngaha, Tumuaki of Te Taha Māori, and Prof. Jione Havea, a former Senior Research Fellow in Religious Studies, became the first Māori and Pacific Islander to receive this prestigious recognition. Rev. Dr. Ngaha was celebrated for her exemplary leadership in educational governance and invaluable service as a Council member and chairperson. Prof. Havea was honoured for his significant contributions to research, teaching, and curriculum development, which have enriched theological education locally and globally.

In an equally momentous move, the College announced its first-ever academic promotions to professorial ranks. These appointments signify a new era of academic excellence and leadership at Trinity College. The honorees, promoted following a rigorous evaluation process, are:

Dr. Emily Colgan – Associate Professor of Biblical Studies
Dr. Colgan, a leading voice in biblical studies, holds a PhD in Hebrew Bible from the University of Auckland. Her pioneering work in eco-hermeneutics, feminist theology, and postcolonial biblical interpretation has redefined the field. Her forthcoming book, Jeremiah: An Ecological Commentary (Bloomsbury), along with co-edited volumes like The Routledge Handbook of Eve, demonstrates her ability to bridge academic rigor with contemporary relevance. As Academic Director, Dr. Colgan has significantly contributed to the development of innovative programs integrating Māori and Pasifika knowledge systems. Her courses, such as Violence in Biblical Texts and Bible and Te Tiriti, empower students to critically engage with faith and society. Beyond academia, her leadership in the Shiloh Project has developed resources addressing gender violence in religious contexts, including the widely-used Toolkit for Churches.

Dr. George Zachariah – Professor of Theological Studies
Dr. Zachariah, a globally recognized scholar in eco-theology and social ethics, holds a PhD from the Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago. His publications, including Alternatives Unincorporated: Earth Ethics from the Grassroots and Disruptive Faith, Inclusive Communities: Church and Homophobia, continue to shape contemporary theological discourse. His academic contributions extend beyond publishing. Dr. Zachariah has delivered keynote addresses at global forums, contributed to ecumenical initiatives, and mentored students and colleagues alike. At Trinity College, he has led the development of the Bachelor of Theology program and fostered spaces for inclusive dialogue, amplifying marginalized voices in theological education.

Rev. Dr. Nāsili Vakaʻuta – Professor of Biblical Studies
Rev. Dr. Vakaʻuta, Principal of Trinity College since 2015, is a transformative leader whose scholarship integrates Pasifika traditions, postcolonial hermeneutics, and Indigenous epistemologies. His publications, such as Reading Ezra 9-10 Tu’a-wise and Theology as Thresholds: Invitations from Aotearoa New Zealand, have challenged conventional interpretations and highlighted Oceania’s contributions to global theological discourse. Beyond research, Dr. Vakaʻuta’s visionary leadership has reshaped theological education by integrating culturally responsive curricula. His efforts in securing a $1.2 million grant for The Lotu Factor project exemplify his commitment to addressing pressing community issues, such as the intersections of religiosity, well-being, and Tongan identity in New Zealand. His leadership extends to championing gender and sexual diversity through initiatives like the Que[e]rying Lotu project.

The ceremony celebrated these remarkable individuals and reaffirmed Trinity College’s unwavering commitment to academic rigour, equity, and fairness. The honorees’ achievements were evaluated against national and international standards, ensuring recognition at the highest level of academic distinction.