Trinity College Educating and Empowering Students

Trinity continues to work towards its strategic vision of transformative theological engagement for justice focusing on three central goals. Firstly the college aspires to empower and equip people to critically engage in theological enquiry in the context of Aotearoa and Oceania. Secondly, it aims to assist the Church in its search to become contextually relevant and prophetic in its public witness. Lastly, Trinity emphasises the crucial importance of justice to these endeavours, with special reference to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the bi-cultural partnership.

A highlight for the year was Trinity’s proven recommitment to high quality education by successfully maintaining its Category 1 ranking as an education provider and PTE after this year’s External Evaluation Review (EER) by the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA). This built on top of a satisfactory Consistency Review in November 2022. The 2023 evaluation focused on all programmes, including the Bachelor of Theology degree, and their delivery. The final report affirmed with ‘High Confidence’ the College’s educational performance and capability for self-assessment.

We are committed to meeting the evolving needs of students, Te Haahi Weteriana, and Aotearoa society. The College has expanded its academic offerings to encompass a wider range of disciplines and interdisciplinary studies. This includes innovative programmes that explore the intersections of faith, ethics, and contemporary issues. There is also an ongoing conversation with our partners (especially St John’s College) about the possibility of delivering postgraduate programmes collaboratively.

Students are the most valuable members of the College community. The current number of students at College sits at 110; a few students less than the 2022 roll. About a third of these students participate in the Pasifika language lay training programmes in either Tongan or Samoan, and they also feed the English language programmes (L4 to L7).

Of the four pioneer graduates from the BTheol degree programme last year, two continue on to do postgraduate studies, one became a probationer, and one is going to stationing this year. This year, at least three students will be graduating from the degree programme and many more from other programmes. From the ministry candidates and probationers we have this year, seven had been stationed to various parishes across the Connexion. The College wishes all of them the best as they are about to serve in their first appointment on their journey toward ordination.

Our academic staff continue to demonstrate exceptional dedication to teaching, research, and mentoring. Their expertise and commitment to our mission have been instrumental in guiding our students towards academic and personal success. They are also globally recognized and that adds to the College’s international profile as an educational institution. In September 2023, Drew University and Princeton Theological Seminary invited Rev Dr Jione Havea, Trinity’s Senior Research Fellow in Religious Studies, to deliver four lectures.

Another highlight for the college community was the approval of a $1.17m grant from the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) to the Principal, Rev Dr Nāsili Vaka’uta, and a team of Tongan researchers from NZ universities. The grant will allow the team to conduct a three-year Pasifika research project on the impact of delusional religiosity on the wellbeing of Tongans across the motu. This is the first time this grant is awarded to a lead researcher from a theological and/or church-based institution. That also makes Trinity a new research host for HRC, and opens up opportunities for other members of the academic staff to seek similar project fundings.

The past year has brought with it significant changes. Firstly, we would like to thank Tumuaki Rev Dr Arapera Ngaha, for her long services to the College Council and her careful guidance and leadership as the chairperson as she has stepped down from this role. I have been chosen as the new chairperson, supported on the council by newly appointed members, Saia Havili and Naasona Teo, who bring skills and experience in finance and governance. Secondly, Dr Emily Colgan, Trinity’s Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Academic Advisor, was appointed by the Kaunihera of St John’s College as their new Manukura. The Trinity community supported Emily in her new role and wish her the best, and look forward to the two colleges working closer together.

While we have made substantial progress in various areas, we also acknowledge the challenges ahead. The evolving landscape of higher education and connexional and societal expectations demand adaptability and innovation. With Dr Colgan leaving and Te Aroha Rountree taking up her role as President in 2024, the College needs new additions to the staff team to cater for the increasing demands of programmes, students, and stakeholders. Job opportunities had been advertised widely and we have received applications. Balancing staff workloads against the requirements of the church and community, while maintaining exceptional levels of education, is an ongoing concern for the council.

Looking to the future, there are ongoing conversations with the Wesley College Trust Board about the possibility of sharing space with Trinity College at the new school development in Paerata Rise. Te Haahi needs to have a plan in place to ensure continuity of ministry training. The online platform is available, but a physical presence is very important.

Coming up next year, Trinity is hosting two conferences. The first is a Symposium titled Discerning the Future of Methodist Theological Education. This gathering aims to explore and envision the trajectory of Methodist theological education in the ever-evolving landscape of the 21st century. It provides a platform for Methodist scholars, educators, and practitioners to exchange ideas, insights, and best practices. This event is scheduled for May 24-26, 2024 to coincide with Wesley Day and to commemorate the 180th anniversary of Methodist theological education and ministry training in Aotearoa. The second is a workshop on AI and Transformative (Theological) Education which provides a platform for scholars, theologians, and educators to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and theological education. This intersection raises important questions about the role of technology in shaping religious thought, practice, and education. By bringing these diverse perspectives together, attendees can exchange ideas, share insights, and explore the potential implications of AI on religious education. This approach can lead to innovative approaches and solutions for integrating AI into theological curricula and teaching methods.

Finally, thank you to the Principal, Rev Dr Nasili Vaka’uta for his leadership, to Rev Suivaaia Teo and members of the Ministry Committee and the Trinity College staff, for their exceptional work and collegiality, to the Trinity College Council for their dedication and direction, and to all our families for their ongoing moral support, love and understanding.