Trinity College Honour and Celebrate Excellence
A special ceremony was held to honour and acknowledge the outstanding achievements of Rev. Dr. Arapera Ngaha, Tumuaki of Te Taha Māori, and Prof Jione Havea, a former Senior Research Fellow in Religious Studies. Both were conferred with the honorary title of Fellow, becoming the first Māori and Pacific Islander to receive this prestigious recognition.
Rev. Dr. Ngaha was celebrated for her exemplary leadership in educational governance and 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.
The College also 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 include:
Dr Emily Colgan – Associate Professor of Biblical Studies
A leading voice in biblical studies, Dr Colgan 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. She has significantly contributed to the development of innovative programmes integrating Māori and Pasifika knowledge systems and her courses . (eg 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 is a globally recognised scholar in eco-theology and social ethics. He holds a PhD from the Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago and many of his publications continue to shape contemporary theological discourse. Dr. Zachariah has delivered keynote addresses at global forums, contributed to ecumenical initiatives, and mentored students and colleagues alike.
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 have challenged conventional interpretations and highlighted Oceania’s contributions to global theological discourse. 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 celebration ceremony on 7 December recognised the achievements of the academics and affirmed the College’s commitment to academic rigour, equity and fairness.