Forming Ministers & Leaders
The Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership forms ministers and leaders for service in the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and partner churches.
In addition to training people for National Ordained Ministry, the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership also provides training for Local Ordained Ministers, Local Ministry Teams and other recognised ministries in the Church. We support presbyteries and congregations in their leadership development, and help resource continuing ministry formation among the Presbyterian Church’s ministers and elders.
Our History
In the early years of Presbyterianism in New Zealand, ministers came as migrants after training and ministry experience in Scotland, Ireland and Australia. William Salmond was inducted as the first professor of the Theological Hall on 3rd May , 1876. In 1877 classes were started in Dunedin in his home. Beginning with two students, by 1900 most students for the ministry of the soon to be united Northern and Southern Presbyterian Churches were attending Hall classes in Dunedin.
The union of the churches south and north of the Waitaki River in 1901 made the need for facilities urgent. The Synod of Otago and Southland was committed to the provision of theological education in Dunedin and, through the generosity of the Ross family, in 1909 Knox College was opened to provide both for the Theological Hall and a residential college for university students. Modeled on similar colleges in Australia, it sought to provide a setting where young single male students could mix with those studying for law, medicine and other disciplines at the university and share a vision for ‘the glory of God, the promotion of His Kingdom, and the advancement of sound learning’.
The appointment of John Dickie in 1909 as the first Principal helped connect New Zealand training with international theological developments. Under the leadership of successive masters Knox College as a student residential facility developed an outstanding community life and witnessed to the commitment of the Presbyterian Church to the encouragement of academic excellence. A steady flow of leaders in church and society have shared in its life and atmosphere and some have also added to its folklore.
In 1955 the need for separate facilities for the Theological Hall was met by the opening of the Hewitson Wing in commemoration of the centennial of the Presbyterian Church in Otago and Southland. The housing and development of the Hewitson Library as a major theological resource became a feature of the new facility. In 1984 a major extension provided further library space and a common room for Theology students, many of whom were now older, married, and living in church houses in North Dunedin.
In the post-war decades, Helmut Rex, himself a refugee from Nazi Germany, brought a deep intellectual commitment which challenged students, opened minds to the spiritual significance of literature, and raised awareness of indigenous cultures. In the 1960s the curriculum evolved to include pastoral studies and greater attention to the life of the New Zealand churches. In 1972 Te Wananga-a-rangi, the theological college of the Māori Synod, now Te Aka Puahou, was relocated from Whakatane to Dunedin, including the maihi which frame the approach to the Hewitson Wing of the College.
Staff shared in the development of the Bachelor of Divinity and Bachelor of Theology degrees at Otago University. Women and older students were welcomed to the community of theological students, and the requirement of permission to marry was dropped. The provision of culturally appropriate courses relating to Māori, Asian, and Polynesian New Zealanders provided a significant challenge, as did the theological and cultural diversities of the pakeha church. It was increasingly difficult to address these out of the classical theological curriculum which had served earlier generations well. Ecumenical links, particularly with the Roman Catholic seminary at Holy Cross and in shared work through the Faculty of Theology at Otago University, were enriching if not always easy to coordinate. In the 1990s, the innovation of Community Based Ministry Training (CBMT) created a viable distance model of delivery which proved its worth.
In 1997 the University of Otago assumed responsibility for the delivery of its Theology Degrees. The Theological Hall was disestablished and the School of Ministry was formed. Ordinands were now to complete a primary theological degree at one of a number of recognized providers before coming to the School of Ministry which provided a two-year ministry formation ordination studies programme. In the downsizing of staff the CBMT was discontinued.
After research on lay training needs in 1999 a coordinator for lay and recognised ministries was appointed. Since 2002, the School has also had shared responsibility along with Presbyteries for Local Ordained Ministers and members of Local Ministry Teams.
During 2006 a major review of the School of Ministry was concluded leading to decisions by the General Assembly to move to an internship model of training for National Ordained Ministry in conjunction with block courses and distance learning. The School of Ministry became the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership (KCML). Now interns undertake a 22-month internship being placed in congregational and missional settings. Their internship is punctuated with 3 residential block courses per year and ongoing assignment and project work. In their internship, their ministry rhythm translates to 75% day-to-day ministry and 25% study.
KCML provides support for Eldership and leadership training, advice for Local Ministry Teams, and working with Presbyteries in the training and formation of Local Ordained Ministers.
From 2018–2021 the Theological Education and Leadership Training (TELT) review was conducted. General Assembly 2021 debated the recommendations extensively. The work of Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership was affirmed. The existing internship model was especially endorsed. General Assembly adopted the resolution that the internship was to be fully funded without contributions from parishes hosting an intern. The principle that all ministers and leaders being lifelong learners was affirmed.
In 2021, the administrative support for the Ministry Development Plan and National Assessment Workgroup came under KCML’s umbrella. In 2023, a number of new faculty were appointed and the national ministries of Presbyterian Youth Ministries, and Presbyterian Children and Family Ministries came under the management of KCML. A curriculum review was conducted for the internship, and the weighting of 75% day–to–day ministry and 25% study was reconfigured to 66% day–to–day ministry and 33% study.
150 Year Timeline
Foundation of the Theological Hall
After the University of Otago was established in 1869 with the pivotal support from the Synod of Otago and Southland, Synod was committed to the provision of theological education in Dunedin. However, there was a conundrum which is best described by Ian Breward in his book Grace and Truth: “The problem was that the University was not a religious foundation. It would have been legally and practically impossible to teach Reformed Theology, with the close relationship to the Church which Otago Presbyterians believed was essential. The solution was for the Synod to establish its own Theological Hall or College.”
The Theological Hall 1876-1996
The focus during this period is theological education, with attention to the four classical disciplines of Old Testament, New Testament, Theology and Church History. There are some opportunities for practical experience in ministry in churches but it is not a priority.
1876
The Theological Hall appoints Rev. William Salmond as the first Professor of Theology. He is assisted by two local ministers, Rev. Michael Watt and Rev. Donald Stuart and classes are held in his own house.
Professor William Salmond, c1915
1901
With the Union of the Southern and Northern Presbyterian Churches, the Theological Hall becomes the national centre for training for the Presbyterian Ministry. The curriculum is solidly academic, with a focus on languages, Systematic and Practical Theology, Apologetics, Church History and the study of the Old and New Testaments.
Theological Hall Class 1905.
1909
On 23rd June 1909 Knox College opens. The College opens free of debt with only forty-one people contributing. The College provides a home for the Theological Hall as well as serving as a residential hall for male university students. The curriculum changes, with the introduction of practical subjects such as pedagogy (teaching) and voice production.
View of Knox College, c1912
Knox College early days.
Theological Hall students studying, c1912
1928
Rev. Dr John Dickie had been teaching at the Hall since 1910 and in 1928 he is appointed to the newly created position of Principal. He leads the Hall until 1942, through years marked by economic depression and the legacy of the First World War.
Professors of the Theological Hall - Rev. Prof. William Hewitson; Rev. Dr John Dickie; Rev. Alfred John Davis, and Rev. Hames Cumming, 1920.
1943
Rev. Dr S. F. Hunter appointed Principal.
Rev. Dr Samuel Hunter
1946
Faculty of Theology established at University of Otago. Teaching of Bachelor of Divinity (graduate degree) commences. Up until this time, the Theological Hall’s qualification was an internal one for the Presbyterian Church.
1947
In 1947 Rev. Dr John Allan appointed as Principal of the Hall. In the Post-War period many students were older and had returned from service overseas. Many had families and now live out of College. John Allan leads the Hall until 1962.
1954
In 1954 Helmut Rex appointed the first Dean of the Faculty of Theology. Helmut Rehbein (Rex) and his wife, Renate, arrive in Dunedin in 1939 as refugees from Nazi Germany. He was a pastor in the German Confessing Church.
Portrait of Rev. Dr Helmut Rex, c1940
1956
In 1956 a new purpose-built wing (Hewitson Wing) of the College opens, designed specifically to house the Theological Hall. This provides much needed new facilities, including a new library space.
Hewitson Library, 1956
1961
Rev. Ian Breward appointed Professor of Church History at Knox College. Later, in 1975, he is elected moderator of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand.
1963
Prof. Lloyd Geering appointed Principal.
Staff of the Theological Hall, 1969
1965
The Ordination of Women
In 1965 Margaret Reid becomes the first woman to be ordained as a New Zealand Presbyterian minister. Although deaconesses had been able to take some courses at the Theological Hall, women are now able to enter the Hall to train for the Presbyterian Ministry.
Below are images of the first women to be trained as Ministers of Word and Sacrament at the Theological Hall.
They attended the Theological Hall between 1969 and 1974 and Ruth Page was the first female president of the Theological Hall Students Union (THSU).
Initially most of these women went into parish ministry, with the exception of Rev. Vivian Coleman whose first position was in hospital chaplaincy. They went on to have wide ranging and various ministries, including Rev. Dr Ruth Page, who became the first female Principal of New College, Edinburgh.
Rev Joy Schwass (L) and Rev Alison Gray (R)
Rev Ruth Page
Rev Susan Jacobi
Rev Viv Coleman
Rev Cherry Thompson
1969
Increase in Pacific Students
In 1969 the Congregational Church merges with the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. This brings a significant Pacific population into the Presbyterian Church and leads to a marked increase in Pacific students in the Theological Hall. By 1972, Pacific Island students make up 20% of the student body.
Alf Paea studying, 1977
1972
Te Wānanga a Rangi
When the role of the Māori Synod’s training institute at Te Wānanga a Rangi at Whakatane transfers to the Theological Hall, Māori ministry students also become part of the student body.
Rev. Jim Irwin appointed Dean of Māori and Polynesian Studies.
Rev. Jim Irwin with Rangi Heta and Kelly Hune, c 1972
Rev. Dr Frank Nichol appointed Principal of the Theological Hall in 1972. He is also Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics. The curriculum of the Hall evolves to put more emphasis on Pastoral Studies. Rev. Dr Nichol’s period shows a marked commitment to ecumenical and Presbyterian and Catholic relations, a new openness that continued.
Rev. Dr Frank Nicol
Theological Hall B.D. students with Professor Evan Pollard in 1969.
1973
The generous gift of the maihi arrives at the Theological Hall.
Maihi at entrance of Knox College
1977
Elaine Wooliscroft appointed as Administration Secretary and later redesignated as Registrar upon Rev. Dr Simon Rae’s (Principal 1994-2001) recommendation. Elaine retires from the role in 2005.
Elaine Wooliscroft, c1990
1981
Upon Rev. Jim Urwin's retirement, Rev. Ned Ripley appointed Dean of Māori and Polynesian Studies.
Rev. Ned Ripley
The title Amorangi (“Bearer of Heavenly Tidings”) is adopted by the Māori Synod to give official recognition to self-supporting ministers with the Synod. The Amorangi training programme, based at Te Maungarongo Marae, Ōhope, maintains a close relationship with the Theological Hall.
1982
Rev. Dr Peter Matheson, Professor of Church History, appointed and serves in this capacity until 1996. He later serves as Principal of the Theological Hall of the Uniting Church in Australia at Ormond College, Melbourne (1998-2004).
Rev. Dr Peter Matheson
1984
Shared classes comprising of Theological Hall and Holy Cross students commence on the University of Otago’s campus.
Staff and students of the Theological Hall, 1984
1985
Rev. Dr Maurice Andrew appointed Principal.
Rev. Dr Maurice Andrew
1989
Rev. Nan Burgess appointed acting Principal.
Rev. Dr Nan Burgess
1991
Very Rev. Alistair Rae appointed Principal.
Very Rev. Alister Rae
Rev. Sonny Riini appointed Te Ahorangi ki te Hāhi (Māori Resource Teacher to the Church).
Rev. Sonny and Mona Riini
Rev. Marie Ropeti-Iupeli becomes Pacific Island Cultural Teacher to the Church.
Rev. Marie Ropeti-Iupeli (now Ropeti-Apisaloma)
Community Based Ministry Training (CBMT) is launched and Rev. Dr Sarah Mitchell appointed Director of CBMT.
1992
An agreement is reached whereupon the University of Otago pays for the teaching and resources provided through Knox Theological Hall and Holy Cross College. As part of the agreement, the University is involved in staff appointments to help ensure academic standards and credibility of the theology degree programme.
1994
Rev. Simon Rae appointed Principal. Rev. Rae adds a significant Asian ecumenical dimension.
The School of Ministry 1996-2007
Students come in with a degree in Theology, so there is more focus on “Field Education” and reflection on practice is introduced. However, a number of courses are Otago University post-graduate courses so the academic focus is still central and being based in Dunedin means limited opportunities for practical experience.
1996
Rev. Dr Milton Coleman appointed Co-ordinator, Ordination Studies.
1997
Following changes in the relationship with the University of Otago in 1997, the Theological Hall becomes the School of Ministry.
Training is now a graduate programme for those who had already obtained a theology degree. In addition to the University of Otago, the PCANZ recognises other training providers to provide foundation theological studies. They include the Bible College of NZ (now Laidlaw College), Ecumenical Institute of Distance Theological Education (EIDTS) offering an LTh, and the Auckland Consortium of Theological Education (ACTE). In collaboration with the School of Theology at the University of Auckland, ACTE comprises of Carey Baptist College, the Catholic Institute of Theology (later Good Shepherd College and Te Kupenga), the College of St John the Evangelist (Anglican) and Trinity Methodist Theological College.
Rev. Dr Simon Rae sees the School through the transition period before returning to parish ministry in Easter 2001.
Group of staff and students from School of Ministry, 1998
1999
Responding to an offer from the Synod of Otago and Southland of $70,000 over the period 1998-2002, Assembly agrees to the establishment of a department of Lay and Recognised Ministry. Rev. Dr John Roxborogh appointed as Co-ordinator for the new unit.
2001
Rev. Neville Emslie appointed Principal.
2003
Rev. Dr Kevin Ward appointed to the faculty and later that year the role of Dean of Studies is created. Kevin is appointed the inaugural Dean of Studies.
2004
Carey Baptist College withdraws from ACTE, and is granted the right by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority to award degrees. Carey is recognised by PCANZ as an approved trainer for foundation theological studies.
2005
Rev. Wayne Te Kaawa commences as Te Ahorangi o Te Wānanga-a-Rangi.
The maihi, the carved archway that represented the presence of Te Wānanga a Rangi at Knox College, returns home to Te Māungarongo Marae (Ōpohe). This is in recognition of the renaissance of Māori theology in Te Aka Puaho.
Rev. Dr Kevin Ward appointed as acting Principal.
Maihi at entrance of Knox College
2006
Rev. Dr Graham Redding appointed principal. Rev. Dr Redding becomes Moderator of the General Assembly of the PCANZ in 2008–2009.
Very Rev. Dr Graham Redding
Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership (KCML) 2007-present
The training is now based on internships in churches throughout New Zealand, with the aim of giving a greater focus on supervised field work in a breadth of ministry contexts. With the break with the University, the programme could be more practically oriented. The focus was formation of the whole person: character, theological and ministry skills.
2007
Following a major review there is a move to a congregation-based internship model of teaching, supported by residential block courses and distance learning. The School of Ministry is renamed the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership (KCML).
Rev. Dr Jason Goroncy appointed Dean of Studies and part of the role is the newly created Director of Local Ordained Ministry (LOM) and Local Ministry Teams (LMT) training.
2008
Presbyterian Church Schools Resource Office established by KCML, and Rev. Carolyn Kelly is the inaugural appointment.
A focus on congregational leadership training is advanced. Approximately 50 ministers are invited to create training workshops in their area of ministry expertise. These workshops are offered locally providing accessible and cost-effective training.
A Memorandum of Understanding is signed between KCML and Knox College to “work together with reasonableness and honesty of purpose to establish and maintain a relationship of mutual benefit based on goodwill, cooperation and partnership.”
2009
A covenant is signed between Te Wānanga a Rangi and KCML to recognise the collegial relationship between the two ministry and leadership training institutions.
Rev. Mark Johnston appointed as the first northern-based KCML faculty member (Auckland). This new development was to take advantage of the large population base, and ethnic and cultural diversity training opportunities in Auckland.
Staff of KCML, 2011
2010
KCML in collaboration with Presbyterian Youth Ministries and Student Soul (Dunedin) pilot a discipleship training event for young adults on Great Barrier Island (Auckland). Thirty-two participants attend.
2012
KCML offers music scholarships and song writing awards initiated.
2014
Rev. Malcolm Gordon appointed as “Worship and Arts Enabler.” Malcolm was initially based in Auckland and then relocated to Dunedin.
2015
Pacific Theological College (Suva – now Pasifika Communities University) approved as a training provider for foundation theological studies. Rev. Dr Kevin Ward serves as acting Principal for a second time.
Rev. Dr Steve Taylor appointed as Principal.
Rev. Dr Steve Taylor
Staff and students of KCML, 2016
2016
Exploration and experimentation of mission initiatives (Mission Seedlings) involving National Ordained Ministry interns in Christchurch and Dunedin.
An annual gathering called “Lighthouse” is initiated for congregational members and leaders to explore and imagine missional initiatives for their local settings.
2020
Rev Drs Paul Prestidge and Feiloaiga Taule’ale’ausumai (Fei), and Rev Nikki Watkin are seconded/appointed as part-time/fixed term faculty. Rev Dr Darryl Tempero appointed part-time/fixed term management support.
2022
Rev. Dr Geoff New appointed Principal (acting Principal in 2021).
The 2022 Special Assembly debate the Theological Education and Leadership Training (TELT) review. Advertising for faculty can now commence. During the review period (2018-2022), no new permanent appointments were made.
Rev Dr Geoff New
2023
Presbyterian Youth Ministries (PYM) and Presbyterian Children and Families Ministry (PCFM) come under the oversight of KCML.
Rev. Drs Ivan Martinez (Dean of Studies), Andrew Nicol, Darryl Tempero and Rev Sebastian Murrihy are appointed to the faculty.
2024
KCML invited by Te Aka Puahou to assist in the teaching of Amorangi. A new two-year curriculum is developed. The teaching is delivered at Te Maungarongo marae at Ōhope and online.
Local Ordained Ministry (LOM) probationers are invited to attend residential block courses in Dunedin. These block courses are part of the training of National Ordained Ministry interns. The 2025 General Assembly decide to assign primary responsibility of LOM training to KCML. LOMs attendance at block course now become part of all LOM training and formation agreements.
With a full faculty in place again, training engagements with Presbyteries become a major part of the KCML's ministry.
NOM Interns and LOM Probationers at blockcourse at KCML.
2025
Adjunct lecturers continue to be utilised to ensure breadth of experience and diversity in the teaching at block courses. Rev Dr Hyueen Kim (since 2016), Rev Nikki Watkin (since 2020), Rev Dr Jordan Redding (2022-2023), Rev Gary Mauga (since 2024), and Rev Dr Jono Ryan (2021-2024).
Adjunct lecturers Rev Dr Hyueen Kim and Rev Nikki Watkin teaching at a blockcourse.
2026
150th anniversary of the creation of Knox Theological Hall and its subsequent identities.