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Our Staff

Below you will find our staff directory, including all of Laidlaw College’s staff – both operational and academic. Search by campus, group or department. We would love to hear from you.

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Bible & Theology
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68 profile(s) found

  • Dr Myk Habets

    • Senior Lecturer and Head of Faculty Research | Theology

    Myk Habets lectures in Systematic Theology and Ethics, focusing on constructive contemporary dogmatics, moral theology, Third Article Theology, Spirit Christology, theosis, and theological interpretation of Scripture. He is Senior Researcher with AUT and ACT and serves as an associate Baptist pastor.

  • Brontë Vlaardingerbroek

    • Education Lecturer / Practicum Manager | Teacher Education

    Brontë joined Laidlaw in January 2024. She holds a Master’s in Teaching and Learning (University of Canterbury) and a BA. Brontë has taught Social Sciences and developed innovative curricula, including a specialist Year 10 programme at KingsWay School. She currently teaches in the BEd and GradDipEd programmes.

  • Dr Gregory Liston

    • Senior Lecturer - Lead Academic Undergraduate Programmes | Theology

    Dr Gregory Liston is Senior Lecturer and lead academic for undergraduate programmes. He specialises in systematic theology, ecclesiology, and gospel witness in contemporary culture. Greg’s background spans theology and physics, strategic consulting, and senior pastoral ministry, giving students a rich interdisciplinary perspective.

  • Dr Fung Chin

    • Adjunct Counselling Lecturer | Counselling

    Fung joined Laidlaw in July 2024. He is a warm and creative counsellor who enjoys working with children and adolescents. His approach integrates counselling expertise with faith-informed practice, particularly in family and adolescent work.

  • Bradford Harmi

    • Pou Amorangi / Māori Director - Lecturer | Theology

    Bradford Haami is Pou Amorangi (Māori Director) and chair of Te Rūnanga o te Wānanga Amorangi at Laidlaw College. He lectures in biculturalism and Māori leadership, with extensive experience in reconciliation, intercultural ministry, and Māori intercession. Brad is also an author, journalist, and consultant for museums and media, contributing to numerous publications, films, and TV series, including Mataku, Tracker, and…

  • Dr Phillip Porter

    • Lecturer in New Testament | Theology

    Dr Phillip Porter lectures in New Testament Studies at Laidlaw College, teaching across the full range of New Testament literature. He was previously a Teaching Fellow in New Testament at the University of Otago (2023–2024) and brings extensive pastoral experience, including ministry in Presbyterian and Baptist churches, alongside missionary service in Vietnam. Phillip’s teaching integrates academic rigour with practical ministry,…

  • Cameron Dickson

    • Lecturer | Counselling

    Cameron joined the counselling programme as a Lecturer in January 2026. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Counselling) from the University of Auckland and is a Member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors. Cameron has worked as a counsellor since 2009 and brings extensive experience in secondary school settings, including leadership roles. In 2018, he expanded his work…

  • Dr Francine Bennett

    • Lead Lecturer, Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) | Teacher Education

    Dr Francine Bennett has over 40 years of experience in teaching and educational leadership across Christian schools and tertiary institutions. Her doctoral research focused on succession planning in faith-based organisations, reflecting her commitment to sustainable and values-driven leadership. Francine has served as Principal at multiple schools and as Programme Lead at Bethlehem Tertiary Institute. She is committed to inclusive education,…

  • Dr John de Jong

    • Head of Theology - Senior Lecturer | Theology

    Dr John de Jong teaches Old Testament, Hebrew, and Biblical Interpretation, and leads postgraduate theology programmes. With cross-cultural experience lecturing in Myanmar and serving in pastoral ministry in Aotearoa New Zealand, John integrates academic excellence with practical ministry. He also serves on editorial boards and represents Māori perspectives in biblical studies.

  • Dr Julia van den Brink

    • Lecturer in Biblical Languages & New Testament | Theology

    Dr Julia van den Brink is an Associate Lecturer in Biblical Languages and New Testament, teaching Greek, Hebrew, and New Testament Epistles. Her work explores innovative approaches to teaching biblical languages, applying insights to both in-person and distance learning. Julia is passionate about helping students engage deeply with Scripture, develop language proficiency, and apply their learning to ministry and theological…

  • Dr Samuel Carpenter

    • Research and Professional Teaching Fellow | Arts & Professional Studies
    • Research and Professional Teaching Fellow | Theology

    Dr Samuel Carpenter specialises in Church History with a focus on New Zealand religious and political history. He leads the Te Rongopai ki Aotearoa Project, researching relationships between Christianity and Māori society. A former lawyer and senior historian in the Wellington Treaty sector, Sam’s PhD (2021) explored early New Zealand political thought. He is also a founding trustee of Karuwhā…

  • Jane Hepburn

    • Lecturer | Counselling

    Jane has lived in Auckland for over 30 years and is a Laidlaw graduate. She divides her week between lecturing at Laidlaw and counselling at CARE Waitakere Trust. Jane has been in private practice since 2007, counselling adults, adolescents, and children, with a special focus on adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

  • Jocelyn Weber

    • Head of Counselling, Lecturer | Counselling

    Jocelyn joined Laidlaw in July 2023. She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling and a Master of Arts in Practical Ministry (Family Studies focus) from Cincinnati Christian University. Her professional focus includes children, families, grief counselling, and adults with chronic medical or mental health challenges.

  • Mathew Harris

    • Christchurch Education Location Lead | Teacher Education

    Mathew leads the Christchurch Education team and lectures across Laidlaw’s Education programmes. He has extensive experience in secondary school education, tertiary theological teaching, and church ministry. His teaching focuses on student wellbeing, equity, and leadership.

  • Mirriam Jessie Fisher

    • Lecturer – Whakapono/Theology & Mātauranga/Education | Theology
    • Lecturer – Whakapono/Theology & Mātauranga/Education | Teacher Education

    Miriam Jessie Fisher teaches across biblical studies, formation, and postgraduate theology for educators. She has taught in Aotearoa, Australia, and the UK, across state, Christian, and Māori contexts. Her teaching and research integrate arts, poetry, and textiles. She develops programmes for schools, churches, and teacher professionaMirriam Jessiel learning and is passionate about te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and Deaf culture…

  • Rebecca de Jong

    • Lecturer, School of Theology | Theology

    Rebecca de Jong teaches mission studies at Laidlaw College, bringing over twelve years of cross-cultural missionary experience in Myanmar with her husband John and their four children. She combines practical insights, academic rigour, and student mentoring to prepare learners for effective engagement in mission contexts. Rebecca also contributes to governance and research through board and editorial roles in mission-focused organisations.

  • Rebecca Gibson

    • Lecturer – Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) | Teacher Education

    Rebecca Gibson leads Laidlaw’s Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) programme. Her background spans teaching, senior leadership, consultancy, research, and policy. Her master’s research focused on pastoral care systems in New Zealand secondary schools, shaping her commitment to student wellbeing and sustainable school-wide practice.

  • Rev. Dr Karen Kemp

    • Senior Lecturer (Interdisciplinary Studies / Pastoral Theology) | Senior Coach (Centre for Church Leadership)

    Karen Kemp is a Senior Lecturer in Interdisciplinary Studies and Pastoral Theology, Pastoral Leadership Lead, and Senior Coach at Laidlaw’s Centre for Church Leadership. An ordained Anglican minister, she teaches leadership, spiritual formation, conflict transformation, and ministry supervision, equipping emerging church leaders for adaptive ministry in local and global contexts.

  • Rev. Dr Maja Whitaker

    • Academic Dean - Lecturer | Theology

    Rev. Dr Maja Whitaker oversees Laidlaw College’s programme development and College strategy. She teaches courses on spiritual formation, reflective practice, leadership, and pastoral ministry. An ordained pastor in the Equippers Church network, Maja is committed to guiding students in spiritual formation while addressing contemporary cultural questions of human flourishing and diversity.

  • Rev. Dr Mark Keown

    • Director of Evangelistic Leadership | School of Theology

    Mark Keown directs Evangelistic Leadership at Laidlaw College. He teaches and mentors leaders in evangelism, apologetics, and church planting. A former school teacher, Mark completed a BTh with First Class Honours and a ThD on evangelistic mandate. He is also a singer-songwriter, performing with the band “Already Not Yet,” integrating music and ministry to inspire students and church communities.

  • Rev. Dr Pennie Togiatama

    • Head of Education - Lecturer | Teacher Education

    Pennie is a life-long learner who has been teaching and involved in education for over 30 years, including key senior leadership roles at Kelston Girl’s College and Manurewa High School. She has initiated and tutored Niuean cultural groups for the ASB Polyfest at McAuley High School, Papatoetoe High School, and Otago Boy’s High School and was a school leader for…

  • Rev. Dr Sarah Penwarden

    • Lecturer, School of Theology | Theology

    Sarah Penwarden is a practising counsellor, supervisor, Anglican priest, and part-time Lecturer in Theology. She teaches practical theology, focusing on counselling integration, mental health, grief, and loss. Her work bridges theology, counselling, and qualitative research, providing students with tools for ministry and pastoral care.

  • Rev. Joey Millington

    • Lecturer (Theology) | Internship Coordinator

    Joey Millington is Internship Coordinator at Laidlaw College, overseeing the Certificate in Christian Ministry (Level 4) and Diploma in Christian Studies (Level 5). He teaches biblical theology, Christian leadership, and pastoral ministry as a Professional Teaching Fellow. An ordained Wesleyan Methodist minister (2018), Joey also pastors at East City Wesleyan Church and hosts the podcast Lunch on The Way, exploring…

  • Ruth Velluppillai

    • Professional Teaching Fellow – Education | Teacher Education

    Ruth joined Laidlaw in 2024 as a Professional Teaching Fellow in the Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary). She brings decades of leadership and classroom experience. Ruth previously served as Deputy Principal and Head of Senior College at Middleton Grange School.

  • Sam Ford

    • Lecturer | Counselling

    Sam is a Laidlaw College graduate in both theology (GradDipTh) and counselling (BCouns). He has spent the past decade working as a counsellor in the tertiary sector and in private practice. Since beginning part-time lecturing as an adjunct in 2020, Sam has become increasingly involved in counsellor education. His teaching and practice are informed by how psychological wellbeing is shaped…

  • Susan Grant

    • Adjunct Counselling Lecturer | Counselling

    Susan began her professional journey in teaching (17 years in South Africa) before retraining in counselling. She specialises in Person-Centred, Narrative, Gestalt, and Psychodynamic approaches, working with children, adolescents, and adults.

  • Vida Schurr

    • Lecturer | Teacher Education

    Vida has a background in Early Childhood Education and has been teaching adults in initial teacher education programmes since 2002. Her teaching focuses on relational learning and the importance of responsive educators for healthy child development.

  • Yvonne Burrows

    • Lecturer | Teacher Education

    Yvonne brings extensive experience in preschool and primary education, leadership, and teacher formation. She lectures in Reflective Practice and has been part of Laidlaw since 2002.

  • Zara Maslin

    • Youth Work Lead | Professional Teaching Fellow (Theology)

    Zara leads Laidlaw College’s Youth Work programmes and teaches youth and young adult practical theology papers. She is committed to helping students apply classroom learning in practical ministry, modelling loyal leadership, character development, and proactive wellbeing. Zara previously taught at the Henderson campus and now teaches from Christchurch.