As the koru grows, a new beginning takes shape;
its foundations in faith, tētēkura spirals,
moving forwards and back.
Mate atu he tētēkura, whakaete mai he tētēkura
When one fern frond dies, another
pushes through in its place -
our past, our present, our future.
An unbroken line of God’s faithfulness
across generations,
connecting us and drawing us into the story.
His story
not yet complete.
Message from the Principal
When the NZ Bible Training Institute was founded in 1922, the driving desire was to see people steeped in Scripture, and engaged in the work of the Gospel everywhere. A century later, we too seek to hold strongly and wisely to the evangelical faith – taking seriously our commitment to the Bible, and counting the cost of working this out in faithful renewal in all kinds of spheres and callings.
"Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain."
1940s
The number of male students diminished rapidly in the War years. By 1943 only two men were enrolled, alongside 16 women. By the end of WWII, 108 students had served in the Armed Forces. With an eye to future expansion post-war, the Institute purchased the nearby Music Academy Building, and a printing and publishing company – renaming it The Institute Press.
1970s
The 1970s saw continued growth in both the number and demographic of students, and expanding facilities to accommodate them. More family flats, staff flats, a two-storey accommodation block (East Wing), and a new library were built. Additional faculty were added to the teaching team, all with theological training.
1990s
The appointment of National Principal, Dr John Hitchen, in 1990 heralded a period of significant developments within the College. BCNZ became the first Private Training Establishment to register with the new NZ Qualifications Authority, allowing the offering of our own degrees and access to student loans and allowances.
Share your experiences
#100years #laidlawcentenary
How is Laidlaw College equipping leaders for Church and Society today? Click here to find out more
