Laidlaw College is delighted to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr Maja Whitaker (Ngai Tahu) as Academic Dean. Maja joined Laidlaw College in 2021, and has served as Practical Theology Lead, with the School of Theology Leadership Team, overseeing our Christian Leadership programmes and partnerships.

Maja has a Bachelor of Science and a PhD in Theology from the University of Otago. She is an ordained pastor in the Equippers Church, with more than a decade of pastoral experience. Her research interests include the theology of the body, theological anthropology, disability theology, and eschatology, and her most recent book, Perfect in Weakness: Disability and Human Flourishing in the New Creation, was released last year through Baylor University Press. Maja is based at Laidlaw’s campus in Ōtautahi Christchurch, and teaches into areas of practical theology, formation and Christian leadership. She is married to Dave, with four daughters.

Dr Roshan Allpress, National Principal says, “I am delighted at the appointment of Maja Whitaker as Academic Dean at Laidlaw College. She is a brilliant and highly-capable leader, who has earned the respect of colleagues at Laidlaw and beyond, and we look forward to the blessing her leadership in this new role will be for Laidlaw and for the wider Christian higher education ecosystem in Aoteoroa.”  

Chris Collins, Chair of Laidlaw’s National Governing Council writes, “It is excellent to see a new generation of academic leaders and thinkers coming through in leadership at Laidlaw College and in the wider Christian community. We’re looking forward to the contribution Dr Whitaker will bring to the Senior Leadership Team here at the College and the wider communities we serve.”

Professor Jessica Palmer, Deputy Chair, writes, “Maja is a talented and thoughtful leader and it is wonderful that she has agreed to take on this significant role for Laidlaw. She brings energy, experience and insight to the leadership team and we congratulate her on this appointment.”