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The examination of possible outcomes resulting from the proliferation of New Zealand's theological providers: Provider alliances

Bruce H. Knox
Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand


New Zealand's Ministry of Education 1998 statistics indicate 484 students (290 EFTS) were studying Theology at a degree level within the university sector. Alongside of this investigations reveal another 4500 (estimated) students (945 EFTS) were studying within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in 84 Private Training Establishments (PTEs). The majority of students studying in the theological sector work at NQF levels three to five on the qualifications framework. In 1998, the estimated total number of private and public students in the theological sector was an estimated 5000. (Estimated 1235 EFTS) These students were spread over 86 providers. (The official EFTS for the sector is unavailable as not all providers make MOE returns) Comparison of this data with the 1982 figures demonstrates significant growth in the sector. Resultant growth has also occurred in the number of theological institutions providing courses in New Zealand. The national theological student body (headcount) increased from approximately 450 (1982) to 5000 (1998). The number of theological providers also rose from 30 in 1982 (11 have since closed) to 86 in 1998. (15 have since closed and 3 more have opened in 1999/2000).

The provision of wide choice as determined by the proliferation of providers has become a reality of the New Zealand tertiary sector in the 1990s. The number of providers within the theological education arena has mushroomed in recent years.

The historical and statistical analysis reveals an understanding of that which is happening in general within New Zealand's society and in particular the church sectors. Clear sociological forces operating in society affects the dynamics of the church sector.

Government policy moving towards the free market initiative has driven several significant educational reforms. Understanding these reforms and the forces in society and the church have provided an understanding of the reasons for growth within the theological sector.

From the data it is clear that the original providers have not really benefited from the upsurge in student numbers undertaking theological training. The fundamental research question is Ð"How should the sector respond to this phenomenal growth in numbers of students and providers serving them. What should be the outcomes of the proliferation of theological providers?"

This paper examines these questions. It will give a brief overview as to governmental reforms and their impact on tertiary studies, a historical picture of Theological Education in New Zealand. This picture is interpreted alongside the demographic, cultural and social changes that have taken place in New Zealand and within the Christian church, over the past ten years. The paper will elaborate on patterns of response to this situation, arguing how it influences educational institutions, theological education in particular.

The investigation will adopt a theoretical approach with the application of a theoretical model of "partnerships" to the reality of the theological sector in New Zealand.

It will investigate several models of "partnership" or "alliance" and use case examples of their application into the theological sector of New Zealand. The author will briefly identify the strengths and weakness of each partnership style.

In conclusion the author will address fundamental issues concerning the future of New Zealand's theological sector.

Contact person: Bruce H Knox. Email: Brucek@ak.bcnz.ac.nz
Voice: +61(0)9 8367864 Fax: +61(0)9 8367801

Please cite as: Knox, B. H. (2000). The examination of possible outcomes resulting from the proliferation of New Zealand's theological providers: Provider alliances. In Flexible Learning for a Flexible Society, Proceedings of ASET-HERDSA 2000 Conference. Toowoomba, Qld, 2-5 July. ASET and HERDSA. http://cleo.murdoch.edu.au/gen/aset/confs/aset-herdsa2000/abstracts/knox-abs.html


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Created 18 June 2000. Last revised: 18 June 2000. HTML: Roger Atkinson [atkinson@cleo.murdoch.edu.au]
This URL: http://cleo.murdoch.edu.au/gen/aset/confs/aset-herdsa2000/abstracts/knox-abs.html