“Thanks for taking a punt on me”: parting words from the Rev Dr Derek Tovey as he was farewelled from St John’s Theological College after 20 years as a member of faculty.

The journey to St John’s for Derek, Lea and family began from England with a Church Times advertisement for a lecturer in biblical studies at the college.

The advertisement was cut out and shown to Derek by a Christchurch colleague, the Rev Dr Peter Carrell.

The two priests, both from Christchurch, were studying at Durham with their families and lived in the same building.

Their strong friendship has continued, with Peter and his wife Teresa surprise guests at the farewell function.

Derek said he hesitated in applying for the position because he was in the final year of his PhD. But Lea encouraged him and he was later interviewed by Bishop Peter Atkins, dean of the college at the time, who took 'the punt' and offered him the job.

Derek’s work at St John’s College included lecturing in theology at the University of Auckland.

A tribute from Professor Elaine Wainwright described him as "a gospel man who lived what he taught” – a faithful colleague, scholar and teacher.

She also praised his writing and teaching, as well as his publishing work at national and international levels.

A colleague and friend, Dr Tim Meadowcroft of Laidlaw College, described Derek as having a ‘peaceable and fundamentally hopeful’ approach to life with an 'obedience and commitment' to biblical studies.   

In response, Derek said had witnessed a great deal of change at the college, and was grateful for a place to teach, for collegial relationships and the relationship with the university.

Earlier he thanked students at during the college valedictory.

A long standing ovation acknowledged his contribution and revealed that some students have grown beards as a sign of thanks to Derek.

The style is known affectionately as ’the Tovey.’