This report was completed in 2016 and outlined a range of serious concerns raised during the investigation, including financial management practices, the level of control exercised by leadership, and allegations relating to working conditions, education, and the treatment of members. Evidence gathered included accounts of coercion, unsafe labour practices, and conditions that former members described as exploitative. Importantly, the investigation records consistent accounts from former members describing pressures around leaving the community, limited access to personal resources, and impacts on wellbeing and autonomy.

While Charities Services did not find misuse of charitable funds, it identified ongoing concerns about governance, transparency, and whether aspects of the Trust’s operations were consistent with charitable obligations.

From the report:

8.1. Charities Services considers that the Trustees’ conduct towards members of the Gloriavale Community does not constitute good governance or management and would not promote public trust and confidence in the charitable sector.

8.2. Charities Services also considers that before the current investigation into the operation of the Trust was opened, the Trustees may have acted in a manner that may constitute serious wrongdoing under the Act. This is especially so when it comes to the Trustees responsibilities regarding handling of members wishing to leave the Gloriavale Community, members breaching the rules of the community, handling of allegations of physical and sexual assaults within the community as well as dealings with breaches of the rules of the community.

As a result, Charities Services required changes to governance arrangements and recommended further oversight and safeguards.

Where concerns fell outside its direct remit, Charities Services referred matters to the appropriate authorities.

• Allegations of potential criminal offending, including physical and sexual abuse, were referred to the New Zealand Police.
• Issues relating to schooling and education within the community were referred to the Ministry of Education.
• Concerns about working conditions, long hours, and labour practices were referred to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

These referrals formed part of a wider joint-agency approach, ensuring that concerns about abuse, exploitation, and the wellbeing of community members were assessed and addressed by the agencies best placed to respond.

Read the report here:

Leavers were very disappointed with the response, and were increasingly frustrated to see that none of the concerns created change on the ground inside Gloriavale. This led to renewed calls during 2020 for a reinvestigation, which Charity Services denied in August 2020.

Read the report here:

Finally after the employment court successes during 2021 and 2022, Charity Services agree to reinvestigate Gloriavale.

They took until mid 2025 to tell Gloriavale of their intention to deregister, but never announced it to the public, or to leavers.

Gloriavale appealed that decision with a High Court hearing held in Wellington during November 2025. By February 2026 Charities Services were back interviewing Gloriavale Leavers and current members about their adherence to their Child Protection policies and Leavers’ Framework.