About
We support people who have left, or who are contemplating leaving, the Gloriavale Christian Community, to enable them to become independent and to integrate into local communities. This involves support in practical, financial, spiritual, emotional and educational matters.
Our Services
Meet the Staff/Support Team
The Gloriavale Leavers’ Trust employs/contracts 4-part time staff to deliver the Trust’s Aims. It’s a growing work which aims to help provide love and care for the leavers in their journey to independence.
Trust Manager - Liz Gregory
Liz is the Manager of the Trust and leads a dedicated team ensuring leavers receive necessary support post-commune life. With a passion for aiding leavers, Liz utilises her talents and connections to secure improved opportunities for them. Drawing from her experience as a teacher and business owner and driven by her Christian faith, Liz’s active and engagement with leavers, supporters, volunteers, and external agencies reflects her commitment to making a positive impact. Liz is an “ideas girl” and has the energy and drive to make a difference in people’s lives one at a time.
Office Admin - Carolyn Bunting
Caro’s main task is to ensure the smooth operations of the office and admin tasks and to help everyone keep on top of the workload. But she contributes more than just admin skills to the team. She is a woman with initiative, creativity and energy. She has a pastoral heart and develops effective and caring relationships with leavers. To top it off, Caro is a connector, bringing leavers and social services together to ensure people get the help they require.
Finance / Support - Clarissa Hardy
Clarissa is the newest member of the Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust team, taking care of payroll and accounts payable and receivable. With an accounting background and strong attention to detail, she ensures the Trust’s finances run smoothly. Clarissa is married with two grown children and brings a calm and organised approach to her work. She is always ready to lend a hand where needed, and her supportive attitude and great sense of humour make her a valued part of the team. Guided by her faith and commitment to people, Clarissa contributes both professionalism and warmth to the GLST’s mission.
Tony Bunting - Mentor/Counsellor/Pastoral Care
Tony Bunting has bundles of energy and many giftings that make him perfect for this contract role! His experience as a counsellor at Timaru Boys High School for over 20 years and his ability to communicate with young and old in an effective manner makes him well-loved by Gloriavale leavers. He has an infectious personality that makes you want to tackle the world with a smile. Tony mentors and counsels in creative ways – it might be while on a bike ride, or while cutting someone’s hair. He may also be the person who arrives on your doorstep with a trailer to help you move house. His passion for life is fueled by his faith.
Meet the Trustees
The Trustees are committed to the welfare of Gloriavale Leavers and in providing a solid vision moving forwards. Many of the Trustees live in South Canterbury and are personally involved in the lives of ex-members on a day-to-day basis. They come with a range of skills which enables them to direct the activities of the Trust and oversee the employment of the staff. All trustees are involved in local churches.
Please note that you can contact the Trustees directly using the details below, or get in touch through our Contact page.
Alan Aitken
Alan is a Christchurch-based Management Consultant specialising in not-for-profit organisations. He has founded, built, developed, and advised organisations at local, regional, and national levels. His diverse work portfolio has included youth agencies, churches, preschools, mental health, prisoner rehabilitation, social work, and counselling services. Added to that is wide-ranging governance experience across community groups, social services, and secondary education.
Elijah & Rosanna Overcomer
Rosanna & Elijah Overcomer were born and raised in Gloriavale, leaving in 2013 with their 3 young children (they now have 6 children). They manage a dairy farm near Fairlie, and have a range of other business ventures, including tree planting. They have been active in resettling leavers and offering them employment opportunities. They are a dynamic couple who desire to uphold truth and justice, and to show love.
Graham & Liz Gregory
Liz spent seven years as a teacher and then went on to found and run an award-winning retail business for another decade. Graham runs his own web design business and serves in his local church. Together they have a comprehensive and unique insight into the challenges that former Gloriavale residents face in integrating into everyday New Zealand. Liz provides day-to-day leadership for the work of the trust.
Rene & Bron Kempf
Rene and Bronwyn run Timaru Bluestone, and their stone building products have been incorporated into private homes and public buildings throughout New Zealand and beyond. They are deeply passionate about their local community which has shown itself in extensive sports, church, and school governance. They are very involved in the lives of those who have left Gloriavale.
Trudy Christian
Trudy is a former Gloriavale member, having left as a single young adult in 2016. She is a delightful young lady who still has family remaining in the community. A couple of years after leaving Gloriavale, she decided to pursue her dream of continuing her education, and in 2024 she graduated with a degree in Midwifery and started her first job in a hospital. We are grateful to have her youthful perspective and to receive her insight and guidance.