BNZ accused of relying on Wikipedia during attempt to close Gloriavale accounts

By Jean Edwards | RNZ |

BNZ cannot justify terminating its 40-year banking relationship with the Gloriavale Christian community as a result of a landmark child labour ruling, the High Court has heard.

The bank wants to close the community’s commercial and charitable accounts, arguing last year’s Employment Court finding that three former Gloriavale men were employees from the age of 6 is inconsistent with its human rights policy.

Gloriavale – also known as the Christian Church Community Trust – won an interim High Court injunction last December preventing BNZ from closing the accounts pending further legal proceedings.

At a further High Court hearing on Tuesday, BNZ lawyer Will Irving said the Employment Court case brought by Hosea Courage, Daniel Pilgrim and Levi Courage warranted cutting ties with Gloriavale.

“The Courage decision, for the first time, revealed a system of forced child labour in the Gloriavale businesses and across the Gloriavale businesses,” he said.

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