Gloriavale joins other faith-based institutions at Abuse in Care inquiry

It is looking into abuse in care within state and faith-based institutions between 1950 and 1999.

The hearing will open with statements from core participants and individuals and groups granted leave to appear.

This afternoon, the overseeing shepherd of Gloriavale, Howard Temple, and its school principal, Rachel Steadfast, will speak and be questioned.

They, along with other church and faith-based groups will be asked for their response to evidence given to the inquiry from survivors of abuse and neglect, particularly from children, young people and vulnerable adults.

The commission’s head of reports, Rebecca Harvey-Lane, said all will be questioned on systemic issues, and in some cases, on specific survivor evidence, for their response.

”This will include how care systems were monitored, the handling of complaints, the nature and extent of the abuse, to what extent their care met the needs of Māori, Pacific and disabled people, as well as people with mental health conditions.

”In addition we will also be speaking to them on forward looking questions and questions on solutions for change.”