Gloriavale leader’s granddaughter denies claims of unwanted attention

Ryan Boswell | 1 News |

Gloriavale’s leader Howard Temple is being defended by his own granddaughter over claims he gave girls unwanted attention.

Joanna Courage is giving evidence at the Employment Court, which is considering whether six women were employees or volunteers at the West Coast commune.

The court earlier heard that senior women told girls to keep their distance from Temple as he was known to grope their legs and put his arm around their shoulders and waists.

Courage said her grandfather is well respected in Gloriavale and does not have a reputation for acting inappropriately.

“He would often ask if they cared about him doing it. On a few occasions girls have told him they didn’t like it so he stopped,” she said.

“He is always respectful of girls. I remember Rose telling me at one stage she had asked him not to give her a cuddle and she told me he had not touched her since.”

Further reading: https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/09/29/gloriavale-leaders-granddaughter-denies-claims-of-unwanted-attention/