RNZ: Gloriavale received nearly $5 million in government money in 2021, the court heard

By Jean Edwards | RNZ |

Gloriavale Christian community received almost $5 million in government money in the 2021 financial year, while its church trust held more than $4m in cash, a court has heard.

Financial statements show senior Gloriavale men Faithful Pilgrim, Stephen Standfast and Peter Righteous control the community’s sharing account, which has a number of sub-accounts.

Chartered accountant Gordon Hansen has given evidence in an Employment Court case brought by six former Gloriavale woman seeking a ruling they were employees not volunteers during their time at the West Coast commune.

He said Gloriavale received $4.8m in government funds in the year to July 2021, comprised of $2.3m in Working for Families payments, $2m in early childcare education grants, $283,000 in Ministry of Education grants and $229,000 for midwifery services.

Further reading: Gloriavale received nearly $5 million in government money in 2021, the court heard