Stuff – The fine line between a genuine volunteer and exploitation
Susan Hornsby-Geluk – 14 /10/2020
OPINION: Volunteers are the lifeblood of communities, but there can be a fine line between genuine volunteers and the exploitation of vulnerable people.
This has been highlighted by the recent controversy surrounding the isolated West Coast Christian community, Gloriavale. Members who have fled from the sect have called upon Government to launch a full independent enquiry into claims that community members are effectively subjected to slavery. Concerns have been raised regarding exploitation, unsafe working practices, oppression and members being forced to work up to 20 hours per day for little or no pay.