The Daily Vale, Updates, and News Archive

The Daily Vale will provide regular updates on the latest news, developments, reflections from leavers, and blog-type commentary.
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Latest News

Gloriavale Unveiled with Theophila Pratt

Gloriavale Unveiled with Theophila Pratt

: | Untidy | 1:01:17 | In this episode of Untidy, Matilda and Hannah speak with Theophila Pratt, a Gloriavale cult survivor, qualified paediatric occupational therapist, author, and fierce advocate for freedom and healing. Theo, formerly known as Honey Faithful, grew up in Gloriavale, an isolated and highly controlled Christian community…
Debanking: The New Risk in Finance

Debanking: The New Risk in Finance

: | Wealth Morning | Simon Angelo | When I was working offshore, each day, I would walk past the entrance of Coutts Private Bank in Jersey. It was a reminder of the exclusive banking options some wealthy islanders enjoyed. Coutts has been providing banking services since 1692. It is the…
Gloriavale members showcase art in Greymouth exhibition

Gloriavale members showcase art in Greymouth exhibition

: | NZ_Herald | Imogen Brophy | Artworks by members of West Coast religious community Gloriavale have taken centre stage at Greymouth’s Left Bank Art Gallery. The collection, named Glorious Artworks, includes paintings, drawings, and model aeroplanes, says community leader Peter Righteous. A photographer himself, Righteous says the artwork was created…
Gloriavale artists showcase talent in new exhibition

Gloriavale artists showcase talent in new exhibition

: | The Press | Joanne Naish | Gloriavale community members are showcasing their artistic talents in a new exhibition at Greymouth’s Left Bank Gallery. Organiser, community leader and photographer Peter Righteous said the exhibition, named Glorious Artworks, includes paintings, charcoal drawings, landscape photographs, model aircraft and chessboards with hand-made wooden…
Gloriavale finds alternative to BNZ

Gloriavale finds alternative to BNZ

: | Greymouth Star | Laura Mills |[Subscription Only] Gloriavale has found a new bank, after BNZ won a court case to discontinue services. The Court of Appeal cleared the way for the Australian-owned bank to close Gloriavale’s accounts in December. That includes the Christian community’s businesses and some of the largest dairy farms…
REAPs explore Coast

REAPs explore Coast

: | Greymouth Star | Subscription Only | Almost 100 representatives from all around New Zealand have spent the past few days on the West Coast for the REAP Aotearoa national conference. The conference was co-hosted by BullerREAP and WestREAP, with delegates being united under the theme ‘community, connection and culture’.…
Pressures tell on Gloriavale finances

Pressures tell on Gloriavale finances

: | Greymouth Star | Laura Mills |[Subscription Only] After six years of surplus, the under-pressure Gloriavale Christian Community has reported a deficit of over $800,000. For the year ended July 2024, it reported one full-time employee and 22 volunteers. A surplus of $3.4 million two years ago dropped to $766,000…
Gloriavale Art on Show

Gloriavale Art on Show

: | Greymouth Star | Arianna Stewart |[Subscription Only] Artists from the Gloriavale Christian Community are excited to mount their first exhibition ‘Glorious Artworks’ at the Left Bank Art Gallery in Greymouth. “The idea is that we want to always be keeping in mind with our art that we glorify God,”…
Ministry quiet on India Gloriavale

Ministry quiet on India Gloriavale

: | Greymouth Star | Laura Mills |[Subscription Only] A year after a television documentary looked into Gloriavale’s outpost in India, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) is declining to say what action it took. In the TVNZ ‘docuseries’, Escaping Utopia, former Gloriavale members travelled to India and met a member who moved…
Gloriavale

Gloriavale

: | Downie Stewart | The Christian Church Community Trust and associated entities (commonly known as Gloriavale) has received a great deal of media attention. In particular, various allegations have been made that its leaders: For many years, Gloriavale has banked with the Bank of New Zealand (BNZ). In July 2022,…
Gloriavale on Waitangi Day

Gloriavale on Waitangi Day

: | Newsroom | Theophila Pratt | ‘Gloriavale must have been one of the most racist places in New Zealand, especially if you were Māori’, writes a former member Every Waitangi Day, the choir used to go and sing at the Grey District Waitangi Day Picnic at Dixon Park in Greymouth.…
Leaving Gloriavale

Leaving Gloriavale

: | Greymouth Star |Subscription Only A former Gloriavale woman who was put on a bus at just 16 when she left the Christian community at Lake Haupiri has written a book about her experiences. Unveiled — A Life of Surviving Gloriavale by Theophila Pratt, is out this month. Named Honey…
Book Extract: Unveiled

Book Extract: Unveiled

: | Greymouth Star | Subscription Only When I got off the bus, I stood there looking around, not knowing where to go next with my giant 100-year-old suitcase. As I struggled through the doors into the airport, a man came up behind me and offered me a trolley, then he…
Gloriavale ERO report due

Gloriavale ERO report due

: | Greymouth Star | Subscription Only The new Education Review Office (ERO) report on Gloriavale School should be out later this term. In 2023, ERO issued a highly critical report and determined the school did not meet many of the criteria for registration as a private school. It has been undertaking a…
Book details life inside Gloriavale

Book details life inside Gloriavale

: | Chris Harrowell | Eastern Times | A former member of the high-profile New Zealand sect Gloriavale has written a book about her life and she’s launching it at an event in rural east Auckland. Theophila Pratt, who was named Honey Faithful at birth, was born and raised in the…
De-banking restrictions back on the table?

De-banking restrictions back on the table?

: | Bell Gully | Tim Fitzgerald, Julian Brown & Tristan Hutchinson | Parliament is to consider a Bill that would prohibit banks from refusing to provide services to customers, or treating customers less favourably than would otherwise be the case, based on environmental, social, or governance considerations, including the industry…
Does Gloriavale have a future?

Does Gloriavale have a future?

: | The Press | Joanne Naish | The conservative West Coast Christian community has had a bad year. It was slated, among others, in the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care’s final report; yet more of its members appeared in court on sexual, physical assault and fraud charges; and this…
Debanking made easier

Debanking made easier

: | Lexology | Simpson Grierson | Banks with unwelcome customers will take heart from the recent decision of the Court of Appeal on the debanking of Gloriavale and its related entities. The decision encouraged a literal interpretation of bank terms and conditions which allowed a bank to exit a customer…
Forest Gold Honey in liquidation

Forest Gold Honey in liquidation

: | The Press | Sinead Gill | A West Coast honey producer owes over $1 million after weaker than anticipated sales and failing to find trained staff. Forest Gold Honey is insolvent and has voluntarily entered liquidation, according to a report published by Christchurch liquidator Brenton Hunt on December 3.…
Sisters donate to MS Craft Fair

Sisters donate to MS Craft Fair

: Sisters, Serene and Fairer Standfast, were busy selling delicious homemade baking to visitors of the annual MS Craft Fair on Saturday. All proceeds from their sales for the day was donated to Multiple Sclerosis West Coast, alongside the goods from each of the other Gloriavale stalls at the fair. The…
School under ERO watch

School under ERO watch

: | Greymouth Star | Laura Mills |Subscription Only Education specialists have been working with Gloriavale School, with a fresh review due. The school needs to pass the review in order to keep its funding. The Education Review Office visited last October and found the private school was not providing an…
Govt still looking into Gloriavale India outpost

Govt still looking into Gloriavale India outpost

: | Greymouth Star | Laura Mills | Various government agencies are still looking into the Gloriavale Christian Community’s outpost in India. In the TVNZ ‘docuseries’ Escaping Utopia, which screened in March, former Gloriavale members visited a lady who moved to India seven years ago and now has six children. She was among five women…
Gloriavale focus of abuse report

Gloriavale focus of abuse report

: | Greymouth Star | Laura Mills | The Abuse in Care Royal Commission recommendations include steps that would prevent someone like Gloriavale founder Hopeful Christian — who returned to lead the community after being jailed for sex offending — from ever happening again. The inquiry’s 3000-page final report, released yesterday, estimated 200,000…
Assault charges denied

Assault charges denied

: | Greymouth Star | A Gloriavale man and former teacher inside the Lake Haupiri Christian community has denied 14 charges of assaulting boys with blunt weapons. Vigilant Standtrue, 42, filed pleas of not guilty on all charges in the Greymouth District Court, electing a trial by jury. Name suppression lapsed…
Police spend on Gloriavale ticks up

Police spend on Gloriavale ticks up

: | Greymouth Star | Laura Mills |Subscription Only Police have spent over a quarter of a million dollars on Gloriavale, and are one of just 10 Government agencies involved in the under-pressure community at Lake Haupiri. The Greymouth Star revealed last month the likes of the police, Health NZ and…
Youth event lined up

Youth event lined up

: | Greymouth Star | Ariana Stewart | Subscription Only David Ready escaped Gloriavale. Twins, Tane Mahuta and Te Akaraupo Heke Pakeha, are survivors of family violence. Pania Tepaiho-Marsh started hunting for her own mental health and now leads hunting excursions for women in need. They are just three of the…
Gloriavale appeal allowed

Gloriavale appeal allowed

: | Greymouth Star | Gloriavale Christian Community has been granted permission to appeal an Employment Court ruling that found girls were employees and entitled to minimum entitlements. Last year, the court ruled that six former Gloriavale women had actually been employees working under punishing conditions for years on end at…
Inquiry into Gloriavale’s India sect

Inquiry into Gloriavale’s India sect

: | Greymouth Star | Laura Mills | A cross-agency group is working to establish facts about the Gloriavale Christian Community’s outpost in India. In the recent TVNZ ‘docuseries’, Escaping Utopia, former Gloriavale members Theophila Pratt and Rosanna Overcomer travelled to India and met with Mr Pratt’s sister Precious. Precious moved…
Have you forgotten Gloriavale already?

Have you forgotten Gloriavale already?

: | The Press | Dennis Gates | Dennis Gates is a lawyer and member of the legal team fighting for the people of Gloriavale. OPINION: It’s been a few weeks since TV’s Escaping Utopia brought the terrible thing that is Gloriavale into our living rooms once again. Is the outcry and horror still…
Gloriavale payments ‘challenging’

Gloriavale payments ‘challenging’

: | Greymouth Star | The Employment Court says working out how much money Gloriavale leavers are owed may be challenging. The court recently ruled that Hosea Courage, Daniel Pilgrim, and Levi Courage were actually employees, clearing the way for them to pursue claims in the Employment Relations Authority for compensation,…
Gloriavale Visit With The Road To Healing Aotearoa

Gloriavale Visit With The Road To Healing Aotearoa

: | Answers Within | YouTube | A poignant visual representation to raise awareness of the victims who have suffered within the Gloriavale Community. Flags are placed on the driveway into Gloriavale, representing the survivors, the voiceless of Gloriavale. Official numbers released by Police indicate 400 offences with 3/4 of those…
Hot Picks: Escaping Utopia

Hot Picks: Escaping Utopia

: | Broadcast | ‘As a contemporary cult story, this is unlike anything I have ever seen’ Distributor Fifth SeasonProducer Warner Bros International Television Production New ZealandLength 3 x 60 minutesBroadcaster TVNZ (New Zealand) Into the thriving sub-genre of documentaries about cults comes Escaping Utopia, a three-part exposé of the Gloriavale  Christian Community, which operates on New Zealand’s South Island. Co-director Natalie Malcon is no…
‘Bureaucracy’ rejected

‘Bureaucracy’ rejected

: | Greymouth Star | Laura Mills | The Government says another layer of bureaucracy is not needed at Gloriavale. It emerged recently that a Gloriavale West Coast Stakeholder Group, which included police, Work Safe NZ and Oranga Tamariki, had been disbanded. However, Gloriavale said last week it was working to…
Some Christian reflections on Gloriavale

Some Christian reflections on Gloriavale

: | NZ Christian Network | Dr Stuart Lange | The current TV series Escaping Utopia is somewhat sensationalist and has its own biases, but it has usefully highlighted some serious issues in the Gloriavale Christian Community. Many secular New Zealanders may wonder if Gloriavale is what all Christians are like.…
Gloriavale still working with Govt

Gloriavale still working with Govt

: | Greymouth Star | Subscription Only| ‘All members have bank accounts’ Gloriavale says it is still working with numerous agencies, and its priority is ensuring its children are well cared for. The community has been back in the spotlight this week, thanks to a new documentary on Tv One. It…
Gloriavale leaders say changes are happening

Gloriavale leaders say changes are happening

: | The Press | Joanne Naish | The son of Gloriavale founder Hopeful Christian is calling on the Government to work with the victims, not just the leadership. The community’s leaders have issued a statement saying it is continuing to comply with key outcomes set by an all-of-Government taskforce which was…
Escaping Utopia part 2: ‘She’s not safe here’

Escaping Utopia part 2: ‘She’s not safe here’

: | Stuff | Amberleigh Jack | RECAP: Before opening credits even begin to roll, part two of the new Gloriavale documentary hits with a brutal insight into lives within of the South Island Christian community. It’s a difficult, uncomfortable watch, that’s even tougher to turn away from. Through off-camera commentary, the viewer is…
Justin Pemberton: Escaping Utopia director explores the inner workings of Gloriavale through interviews with escapees

Justin Pemberton: Escaping Utopia director explores the inner workings of Gloriavale through interviews with escapees

: | Newstalk ZB |The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Description The insular Greymouth community of Gloriavale has kept Kiwis enthralled as testimonies keep emerging. A new TVNZ documentary, Escaping Utopia, promises to unveil the stories of people who’ve left the community- and the struggles they’ve endured. Co-director Justin Pemberton says Gloriavale…
Less Govt oversight for Gloriavale community

Less Govt oversight for Gloriavale community

: | 1 News | Ryan Boswell | Former Workplace Relations Minister Michael Wood wants an all-of-government response to the controversial Gloriavale community. He said the leadership of the sect has “not acted in a way that creates an environment of trust”. A previously mandated joint response ended last December. Ministry…
Gloriavale: New testaments from cult survivors

Gloriavale: New testaments from cult survivors

: | The Listener | Russell Baillie | Subscription Only Escaping Utopia is another documentary about Gloriavale, the religious community that has attracted prying cameras for decades. But its makers say the three-part series finally tells the whole story. When Natalie Malcon made Heaven and Hell – The Centrepoint Story, her devastating award-winning…
Gloriavale ‘expose’ to screen worldwide

Gloriavale ‘expose’ to screen worldwide

: |Greymouth Star| Subscription Only | A new three-part investigation into Gloriavale will screen on TV One later this month. The brand-new docuseries — Escaping Utopia — is fronted by journalist Melanie Reid, who went undercover there in 1994. “I have done hundreds of television stories in the last two decades but this…
Gloriavale’s surplus declines

Gloriavale’s surplus declines

: | Greymouth Star |Subscription Only|Laura Mills Gloriavale’s charitable trust has reported a $766,000 surplus for the year. That is well down on a $3.4m surplus recorded last year, and $2.29m before that. Total income was $15.8m, compared to $27m last year. It had revenue of almost $16m, administration costs of $893,000…
Cell coverage comes to Gloriavale

Cell coverage comes to Gloriavale

: | Greymouth Star | Laura Mills | Subscription Only The Gloriavale Christian Community is going to get a cellphone signal for the first time at its remote site inland of Nelson Creek. The Rural Connectivity Group (RCG) has applied to the Grey District Council to install a cell tower near Lake Haupiri.…
School under ministry watch

School under ministry watch

: | Greymouth Star | Laura Mills The Ministry of Education says it is meeting regularly with the Gloriavale School staff following a highly critical Education Review Office report threw doubt on its registration as a private school. Gloriavale Christian School has a roll of 139. However, ERO said almost 20%…
Former Gloriavale members seeking compensation believed to be in the millions

Former Gloriavale members seeking compensation believed to be in the millions

: By Jean Edwards | RNZ | A group of nine former Gloriavale members found to have been employees have lodged an Employment Relations Authority claim against the Christian community for lost wages and compensation believed to total $5.2 million. Supporters of the six women and three men are calling for…
Gloriavale’s annus horribilis

Gloriavale’s annus horribilis

: By Laura Mills | Greymouth Star: Article Online | 18 December 2023 The Gloriavale Christian Community has been under siege all year, with a raft of legal action ongoing into 2024. It is waiting to hear whether it has been granted leave to appeal an Employment Court decision, upheld last…
Man damages pink church

Man damages pink church

: | Greymouth Star | Subscription only: Greymouth Star A former Gloriavale man admitted damaging Blaketown’s ‘pink church’ — a gay celebration — when he appeared in the Greymouth District Court yesterday. Redeemed Standfast, 19, who left the Gloriavale Christian Community a year ago, was supported in court by his father…
Major Gloriavale investigation finds 138 potential abuse victims, dozens of suspected offenders

Major Gloriavale investigation finds 138 potential abuse victims, dozens of suspected offenders

: Blair Ensor | Stuff | A major police investigation into abuse at Gloriavale has identified more than 100 potential victims of crimes spanning about four decades, Stuff can reveal. The previously undisclosed and ongoing investigation, dubbed Operation Mathius, began in 2021, and followed another investigation that brought to light offending involving 60 people at…
Hundreds of suspected crimes uncovered at Gloriavale

Hundreds of suspected crimes uncovered at Gloriavale

: Blair Ensor | Stuff | A major police investigation into abuse at Gloriavale has identified more than 100 potential victims of crimes spanning about four decades, Stuff can reveal. The previously undisclosed and ongoing investigation, dubbed Operation Mathius, began in 2021, and followed another investigation that brought to light offending involving 60…
Gloriavale charitable status review

Gloriavale charitable status review

: Laura Mills | Greymouth Star | A review of Gloriavale’s charitable status is ongoing, Charities Services says. In June, an Employment Court ruling concluded that six former Gloriavale women were not volunteers but unpaid employees at the Christian community at Lake Haupiri. Gloriavale says the judge got it wrong and…
School seeks outside help

School seeks outside help

: By Laura Mills | Greymouth Star | Gloriavale School is looking for teachers from outside the closed community. The Education Review Office has just reported that schooling at Gloriavale is “precarious” and at a lower standard than in State schools. It identified a raft of things that must be fixed…
Work Continues Over Gloriavale

Work Continues Over Gloriavale

: By Joanne Naish | Stuff | A 12-year-old boy at Gloriavale broke his arm reaching into a large washing machine – an incident revealed in documents from the government agencies monitoring the community. The documents were released under the Official Information Act by the all-of-Government response to the remote West…
BNZ cannot dump Gloriavale, for now

BNZ cannot dump Gloriavale, for now

: By Joanne Naish | The Press | BNZ has been ordered to continue providing banking for the Gloriavale Christian Community. The bank’s decision to close Gloriavale’s accounts followed an Employment Court ruling in May last year that found three former members – who began working at the community from age 6 –…
Revealed: Gloriavale leader Howard Temple accused of indecently assaulting 10 girls across more than 20 years: NZ Herald

Revealed: Gloriavale leader Howard Temple accused of indecently assaulting 10 girls across more than 20 years: NZ Herald

: By Sam Sherwood and Carolyne Meng-Yee | NZ Herald | The leader of Christian community Gloriavale is accused of indecently assaulting 10 girls across more than 20 years, it can be revealed. Name suppression lapsed today for Howard Temple, following his appearance in the Greymouth District Court. Court documents allege…
Otira Subway Artwork

Otira Subway Artwork

: West Coast Messenger CHILDREN from Gloriavale Christian School have been getting creative as they fill the Otira railway pedestrian subway with colourful paintings. Students at Lake Brunner School and Springfield School have also had a hand in brightening the subway in preparation for the Otira Tunnel Centennial celebrations on August…
Education Review Office reviewing Gloriavale School after Employment Court case: RNZ

Education Review Office reviewing Gloriavale School after Employment Court case: RNZ

: RNZ Gloriavale School is under review by the Education Review Office, the Ministry of Education has confirmed. Serenity Pilgrim, Anna Courage, Rose Standtrue, Crystal Loyal, Pearl Valor and Virginia Courage took Gloriavale’s leaders to court, arguing they lived in servitude working on the West Coast commune’s domestic teams and were…
Brian Henry: lawyer for former Gloriavale women says the community programmed these women for slavery from birth

Brian Henry: lawyer for former Gloriavale women says the community programmed these women for slavery from birth

: Heather du Plessis-Allan | NewstalkZB | Description: An employment court has vindicated six former Gloriavale women – who today won their employment court battle. These women claimed they were exploited and treated like slaves while they worked on domestic tasks for the community, including preparing food, cooking, cleaning and doing…
‘They lived in fear’: Lawyer on court ruling that Gloriavale women were employees: RNZ

‘They lived in fear’: Lawyer on court ruling that Gloriavale women were employees: RNZ

: Lisa Owen |RNZ Checkpoint| “Relieved and vindicated” That’s the response of six former Gloriavale women found by the court to be employees. Serenity Pilgrim, Anna Courage, Rose Standtrue, Crystal Loyal, Pearl Valor and Virginia Courage took leaders of the christian community to the Employment court arguing they lived in servitude…
Employment Court Judgement

Employment Court Judgement

: IN THE MATTER OF a declaration under s 6(5) of the Employment Relations Act 2000 BETWEEN SERENITY PILGRIM, ANNA COURAGE, ROSE STANDTRUE, CRYSTAL LOYAL,PEARL VALOR AND VIRGINIA COURAGE Plaintiffs AND THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL SUED ON BEHALF OF THE MINISTRY OF BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND EMPLOYMENT, LABOUR INSPECTORATE First Defendant AND HOWARD TEMPLE,…
Gloriavale in court: Leavers win Employment Court case, judge rules women born to work and any choice ‘illusionary’_NZ Herald

Gloriavale in court: Leavers win Employment Court case, judge rules women born to work and any choice ‘illusionary’_NZ Herald

: Anna Leask | NZ Herald | A group of women born and raised at Gloriavale were employees and not volunteers during their time at the secretive Christian community, the Employment Court has ruled. Born into the community at Haupiri on the South Island’s West Coast, the women were “taught from…
Gloriavale leader says former members ‘exaggerated’ their experiences: Stuff

Gloriavale leader says former members ‘exaggerated’ their experiences: Stuff

: By Shannon Redstall | Stuff | A lawyer for Gloriavale has suggested the women who are arguing they should have been recognised as employees of the secretive Christian community “exaggerated” their experiences. The long-running case centres around whether six former Gloriavale members should be considered employees for the “slave-like” conditions…
Crown knew details of Gloriavale founder Hopeful Christian’s sex crimes in mid-90s, lawyer tells Employment Court: RNZ

Crown knew details of Gloriavale founder Hopeful Christian’s sex crimes in mid-90s, lawyer tells Employment Court: RNZ

: By Jean Edwards | RNZ | The Crown had detailed knowledge of Gloriavale founder Hopeful Christian’s crimes in the mid-1990s but “dropped the ball” by failing to help the community deal with sexual abuse, the Employment Court has heard. Two Court of Appeal judgments tendered in a case brought by…
Gloriavale: Details of crimes committed by founder Hopeful Christian made public for first time

Gloriavale: Details of crimes committed by founder Hopeful Christian made public for first time

: By Jean Edwards | Radio NZ | Gloriavale founder Hopeful Christian was jailed for cruel and bizarre sexual offending under the guise of education or preparation for marriage, court documents show. Full details of Christian’s crimes have publicly emerged for the first time, after being tendered in an Employment Court case…
Employment relationship in ‘direct conflict with our religious beliefs’-Gloriavale member: RNZ

Employment relationship in ‘direct conflict with our religious beliefs’-Gloriavale member: RNZ

: By Jean Edwards |RNZ Reporter | Employment relationships at Gloriavale would be in direct conflict with the Christian community’s religious beliefs, a founding member says. Serenity Valor told an Employment Court hearing Gloriavale had no intention of denying people their legal rights and the community believed it was complying with…
A Gloriavale resident has claimed she’s being discriminated against because she’s a woman, a Christian, and lives at the West Coast commune.

A Gloriavale resident has claimed she’s being discriminated against because she’s a woman, a Christian, and lives at the West Coast commune.

: 1 News | Priscilla Stedfast, who was born at Gloriavale, is giving evidence at the Employment Court case which is deciding whether six former members were employees or volunteers. Virginia Courage, Pearl Valor, Serenity Pilgrim, Rose Standtrue, Anna Courage and Crystal Loyal claim they were made to work long hours…
I love my life at Gloriavale: Leavers’ claims are nonsense, exaggerated, offensive says life member

I love my life at Gloriavale: Leavers’ claims are nonsense, exaggerated, offensive says life member

: By Anna Leask | NZ Herald | A Gloriavale mother of seven has slammed evidence given by women who left the community, saying their accounts of working conditions and their lives are incorrect, highly exaggerated, unrealistic and offensive. And she says the “misleading” information about Gloriavale is hugely impacting the…
‘Gloriavale: New Zealand’s Secret Cult’: Doc On Notorious Religious Group Lands Sales Deal Ahead Of EFM

‘Gloriavale: New Zealand’s Secret Cult’: Doc On Notorious Religious Group Lands Sales Deal Ahead Of EFM

: By Zac Ntim | International Reporter | Deadline EXCLUSIVE: MetFilm Sales has acquired world rights, excluding Australia and New Zealand, to Gloriavale: New Zealand’s Secret Cult, Fergus Grady and Noel Smyth’s feature doc about a notorious kiwi religious cult. MetFilm will shop the doc to international buyers at the upcoming European Film Market. Billed…
Gloriavale site visit planned for Chief Employment Court Judge during next phase of ‘servitude’ trial between leavers and Christian community

Gloriavale site visit planned for Chief Employment Court Judge during next phase of ‘servitude’ trial between leavers and Christian community

: By Anna Leask | NZ Herald | The judge presiding over an Employment Court trial between Gloriavale leavers and the current community will visit the secretive Christian community next month. Last year a group of six women raised in the infamous and isolated West Coast religious group claimed they were effectively…
Should BNZ be forced to bank Gloriavale?

Should BNZ be forced to bank Gloriavale?

: By Jenée Tibshraeny | NZ Herald | A High Court judge is preventing the Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) from ditching Gloriavale as a customer – for now at least. The bank wants to terminate the relationship it’s had with the controversial West Coast-based Christian community for more than 40 years…
Gloriavale workers get first monthly pay, and are asked to give the money back to cover expenses, including $100,000-plus legal bills

Gloriavale workers get first monthly pay, and are asked to give the money back to cover expenses, including $100,000-plus legal bills

: Gloriavale workers who recently received a share of the Christian Community’s profits, were immediately asked to pay it back to cover expenses, including more than $100,000 in legal fees. The $335,000 in expenses for October included administration costs, taxes, vehicle hire, capital spending, with close to 40% going on lawyers…
Gloriavale feeling ‘harassed’

Gloriavale feeling ‘harassed’

: | Greymouth Star | Laura Mills | Gloriavale says it is being harassed and does not know who to turn to. In a statement yesterday to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care, leaders said the continual call for investigations into their communal life had been traumatic for many of…
Gloriavale wins reprieve

Gloriavale wins reprieve

: Rural News West Coast milk processor Westland Milk Products has been ordered by the High Court to continue picking milk from three dairy farms associated with the Gloriavale community. The company’s argument that Gloriavale-owned Canaan Farms employed children to do farm work and processing their milk affected relationships with major…
Stuff – Gloriavale businesses stung by loss of Mānuka honey licence over use of child labour and worker exploitation

Stuff – Gloriavale businesses stung by loss of Mānuka honey licence over use of child labour and worker exploitation

: By Amanda Cropp – Stuff – 11/09/2022 Two Gloriavale Christian Community businesses have been banned from using a Mānuka honey trademark over treatment of their workers. The Unique Mānuka Factor Honey (UMF) Association has revoked a licence jointly held by Forest Gold and Lamohka honey brands, saying their actions had…
NZ Herald – Longtime Gloriavale member turns on sect – reveals ‘very disturbing’ treatment of women, ‘prevalent’ sex offending

NZ Herald – Longtime Gloriavale member turns on sect – reveals ‘very disturbing’ treatment of women, ‘prevalent’ sex offending

: By Anna Leask – NZ Herald – 06/09/2022 A Gloriavale father of 13 once convicted of beating two of his young daughters with shoes, carpentry tools, coat hangers and belts has turned on the community’s leaders, telling the court that sexual abuse, bullying and forced labour are prevalent within the…
Stuff – Gloriavale leaders ‘tear apart’ families of those who disagree with their rules, founding member says

Stuff – Gloriavale leaders ‘tear apart’ families of those who disagree with their rules, founding member says

: By Jake Kenny – Stuff – 06/09/2022 Warning: This story discusses details of alleged sexual abuse. A Gloriavale member “since its inception” says the community’s leaders do everything in their power to “tear apart” families of members who disagree with them. After decades of service to the community, Sharon Ready…
Newshub – Gloriavale member temporarily left community after leadership’s comment on his dead daughter ‘shook’ him

Newshub – Gloriavale member temporarily left community after leadership’s comment on his dead daughter ‘shook’ him

: By Kaysha Brownlie – Newshub – 06/09/2022 A former Glorivale member who still resides in the isolated West Coast community has given emotional evidence about how, among the things he witnessed in the Christian commune, his daughter’s death hurt him the most. Clem Ready was giving evidence during an Employment…
Longtime Gloriavale member turns on sect – reveals ‘very disturbing’ treatment of women, ‘prevalent’ sex offending

Longtime Gloriavale member turns on sect – reveals ‘very disturbing’ treatment of women, ‘prevalent’ sex offending

: By Anna Leask | NZ Herald | A Gloriavale father of 13 once convicted of beating two of his young daughters with shoes, carpentry tools, coat hangers and belts has turned on the community’s leaders, telling the court that sexual abuse, bullying and forced labour are prevalent within the sect.…
‘Hopeful Christian was a bully’ – Gloriavale leaver blasts ‘ingrained’ culture of mocking, belittling at Christian community

‘Hopeful Christian was a bully’ – Gloriavale leaver blasts ‘ingrained’ culture of mocking, belittling at Christian community

: By Anna Leask | NZ Herald | A mum-of-11 who escaped Gloriavale says the community’s founder Hopeful Christian was “a bully” and his cruel treatment of people became “ingrained” in the whole population. Virginia Courage is part of an Employment Court case against the Christian community – alleging women are…
Stuff – ‘It’s just your body, no big deal’: Gloriavale leaders allegedly told women to not fear what men did to them

Stuff – ‘It’s just your body, no big deal’: Gloriavale leaders allegedly told women to not fear what men did to them

: Stuff – 2/09/2022 A former Gloriavale member says inappropriate touching of women and children became part of the culture, with leaders telling women “I shall not fear what man do to me”. “They demanded a cuddle…Any man could approach any girl or woman and inappropriately touch them,” Virginia Courage told…
1News – Gloriavale lawyer says ex-resident signed away employment rights

1News – Gloriavale lawyer says ex-resident signed away employment rights

: 1News – 1/09/2022 It’s been suggested a former Gloriavale resident signed away her workers’ rights. Pearl Valor is one of six women fighting for the right to have been treated as an employee, rather than a volunteer while at the West Coast commune. Read more here: https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/09/01/gloriavale-lawyer-says-ex-resident-signed-away-employment-rights/…
RNZ – Gloriavale leaders thought they were above law – ex-member

RNZ – Gloriavale leaders thought they were above law – ex-member

: RNZ – 1/09/2022 A former Gloriavale woman says the Christian community’s leaders thought they were above the law. The Employment Court has been hearing evidence from leavers who claim they were working in slave-like conditions and exposed to sexual harassment and abuse from a young age. Read more here: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018857067/gloriavale-leaders-thought-they-were-above-law-ex-member…
Stuff – Gloriavale shepherds use food ‘as a weapon’ and believe they are ‘above the law’, leaver says

Stuff – Gloriavale shepherds use food ‘as a weapon’ and believe they are ‘above the law’, leaver says

: Stuff – 1/09/2022 A Gloriavale leaver born into the Christian community says she decided to leave when the community kept changing its values and beliefs to “cover their tracks”. Pearl Valor continued giving evidence on day four of the Christchurch Employment Court hearing on Thursday, where it is alleged women…
NZ Herald – ‘Help us’ – Ex-Gloriavale women call on Kiwis for help as they fight for ‘justice’ in Employment Court

NZ Herald – ‘Help us’ – Ex-Gloriavale women call on Kiwis for help as they fight for ‘justice’ in Employment Court

: NZ Herald – 1/09/2022 A mum-of-11 who escaped the Gloriavale and is part of an Employment Court case against the Christian community – alleging women are treated as “modern-day slaves” – is calling on Kiwis for help. Virginia Courage and fellow leavers Pearl Valor, Serenity Pilgrim, Rose Standtrue, Anna Courage…
RNZ – Court hears distressing accounts from ex-Gloriavale women

RNZ – Court hears distressing accounts from ex-Gloriavale women

: RNZ – 31/08/2022 A court has heard distressing testimony from a former Gloriavale woman who says her treatment at the secretive Christian community made her suicidal. The Employment Court has also heard evidence girls as young as eight were worried about being groped while serving food. Read more here: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018856906/court-hears-distressing-accounts-from-ex-gloriavale-women…
Newshub – Former Gloriavale resident alleges sexual abuse, public shaming, being cut off from her family when she left community

Newshub – Former Gloriavale resident alleges sexual abuse, public shaming, being cut off from her family when she left community

: Newshub – 31/08/2022 It’s been an emotional day at the Gloriavale Employment Court case, with a witness alleging she was sexually abused, publicly shamed and cut off from her family when she left. Rose Standtrue said she was under so much pressure, she contemplated taking her own life. Every day…
NZ Herald – ‘You feel like you always owe them’ – Why Pearl Valor stayed at Gloriavale and the horrors that made her leave

NZ Herald – ‘You feel like you always owe them’ – Why Pearl Valor stayed at Gloriavale and the horrors that made her leave

: NZ Herald – 31/08/2022 Pearl Valor has given further evidence in court about her time at the controversial Gloriavale community – breaking down in tears as she recalled being hungry, stealing food and being refused dental treatment. But despite all of that she stayed, the guilt of what would happen…
Newshub – Former Gloriavale resident gives damning assessment of leaders, says he feared for daughter’s safety

Newshub – Former Gloriavale resident gives damning assessment of leaders, says he feared for daughter’s safety

: Newshub – 30/08/2022 A former resident of Gloriavale has given a damning assessment of life in the secretive community, recalling the “creepy” and aggressive behaviour of the leaders and fearing for his daughter’s safety. Isaac Pilgrim was giving evidence at the Employment Court in Christchurch, where the judge was told…
Newshub – Gloriavale accused of ‘brainwashing’ residents into working in ‘scandalous’ conditions at Employment Court hearing

Newshub – Gloriavale accused of ‘brainwashing’ residents into working in ‘scandalous’ conditions at Employment Court hearing

: Michael Morrah, Newshub – 29/08/2022 A former member of the secretive Gloriavale community says residents there are “brainwashed” from a young age with women expected to cook, clean and sew for long hours without taking breaks. The allegations were made at an Employment Court hearing, where it’s being argued women there…
NZ Herald – Gloriavale: Women had ‘no choice’ about ‘extremely long’ working hours, claim ‘servitude, slavery and forced labour’ at Christian community

NZ Herald – Gloriavale: Women had ‘no choice’ about ‘extremely long’ working hours, claim ‘servitude, slavery and forced labour’ at Christian community

: By Anna Leask – NZ Herald A group of women who spent most of their lives at Gloriavale will today begin giving “scandalous” evidence in their bid to get a court to rule they were employees and not volunteers during their time at the secretive Christian community. Serenity Pilgrim, Anna…
Newstalk ZB – Film: Gloriavale and Good Luck to you Leo Grande

Newstalk ZB – Film: Gloriavale and Good Luck to you Leo Grande

: Newstalk ZB – Mornings with Jack Tame – 20/08/2022 Francesca Rudkin: Gloriavale and Good Luck to you Leo Grande – Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Listen here: https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/saturday-morning-with-jack-tame/audio/francesca-rudkin-gloriavale-and-good-luck-to-you-leo-grande/ (First 3 minutes 45 seconds on Gloriavale Movie)…
Stuff – Gloriavale: Enlightening, heartrending doco lifts the veil on ‘NZ’s secret cult’

Stuff – Gloriavale: Enlightening, heartrending doco lifts the veil on ‘NZ’s secret cult’

: By James Croot – Stuff – 17/08/2022 Gloriavale (M, 89mins) **** Lifting the veil on “New Zealand’s secret cult” and its apparent fall from utopian ideal to Animal Farm-esque nightmare, this enlightening, heartrending, rage-inducing documentary follows former members as they battle for justice – and reform – from the outside.…
Stuff – Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival: Eight great Kiwi films to check out

Stuff – Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival: Eight great Kiwi films to check out

: By James Croot and Graeme Tuckett – Stuff – 24/07/2022 The 2022 edition of Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival will screen in 14 towns and cities across Aotearoa between July 28 and August 31. From heartfelt dramas to portraits of local artists, portmanteau pictures and documentaries revisiting sometimes…
‘Gloriavale’: Compelling Feature Doc Goes Beyond The Headlines To Lift The Lid On NZ’s Secretive Christian Community

‘Gloriavale’: Compelling Feature Doc Goes Beyond The Headlines To Lift The Lid On NZ’s Secretive Christian Community

: Scoop Media – Press Release – 11/07/2022 GLORIAVALE, a compelling new feature documentary which lifts the lid on the infamous Gloriavale Christian Community cult, will have its World Premiere on Saturday 6 August, 2022 at Christchurch’s Isaac Royal Theatre, screening as part of Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival…
Stuff – Countdown’s supply chain policy sparks questions about Westland Dairy Company dealings with Gloriavale Christian Community

Stuff – Countdown’s supply chain policy sparks questions about Westland Dairy Company dealings with Gloriavale Christian Community

: By Amanda Cropp – Stuff – 25/06/2022 Countdown’s efforts to make sure that its supply chains aren’t sustaining illegal labour practices, including child labour, have prompted the supermarket chain to question Westland Dairy Company dealings with the Gloriavale Christian Community. The dairy company attempted to distance itself from Gloriavale farms…
Twitter – John Campbell – Will Gloriavale ever change?

Twitter – John Campbell – Will Gloriavale ever change?

: Twitter – John Campbell – 21/06/2022 Twitter conversation – John Campbell, Liz Gregory, Rosanna Overcomer Listen here – (Note: conversation starts at 11 minutes 15 seconds into the recording) www.twitter.com/1NewsNZ/status/1539080676070215680 Will Gloriavale ever change? Join us for a conversation with @JohnJCampbell, Liz Gregory (Gloriavale Leavers' Support Trust) and former Gloriavale…
Greymouth Star – Milk tankers back at Gloriavale

Greymouth Star – Milk tankers back at Gloriavale

: By Laura Mills – Greymouth Star – 15/06/2022 Westland Milk Products has resumed milk collection from Gloriavale’s Lake Haupiri farms, after the Christian community was granted an interim court injunction to prevent the dairy company from withdrawing. Cannan Farming Ltd says it has received ‘role model’ status in past audits…
Leaving Gloriavale – Sunday

Leaving Gloriavale – Sunday

: TVOne- Sunday – Leaving Gloriavale Leaving Gloriavale means leaving your home, your family, maybe everything you’ve ever known. Then heading, with little or no money, into a world you’ve been told is damned. But sometimes you have no choice, because you’ve started questioning the leaders. The tight-knit, secretive Christian community…
Greymouth Star – Milk deal canned

Greymouth Star – Milk deal canned

: By Laura Mills – Greymouth Star – 09/06/2022 Westland Milk Products announced today it will suspend milk collection from Gloriavale-owned dairy farmers from June 13. In a short statement on behalf of chief executive Richard Wyeth, Chinese-owned Westland Milk said it advised Gloriavale yesterday that it would suspend collection from…
Westland Milk Products suspends collection from Gloriavale dairy farms until the Christian Community “meets the standards and values” of wider New Zealand

Westland Milk Products suspends collection from Gloriavale dairy farms until the Christian Community “meets the standards and values” of wider New Zealand

: By Amanda Cropp | Stuff | Westland Milk Products has indefinitely suspended milk collection from dairy farms owned by the Gloriavale Christian Community. The suspension begins on June 13, to coincide with the end of the milking season, so there will be no issues around livestock welfare or milk disposal.…
Rural News – Rendered unworthy!

Rural News – Rendered unworthy!

: By Daniel Anderson – Rural News – 08/06/2022 Hot on the heels of moves by Westland Milk to stop processing its milk, reclusive Christian community Gloriavale looks to be shedding more agribusiness suppliers and customers. Rural News earlier reported that the Hokitika-based processor is considering suspendiing milk collection from Canaan…
Rural News – Gloriavale issues apology

Rural News – Gloriavale issues apology

: By Staff Reporters – Rural News – 08/06/2022 In late May, the Gloriavale Community issued a public letter of apology in regard to both its past employment and community actions. An abridged version of the letter follows: We can state categorically that child labour is no longer used in the…
RNZ – James Harrison: Former Gloriavale member says he finds it hard to believe Fervent Stedfast has genuine remorse, suspects political expedience

RNZ – James Harrison: Former Gloriavale member says he finds it hard to believe Fervent Stedfast has genuine remorse, suspects political expedience

: | RNZ | Newstalk ZB |The Mike Hosking Breakfast | It’s remaining unclear what the resignation of two senior leaders in Gloriavale will mean for the community. The resignation of Fervent Stedfast and Faithful Pilgrim follows an unprecedented apology last Friday. Both have faced issues around employment and protecting children…
RNZ – Liz Gregory: Gloriavale Leavers Support Trust spokesperson says despite the resignation of two senior leaders at Gloriavale, there’s been no real change at the top.

RNZ – Liz Gregory: Gloriavale Leavers Support Trust spokesperson says despite the resignation of two senior leaders at Gloriavale, there’s been no real change at the top.

: RNZ – Newstalk ZB – Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby – 31/05/2022 There are concerns that despite the resignation of two senior leaders at Gloriavale, there’s been no real change at the top. Fervent Stedfast and Faithful Pilgrim have both left their leadership roles. It follows an unprecedented public apology…
Newshub – Former Gloriavale residents sceptical over leaders’ ‘unprecedented’ apology about sexual abuse and worker exploitation

Newshub – Former Gloriavale residents sceptical over leaders’ ‘unprecedented’ apology about sexual abuse and worker exploitation

: Michael Morrah – Newshub – 27/05/2022 Gloriavale’s leaders have issued an unprecedented apology – but it’s been met with caution from former residents. They wrote a letter admitting they failed to protect victims of sexual abuse and labour exploitation, and they’re promising change. Gloriavale’s known for conducting its affairs privately.…
Former Gloriavale principal suspended from teaching for hiding assault: RNZ

Former Gloriavale principal suspended from teaching for hiding assault: RNZ

: RNZ | Morning Report | A former Gloriavale Christian School principal has been suspended from teaching for three months for twice endorsing a teacher he knew had sexually assaulted a nine-year-old girl. Faithful Pilgrim was sanctioned for serious misconduct by the Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal for commending Just Standfast as being…
The Gloriavale Decision

The Gloriavale Decision

: | Access Media NZ | Angela Solomons | Angela Solomons from Taranaki Community Law discusses the recent employment court decision declaring that three former members of Gloriavale were employees from the age of 6 years. As Education Co-ordinator with Taranaki Community Law, Angela is passionate about justice, and about real…
Rural News – Hopeful Christians

Rural News – Hopeful Christians

: By Sudesh Kissun – Rural News – 24/05/2022 The reclusive Gloriavale Christian community stands to lose $9 million a year if Westland Milk suspends milk collection from its dairy farms. Hokitika-based processor Westland says it is looking at suspending milk collection from Canaan Farming Dairy Ltd, which operated the Gloriavale…
ODT – Agencies in Spotlight in Gloriavale Case

ODT – Agencies in Spotlight in Gloriavale Case

: Otago Daily Times – Opinion – 12/05/2022 A clutch of government agencies must do some serious soul searching about their inaction over concerns raised about work practices and the treatment of children at the Gloriavale Christian Community. This week, the Employment Court chief judge Christina Inglis found that three former…
Newshub – Lawyer involved in Gloriavale employment case slams Government over lack of intervention into community

Newshub – Lawyer involved in Gloriavale employment case slams Government over lack of intervention into community

: By Ireland Hendry-Tennent – Newshub – 11/05/2022 The barrister who led a legal challenge against Gloriavale is hitting out at the Government over its lack of action. It comes after the Employment Court ruled three Gloriavale leavers were in fact employees, not volunteers. Chief Judge Christina Inglis released her reserved…
Stuff – Charities Services open new investigation into Gloriavale’s charitable status following Employment Court decision

Stuff – Charities Services open new investigation into Gloriavale’s charitable status following Employment Court decision

: By Joanne Naish – Stuff – 11/05/2022 The Government’s Charities Services have opened a new investigation into the charitable status of West Coast Christian community Gloriavale. Charities Services general manager Mike Stone said the investigation would look at whether Gloriavale, as a registered charity, had met its obligations under the…
Newshub: Former Gloriavale resident ‘ecstatic’ following landmark Employment Court ruling

Newshub: Former Gloriavale resident ‘ecstatic’ following landmark Employment Court ruling

: By Michael Morrah – Newshub – 10/05/2022 A former Gloriavale resident is “ecstatic” following a ruling that found three leavers from the Christian community are actually classed as employees. For decades, Gloriavale has relied on child labour to ensure the success of its businesses. But Chief Employment Court Judge Christina…
NZ Herald – Employment Court rules Gloriavale members were ’employees’ from age 6, undertook ‘laborious, often dangerous’ work – not ‘chores’

NZ Herald – Employment Court rules Gloriavale members were ’employees’ from age 6, undertook ‘laborious, often dangerous’ work – not ‘chores’

: By Anna Leask – NZ Herald – 10/05/2022 Video – see article link. The Employment Court has ruled that a group of ex-Gloriavale members were employees at the secretive Christian community – from when they were just 6 years old. Further, the members undertook “strenuous, difficult, and sometimes dangerous” work…
Stuff: Boy who lost three fingers working at a Gloriavale honey company drops case after facing ‘undue pressure’

Stuff: Boy who lost three fingers working at a Gloriavale honey company drops case after facing ‘undue pressure’

: By Joanne Naish | Stuff | A boy who lost three fingers while working at a Gloriavale honey company has dropped his Employment Court case. The 17-year-old has been granted permanent name suppression by Employment Court chief judge Christina Inglis. The case included allegations he lost three fingers while working…
1 News – Little weight given to Gloriavale documents waiving workers’ rights

1 News – Little weight given to Gloriavale documents waiving workers’ rights

: By Ryan Boswell – 1News – 28/02/2022 The Labour Inspectorate concedes it gave little weight to the documents Gloriavale members sign waiving workers’ rights. Senior labour inspector Hannah Crampton appeared before the Employment Court on Monday, where she was questioned about her investigation into long working hours at the commune.…
NZ Stuff on TikTok – How Gloriavale started: Part 1

NZ Stuff on TikTok – How Gloriavale started: Part 1

: NZ Stuff on TikTok – How Gloriavale started: Part 1 ( Lets Talk About Sects Sarah Steel 13/04/2021) Listen / Watch  here: https://www.tiktok.com/foryou?_d=secCgwIARCbDRjEFSADKAESPgo8liTnvXFDlKZaebni%2FPjqp1SyXT%2BOc3tscADDQmeovW4A0WCUXXc74LZzfNTy5k%2BSkegO%2BC5SQgdpFNdcGgA%3D&_r=1&is_from_webapp=v1&item_id=7060396586865560833&language=en&preview_pb=0&sec_user_id=MS4wLjABAAAAvZAQu-6_4Ufzaub41bQ9WlEBMUonhsOOSy6JvbhEucM4byR2AbmOMxReHalfc3Ru&share_app_id=1233&share_item_id=7060396586865560833&share_link_id=897173dc-8137-41fb-a45b-2d806f0291a5&source=h5_m&timestamp=1644006243&u_code=deeh9d8909343l&user_id=6873338291514033157&utm_campaign=client_share&utm_medium=android&utm_source=messenger#/@nzstuff/video/7060396586865560833 Or search for Podcast – Sarah Steel – Lets Talk About Sects – Gloriavale Part 1 and 2  …
Young Gloriavale leavers face another hurdle – in education: Stuff

Young Gloriavale leavers face another hurdle – in education: Stuff

: By Esther Ashby-Coventry – Stuff – 17/09/2021 Some schools are being provided with extra Ministry of Education support to resettle former Gloriavale students into their new classes. Timaru-based Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust manager Liz Gregory said she was familiar with the difficulties of children, who have left the religious West…
Newshub – Gloriavale leaders allowed abuse to flourish as former resident admits sexual offences against children – Leavers’ Support Trust

Newshub – Gloriavale leaders allowed abuse to flourish as former resident admits sexual offences against children – Leavers’ Support Trust

: Michael Morrah – Newshub – 04/08/2021 [Video can be viewed in article link]. The head of a group helping people who leave Gloriavale says a former resident admitting he sexually offended against children is “incredibly tragic” and believes Gloriavale’s leaders have allowed abuse to flourish. A 55-year-old man, who has…
RNZ – Leaving Gloriavale

RNZ – Leaving Gloriavale

: The Detail – RNZ – 30/06/2021 [Podcast access via article link] Increasing numbers of people are leaving Gloriavale, the West Coast Christian community that’s been around for more than 50 years. It’s been investigated by police, Charity Services, Oranga Tamariki and WorkSafe. Former members are taking a civil suit against…
TVNZ 1 News – Gloriavale Leavers Support Trust pleads for public’s help for those leaving commune

TVNZ 1 News – Gloriavale Leavers Support Trust pleads for public’s help for those leaving commune

: By Ryan Boswell – 1 News – 23/06/2021 The Gloriavale Leavers Support Trust has launched the Emergency Welfare Appeal to help people reintegrate into the outside world. A video has been created featuring over 25 children whose families have been helped by the trust. See Givealittle video here: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/gloriavale-leavers-emergency-appeal Spokeswoman…
Stuff – Urgent appeal to help more families leaving Gloriavale

Stuff – Urgent appeal to help more families leaving Gloriavale

: By Joanne Naish – Stuff – 23/06/2021 [Video link to Givealittle Gloriavale Leavers Emergency Appeal: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/gloriavale-leavers-emergency-appeal Increasing numbers of people are leaving Gloriavale and urgently need support, a charity for leavers says. The Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust says urgent support is needed for dozens of members leaving the reclusive West…
Stuff – 2002: A visit to Gloriavale

Stuff – 2002: A visit to Gloriavale

: Keith Matthews – Stuff – 11/05/2021 [Video can be viewed in article link] “Quietly but steadily the walls of Gloriavale have grown in 11 years, transforming a remote cow paddock above Lake Haupiri into a modern three-storey complex that stands like a temple on the bottom slopes of the Southern…
Grey Star – Gloriavale report awaited

Grey Star – Gloriavale report awaited

: By Laura Mills – Grey Star – 22/03/2021 A new wide ranging independent report into Gloriavale is the community’s chance to save itself as the closeted Christian community comes under mounting pressure. Read more here: https://digital.greystar.co.nz/greymouth-star/march-22nd-2021/flipbook/0/ NOTE: Only those who have a subscription will be able to access this article.…
Newshub – Family leaves Gloriavale after being made to feel like ‘troublemakers’ for reporting attempted molestation of their sons

Newshub – Family leaves Gloriavale after being made to feel like ‘troublemakers’ for reporting attempted molestation of their sons

: By Michael Morrah – 22/03/2021 The Children’s Commissioner says he has “serious concerns” about the safety of the 400 children living at the Gloriavale Christian community on the West Coast. Last month Newshub reported claims that Gloriavale leaders repeatedly refused to involve police in allegations of child sex abuse. Now…
Gloriavale principal stood down, investigation into claims he failed to keep children safe from abuse: NZ Herald

Gloriavale principal stood down, investigation into claims he failed to keep children safe from abuse: NZ Herald

: NZ Herald The principal of Gloriavale school has been stood down while the New Zealand Teaching Council investigates claims he failed to keep children safe from abuse by staff and other pupils. Faithful Pilgrim did not secure the safety and wellbeing of learners, the Gloriavale Leavers Support Trust said in…
NZ Herald – Former Gloriavale member Peter Faithful found after going missing for a week

NZ Herald – Former Gloriavale member Peter Faithful found after going missing for a week

: By Kurt Bayer – 21/12/2020 An ex-Gloriavale member reported missing by a leavers support group has been found safe after a week-long disappearance. Peter Faithful lived at the remote religious community of Gloriavale on the West Coast for over 40 years. Read more here: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/former-gloriavale-member-peter-faithful-found-after-going-missing-for-a-week/ILZJ2AK5PQOTNUMSPIA4ROITMU/…
NZ Teaching Council investigating Gloriavale principal over concerns he failed to ensure safety of children: Stuff

NZ Teaching Council investigating Gloriavale principal over concerns he failed to ensure safety of children: Stuff

: By Steven Walton and Jonny Edwards | Stuff | The New Zealand Teaching Council is investigating Gloriavale’s former school principal Faithful Pilgrim after receiving allegations he failed to keep pupils safe. Pilgrim has stood down from his position over claims he had failed to act over a teacher abusing a…
More FM – Lana has a fascinating chat with an ex-Gloriavale member

More FM – Lana has a fascinating chat with an ex-Gloriavale member

: More FM The Breakfast Club – 20/10/2020 [Video can be viewed in article link]. Lana sat down with Hannah, a 25 year old girl who left Gloriavale 5 years ago along with her family, for a fascinating chat. Check out the eye opening interview. Watch here: https://www.morefm.co.nz/home/shows/the-breakfast-club/2020/10/lana-has-a-fascinating-chat-with-an-ex-gloriavale-member.html?fbclid=IwAR238q-7xnUyz0TI48lRK6SoJLLWOfhjkTEpvphHPVLiNfoPeIYF3pWeSJ0…
RNZ – Gloriavale Leavers Support Trust want urgent action from govt

RNZ – Gloriavale Leavers Support Trust want urgent action from govt

: Sally Murphy – 07/10/2020 [Audio can be accessed through link]. Former members of the Gloriavale community made themselves heard outside yesterday’s leaders debate, manager of the Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust, Liz Gregory urging the government to launch an inquiry into the secretive religious group. They’re frustrated by what that say…
NZ Herald – Election 2020: Ex-Gloriavale residents to protest outside leaders’ debate

NZ Herald – Election 2020: Ex-Gloriavale residents to protest outside leaders’ debate

: By Laura Mills – 06/10/2020 [Video can be viewed in article link]. The Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust is planning a demonstration outside The Press Election Debate in Christchurch on Tuesday night, again aimed at Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The trust, made up of ex-Gloriavale residents and their supporters, is calling…
Newshub – Andrew Little orders major review into Gloriavale practices after seeing critical 2017 report

Newshub – Andrew Little orders major review into Gloriavale practices after seeing critical 2017 report

: By Michael Morrah – 01/10/2020 [Video can be viewed in article link]. A major review into practices at the Gloriavale religious community has been ordered by the Minister of Workplace Relations. A Government report, obtained by Newshub under the Official Information Act, talks of “oppressive psychological practices”, possible exploitation and…
Newshub – Police, WorkSafe, Labour Inspectorate visit Gloriavale after allegations of controlling behaviour, worker exploitation

Newshub – Police, WorkSafe, Labour Inspectorate visit Gloriavale after allegations of controlling behaviour, worker exploitation

: Michael Morrah – 28/09/2020 [Video can be viewed in article link]. Police, WorkSafe and the Labour Inspectorate have all visited Gloriavale after a Newshub investigation uncovered claims of controlling behaviour by leaders and the exploitation of workers. Newshub can reveal Justice Minister Andrew Little has instructed the Labour Inspectorate to…
The AM Show with Duncan Garner talking about the legal proceedings that John Ready is taking against Gloriavale.

The AM Show with Duncan Garner talking about the legal proceedings that John Ready is taking against Gloriavale.

: AM Show with Duncan Garner  – 24/09/2020 Video link to Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust Facebook page where this video is recorded. The AM Show with Duncan Garner talking about the legal proceedings that John Ready is taking against Gloriavale. View here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=636254033705829…
Event to ‘unmask’ Gloriavale’s bigger secrets, trust general manager says

Event to ‘unmask’ Gloriavale’s bigger secrets, trust general manager says

: By: Alice Geary – 18/08/2020 Some of Glorivale’s ‘’more secretive behaviours’’ will be disclosed by former members at an information evening in Timaru. Gloriavale Leavers’ Trust general manager and support worker Liz Gregory said Thursday’s event will go ahead under alert level 2 restrictions, despite last week’s alert level change…
Gloriavale Christian Community looking to expand

Gloriavale Christian Community looking to expand

: By Lois Williams – 31/07/2020 The burgeoning Gloriavale Christian Community at Lake Haupiri is looking to expand with a second compound at Lake Brunner, West Coast council leaders have heard. The Greymouth Star reported earlier this year that Gloriavale had purchased an expansive property on the remote western shore of…
Gloriavale centre of abuse inquiry

Gloriavale centre of abuse inquiry

: By: Joanne Carroll – 03/07/72020 The father of girl abused by a Gloriavale teacher says those making new assault claims at the Christian community need to be removed for their protection. Police arrived en masse at the isolated West Coast farm yesterday as part of an inquiry into new allegations…
Leaving Gloriavale

Leaving Gloriavale

: By: Gilly Oppenheim, Essence Magazine, 05/2020 No one gets paid at Gloriavale, and they sign a vow promising that if they should ever leave, they will do so without expecting any financial help. Most of the community members do not realise they are receiving Working for Families Tax credits, or…
Starting a new life outside of Gloriavale

Starting a new life outside of Gloriavale

: By: Stuff Reporter – 25/07/2019 (Video and Audio can be accessed in article link). Former Gloriavale members James Harrison, his wife and twelve children fled the secluded West Coast religious community with little more than $40 and a sewing machine between them. In an interview with RNZ, Harrison said the…
Peter Lineham: Gloriavale

Peter Lineham: Gloriavale

: Radio New Zealand – Mike Hosking Breakfast – 18/03/2019 [Audio can be listened to from article link]. Listen to Associate Professor Peter Lineham, Massey University speak on Gloriavale. Listen here: https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-hosking-breakfast/audio/peter-lineham-gloriavale/  …
Gloriavale founder Hopeful Christian dies

Gloriavale founder Hopeful Christian dies

: Stuff Hopeful Christian, founder of the Gloriavale commune and convicted sex offender, has died at the secluded community. A family member told Stuff Christian, who was 92, died on Tuesday afternoon after a battle with cancer. He founded the religious community in 1969 in North Canterbury. The group later moved to the West…
Gloriavale: The Hopeful Christian interview

Gloriavale: The Hopeful Christian interview

: By Jehan Casinader – Stuff – 15/05/2018 [Audio link in article] This story was first published in 2015, but has been republished after Hopeful Christian died after a battle with cancer on Tuesday. “Did you know”, Hopeful Christian whispers, “that some medical vaccines contain the embryos of aborted fetuses? Did…
Gloriavale: The Return

Gloriavale: The Return

: TVNZ | Local Documentary | May 2018 saw TVNZ premiere an exclusive Gloriavale mini-series.  Gloriavale: The Return This May, TVNZ OnDemand will premiere an exclusive Gloriavale mini-series. Catch up with familiar faces, and meet some new ones too. Join us for another visit to Gloriavale, New Zealand’s most fascinating isolated community.…
Secretive religious community Gloriavale’s ‘Declaration of Commitment’ – revealing the rights members must sign away for the rest of their lives

Secretive religious community Gloriavale’s ‘Declaration of Commitment’ – revealing the rights members must sign away for the rest of their lives

: By Paul Hobbs, 1News – 07/04/2018 [Video can be viewed in article link]. For the first time, the full details of Gloriavale’s “Declaration of Commitment” document can be unveiled. It includes an array of sweeping waivers, including how the religious group tries to legally bind people to a lifetime of…

On the “Gloriavale Commune” In India

: India Happenings – 02/04/2017 We came across a recent investigative report which appeared in a New Zealand MSM here. MSM in NZ has been focussing on alleged abuses and other individual rights violations in Gloriavale. Naturally, they are not interested in the expansion of Gloriavale commune to India, as they…
How Gloriavale’s leadership structure works

How Gloriavale’s leadership structure works

: | Stuff | Henry Cooke | There is probably no religious group New Zealanders have seen more of over the last decade than Gloriavale. The West Coast Christian community has been featured in a series of documentaries and many news reports. The allegations made against the community by former members have been…
Gloriavale allegations: Read the report

Gloriavale allegations: Read the report

: By: Morgan Tait – 28/03/2017 (Updated 29/03/2017) A copy of a 33-page report and a letter sent to the Christian Church Community Trust board detailing the investigation’s findings into the community at Gloriavale have been released to Newsroom under the Official Information Act. The documents supplied by Charities Services –…
Gloriavale: The history of a reclusive sect

Gloriavale: The history of a reclusive sect

: By: Morgan Tait – 28/03/2017 (Updated 13/11/2017) Founded by Australian-born evangelist Neville Cooper in 1969, Gloriavale follows its own fundamentalist interpretation of the New Testament. The principles of sharing and holding all things in common are at the centre of the group’s philosophy, as well as strictly abiding by God’s…
Inside Gloriavale: The official story

Inside Gloriavale: The official story

: By Morgan Tait – 28/03/2017 This story was originally published in Newsroom.co.nz and is republished with permission. Allegations of physical and sexual abuse, forced marriage, forced separation of families and a controlling environment at the Gloriavale religious community sparked an 18-month investigation by the New Zealand Government. Now, Newsroom’s Morgan…
Life after Gloriavale: Former member speaks

Life after Gloriavale: Former member speaks

: | Stuff | Tess Brunton | Gloriavale would “fall to pieces” if its members knew the truth about their leader Hopeful Christian and his sexual convictions, a former member says. Seventeen months after leaving the controversial West Coast Christian community, South Canterbury dairy farmer James Ben Canaan gave his first face-to-face…
NZ Herald – Gloriavale: A timeline of controversy

NZ Herald – Gloriavale: A timeline of controversy

: NZ Herald – 27/07/2016 As Gloriavale returns, we take a look back at the community’s controversy over the years. July, 2007: Ex-Gloriavale members sentenced for robbery July 2014: Gloriavale hits NZ TV screens April, 2015: Ex-Members speak out against Gloriavale’s leader April, 2015: A community rich in assets … Read…
Gloriavale: A Woman’s Place

Gloriavale: A Woman’s Place

: Pacific Screen Video Link: Gloriavale: A Woman’s Place The third and final observational documentary about Gloriavale screened on New Zealand’s TV2 in the 7th Month of 2016. This time the ladies at Gloriavale spoke about their roles in the community as wives, mothers and helpers. The film closed with one…
Amanda Evans Gloriavale: RNZ

Amanda Evans Gloriavale: RNZ

: Amanda Evans | RNZ | Documentary director Amanda Evans discusses our on-going fascination with the Gloriavale community. She’s been filming in the community for several years now and the third part of her television series is set to air this week. Listen to the interview: Amanda Evans: Gloriavale Direct link:…
Gloriavale Christian Community assets top $40 million

Gloriavale Christian Community assets top $40 million

: By: Joanne Carroll – 29/02/2016 The Gloriavale Christian Community has opened up to defend its tax status as its assets reach more than $40 million. The community leaders took out a large advertisement in the Greymouth Star on Saturday after its financial statements were released online. Read more here: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/77378317/gloriavale-christian-community-assets-top-40-million…
Gloriavale: Life and Death

Gloriavale: Life and Death

: Pacific Screen Video Link: Gloriavlae: Life and Death Another popular observational documentary about Gloriavale screened on New Zealand’s TV2 in the 8th Month of 2015. Follow the lives of a young couple having their second child, and how the community handles the issues of death and grieving for an older…
Is there a Gloriavale Commune in Southern Tamil Nadu?

Is there a Gloriavale Commune in Southern Tamil Nadu?

: | Indiafacts | Gloriavale Christian Community (GCC) is a Christian commune in New Zealand which calls itself as a Church. Its members are supposed to live a life based on Biblical principles. Nearly 80 families live in a farm-like setting in Western New Zealand. Their website (also archive) mentions ‘that 35 babies are born…

Far away, a new Gloriavale is Born

: By Jehan Casinada (Sunday Star Times) – 03/05/2015 A new Gloriavale is taking shape, far from the West Coast. Hopeful Christian and other senior Gloriavale leaders have travelled to the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, where they are building a new faith-based township in Tirunelveli. “It’s called the Christian Church…
Men ‘groomed’ to have underage sex in Gloriavale, ex-member says

Men ‘groomed’ to have underage sex in Gloriavale, ex-member says

: By: Ashleigh Stewart – 01/05/2015 Gloriavale’s men are “groomed” to have sex with underage girls and should not shoulder the blame, the granddaughter of the commune’s leader says. Another former member has revealed that girls who put on weight were verbally abused and forced to fast. Read more here: https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/68166569/men-groomed-to-have-underage-sex-in-gloriavale-ex-member-says…
No debate on Gloriavale road closure

No debate on Gloriavale road closure

: | NZ Herald | Nicholas McBride | The Grey District Council has refused to enter into a public debate about a plan to close a road near the Gloriavale Christian Community, as the issue heads to the Environment Court. In a statement today, West Coast Fish and Game manager Dean…
The finances of Gloriavale: $36.6m in assets

The finances of Gloriavale: $36.6m in assets

: | NZ Herald | Sophie Ryan | Secretive religious community’s profit for year to last July more than $1.86m but it’s a tax-exempt charity. The secretive Gloriavale religious community owns assets worth $36.6 million, including a dairy farm, deer enterprise and an aircraft repair firm. The tax-exempt charity operating as…
Gloriavale: A World Apart

Gloriavale: A World Apart

: Pacific Screen | TV2 | Video Link: Gloriavale: A World Apart Television producers were taken by surprise with the popularity of this observational documentary produced by independent film-makers Pacific Screen when it first screened on New Zealand’s TV2 in the 12th month of 2014. The slightly longer version of the…
Gloriavale Drilling

Gloriavale Drilling

: | Bay of Plenty Times | Press Reader|Page 23 A company owned by the Gloriavale Christian Community, on the West Coast, expects to drill a new oil well this spring with a rig that has recently arrived from Korea. Ocean Harvest International Ltd (OHIL), is planning the new well on…
Gloriavale // Directed by Cody Packer

Gloriavale // Directed by Cody Packer

: Directed by Cody Packer Gloriavale” is an experimental 8 minute documentary examining life inside a secluded religious community on the West Coast in New Zealand. When shooting the documentary, I stayed at Gloriavale for 3 days to fully immerse myself and experience their unique way of life. So any questions…
Gloriavale Christian Community

Gloriavale Christian Community

: Country Life | RNZ |Host: Cosmo Kentish-Barnes The community’s become one of the largest contributors to the West Coast economy and is based on a 1700-hectare inland farm where nearly 500 people live in relative seclusion. Listen to the audio: Gloriavale Christian Community…
Jury finds Cust sect leader guilty

Jury finds Cust sect leader guilty

: The Press | A man who faced three charges of indecent assault arising from incidents at the Cust Christian community was found guilty on all three counts by a jury in the Christchurch district Court yesterday. Further reading:  Jury finds Cust sect leader guilty      …
After the Fall: Listener

After the Fall: Listener

: By Jane Gray | To the members of his community, Neville Cooper was the voice of God, obeyed without question.  Now he answers to an earthly authority. Hopeful Christian, born Neville Barclay Cooper, stood in the Christchurch District Court dock in the blue jersey, shirt and trousers and tie that…
The Miracle Plane Crash

The Miracle Plane Crash

: Gloriavale Publication | Gloriavale Website | In 1967, the Queensland newspapers proclaimed a miracle had happened when a light plane crashed with four people on board – and everybody survived. The plane was piloted by the founder of the Gloriavale Christian Community while he was returning from mission work in…