Gloriavale principal didn’t remove teacher despite sexual offending claims, NZ Teaching Council investigating

By Michael Morrah – 21/12/2020 [Video can be viewed in article link]. The New Zealand Teaching Council is investigating the principal at Gloriavale over allegations he failed to keep students safe. A teacher at the school was convicted of sexual offending against a nine-year-old girl last year. He wasn’t stopped from teaching until police stepped […]

Gloriavale accused of exploiting workers; MBIE says it can’t intervene

By Joanne Naish – 14/11/2020 [Video can be viewed in article link]. Virginia Courage left school at 15 and, for 25 years, worked long hours in commercial-scale kitchens, laundries and child care centres. She started at 6am and finished as late as 8pm, cooking or cleaning for 600 people. She worked six days a week […]

Serious incidents at Gloriavale reported to WorkSafe; no action taken

By Joanne Naish – 09/11/2020 [Video can be viewed in article link]. Gloriavale workers have suffered lost fingers, falls, chemical burns and been overcome with toxic fumes in a series of incidents since 2016. However, the Government’s workplace safety watchdog ruled the incidents did not meet the “minimum threshold for formal investigation”. Read more here: […]

Current and former Gloriavale members asked to contact court-appointed lawyers

By Joanne Naish – 28/10/2020 [Video can be viewed in article link]. The High Court has appointed lawyers to hear the stories of former and current Gloriavale members after an ex-resident launched civil proceedings against the community’s leaders. About 180 people have left the West Coast Christian community in recent years, with some alleging ill-treatment, […]

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

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 […]