Gloriavale: Employment Court chief judge visits West Coast commune

February 25, 2023: By Jean Edwards | RNZ | As lunchtime nears, a young Gloriavale woman stands on a metal step dipping a giant wooden spoon into a steaming hot vat, like a paddler working against a tide of macaroni cheese. In one of the most isolated kitchens in the country, a visit…

Gloriavale: ironing, baking and macaroni cheese for the masses – inside top judge’s tour of secretive Christian community

February 24, 2023: By Anna Leask | NZ Herald | The little boy had no idea as he fibbed about his age, that he was speaking to one of the country’s top judges. After shaking Chief Employment Court Judge Christina Inglis’ hand, the little boy, confidently and without hesitation, told her he was…

Gloriavale gives limited tour to judge, lawyers and media

February 24, 2023: 1News | Strict conditions were imposed when an Employment Court judge, lawyers and the media had a two-hour tour of Gloriavale today. The court was trying to get a better understanding of the evidence being presented in the case of six former residents and whether they were employees or volunteers.…

Gloriavale: Private conversations could be shared with leaders – member

February 24, 2023: By Adam Burns, | RNZ Reporter | A Gloriavale woman admits private conversations among members that deviated from their beliefs could be shared with leaders. The comments came as more members of the West Coast sect took to the witness stand during Employment Court hearing proceedings in Greymouth on Thursday. Six former…

Gloriavale woman details punishment for shoplifting as a child

February 23, 2023: by Ryan Boswell | 1News Reporter | A Gloriavale woman today told a court she was made to live by herself, away from her family, as punishment for being caught shoplifting as a child. Rapture Standtrue was 11 years old when she was confined to a caravan for about two…

A Gloriavale woman has denied knowing anything about her father allegedly calling her best friend a “whore”.

February 23, 2023: by Ryan Boswell | 1News | At an Employment Court trial, Rapture Standtrue was asked about the evidence given by former member Rosanna Overcomer, who said false allegations had been made about her to the commune’s leadership. The court heard that Overcomer was called to a leaders meeting not long…

Ex-Gloriavale resident storms out of court hearing

February 22, 2023: By RNZ | A Gloriavale mother has denied cutting all ties with her daughter after she chose to leave the West Coast commune. The testimony prompted the woman’s daughter Rose Standtrue to storm out of the Employment Court hearing in Greymouth on Wednesday. Six former Gloriavale women, including Rose, are…

Gloriavale: Claims of forced births ‘untrue’, ‘extremely offensive’

February 22, 2023: By Ryan Boswell |1News Reporter| Claims that Gloriavale women are forced to have babies by the leadership to bring in money have been called “totally disgusting”, “untrue”, and “extremely offensive”. Current member Christiana Standtrue told the Employment Court that she has always loved babies and children. Standtrue said she believes…