Gloriavale probe welcomed

A support group for people who choose to leave the Gloriavale Christian Community on the West Coast is relieved by the latest action by police and Oranga Tamariki.

The two agencies have been at the West Coast community since Monday, as part of an investigation into the group.

The community has been the subject of allegations of sexual abuse and exploiting workers’ rights.

A former Gloriavale member said she and her family have been threatened, since police and Oranga Tamariki arrived. Isabella Harrison, who left the community in 2019, said she was not fazed and was happy to hear of the probe.

“We received a [call] that if we didn’t stop telling the police and telling the Government and courts what was happening that they would try and hurt us.

“And when someone who has been in fear turns around and isn’t afraid any more, I think you better really watch out for that person because they’re going to be twice as courageous.”

Oranga Tamariki deputy chief executive Alison McDonald said its staff were working with police to ensure the safety of children and young people there.

Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust manager Liz Gregory said she had heard that up to 100 girls aged between 6 and 15 were being interviewed.

Police and Oranga Tamarariki had also been investigating claims of abuse of boys at the community for some time.

Gloriavale declined to comment.