Petition calls for action over Gloriavale

CHRISTCHURCH: There are growing calls for a wideranging Government inquiry into West Coast Christian community Gloriavale.

The Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust has started a petition this week urging the Government to take action.

They also protested outside the leaders’ debate in Christchurch last night.

They say they are growing frustrated with the lack of action from any government agency in response to claims from those who have lived inside.

Abuse, unsafe work practices, poor education, oppression and lack of health services are all issues that have been raised.

Last month Charities Services decided not to carry out a second investigation into Gloriavale after leavers raised concerns.

After those inside complained about working conditions the Labour Inspectorate visited the community but last week it said it could not take action as people working at Gloriavale were deemed volunteers so did not come under the Employment Relations Act.

But Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust spokeswoman Liz

Gregory said the trust was not giving up.

‘‘It’s incredibly frustrating because there is enough information there and evidence there to show that something is very wrong.

‘‘They go in and have a look around, talk to a couple people, then come out and say ‘oh, nothing to see here’, and that actually gives Gloriavale the power it wants, which is to control the narrative.’’

The trust has started a petition calling for the Government to take action and Ms Gregory said it needed to learn from previous investigations.

‘‘They actually need to chat to people who have left the community. Prior to even investigating things they need to find out the best way to get information.

‘‘You don’t just show up to Gloriavale, set up your table and invite people to come and talk to you — everyone is looking at each other and they’re informing on each other.’’

David Ready, who left in 2017 because of alleged abuse within the community, said someone needed to take responsibility.

‘‘Gloriavale needs to be held accountable for its sins. They’ve destroyed lives, destroyed families, lied, harassed and abused people and they need to pay for it.

‘‘They will think they’re being persecuted for their faith but they’re not. The truth is noone cares about what they believe — the problem is how they’re treating people,’’ Mr Ready said.

He is separated from family members who remain inside the community — including his mother.

He said there would always be people who wanted to live in an arrangement like Gloriavale — but an inquiry was needed to ensure people at least had a better quality of life.

‘‘They would love it even more if it was done correctly, if it was done without abuse, without bullying and without harassment — like wouldn’t that make it better?’’

When asked at the recent Newshub leaders’ debate if their parties would hold an inquiry into Gloriavale if elected, National’s Judith Collins said yes and Labour’s Jacinda Ardern said no.

Matters are before the courts at present in relation to a member being charged with indecent acts.

Workplace Relations Minister Andrew Little said WorkSafe continued to assess how Gloriavale was managing its health and safety obligations.