Gloriavale leaders apologise for ‘failing to protect’ members
The leadership of Gloriavale has publicly apologised for its role in ‘‘failing to prevent and protect victims of labour exploitation and sexual abuse’’.
The leadership said in a statement that it was ‘‘deeply saddened’’ by the harm members of the community had experienced.
It comes after a recent Employment Court ruling that former Gloriavale members who worked up to 70 hours a week for years were not volunteers.
Three former workers brought the case against Gloriavale leaders, three of its businesses and the Labour Inspectorate.
In evidence, former members described starting work in the businesses aged 6. They said if they failed to work they were hit with implements, food was withheld and they were publicly shamed.
The leadership of the Christian community said a lot had changed at Gloriavale since 2018 when new leadership took over after the passing of founder Hopeful Christian.
‘‘We can state categorically that child labour is no longer used in the commercial activities of any of our businesses, and our health and safety policies are now fully aligned with the International Labour Organisation Conventions on child labour.
‘‘Our health and safety policy now does not permit children to enter our commercial business sites and our school’s work transition programme was ended last year so that our teenage children could continue with their senior education.’’
Referring to investigations into sexual offending in the community, the leadership members said they too ‘‘have been hurt as we discovered the extent of sexual offending that has occurred within our community’’.
A police inquiry into allegations of child sexual abuse at the West Coast community – called Operation Minneapolis – brought to light offending that involved 61 people, including harmful sexual behaviour across multiple generations.
The leaders said extensive measures had been put in place to ensure such events could not reoccur.
‘‘This includes establishing a child protection leads team that answers directly to Oranga Tamariki, led by a senior external adviser appointed by Oranga Tamariki.’’
It said it encouraged all its members to report abuse to the police, Oranga Tamariki or the child protection team.
An independent social worker nominated by Oranga Tamariki visited the community once a week.
‘‘We make an absolute assurance that sex offenders will not work in our schools or directly with children,’’ said the leaders.
Leavers reactions
Gloriavale leaver Rosanna Overcomer, of Fairlie, left the community nine years ago and said the apology was ‘‘really positive’’.
‘‘Let’s hope their actions follow now. Time will tell,’’ Overcomer said.
The apology gave her hope for the future, she said.
‘‘That’s all I’ve ever wanted. I want safety for those still in Gloriavale.’’
She said she had never expected the apology, but she always believed there could be change within Gloriavale.
Timaru-based Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust manager Liz Gregory said the apology was a ‘‘milestone’’ and had come as a huge surprise.
‘‘It’s an extraordinary letter and the first time there’s ever been an apology,’’ Gregory said.
She said the letter appeared to be genuine and she was hopeful the promises made would happen.