Gloriavale Visit Sparks Criticism as Lawyer Calls for Minister’s Resignation

A visit by Social Development Minister Louise Upston to the Gloriavale Christian community on January 30th has drawn sharp criticism from a lawyer representing former members, who alleges the minister was “duped” by community leaders and should resign. The controversy centers on concerns about child safety and the ongoing oversight of the isolated community following historical allegations of abuse.

Minister Defends Visit, Cites Royal Commission Recommendations

Minister Upston stated that the visit was crucial in fulfilling a recommendation from the Abuse in Care Royal Commission, which called for the government to capture all practicable steps to ensure the safety of children, young people, and adults at Gloriavale. She expressed confidence in the community’s engagement with government agencies and their commitment to a safety plan. “There was nothing that I saw that led me to think they weren’t [safe],” Upston said, adding that regular contact with agencies on the ground would continue.

Lawyer Alleges Misleading of Minister, Points to Conflicting Reports

Dennis Gates, a lawyer who has represented former Gloriavale members, strongly refuted Upston’s assessment, claiming she was deliberately misled during the visit. He pointed to the Ministry of Education’s December decision to cancel Gloriavale Christian School’s registration due to safety concerns as evidence of a disconnect between the minister’s observations and the reality of the situation. “You’ve got one minister saying they’re safe and another ministry saying they’re not,” Gates stated. He further argued that Upston’s “blissful ignorance” and the department’s potential failings warrant her resignation.

Concerns Over Control and Lack of Access to Former Members

Gates emphasized that all information provided to government agencies is controlled by Gloriavale’s Shepherds, limiting the ability to obtain an accurate picture of life within the community. He likened the situation to “talking to the prison guards about how to build life better for the prisoners and not talking to the prisoners.” He highlighted ongoing issues such as substandard living conditions and a lack of freedom for members, describing the environment as trapping individuals physically and psychologically.

Recent Leadership Changes and Historical Abuse Allegations

The visit occurred shortly after Stephen Standfast assumed the role of Overseeing Shepherd in December, following the sentencing and subsequent quashing of Howard Temple’s jail sentence for indecently assaulting young women and girls. The High Court quashed Temple’s jail sentence on Tuesday following an appeal, resulting in a sentence of 11 months’ home detention. Gloriavale founder Hopeful Christian (formerly Neville Cooper) was also convicted of indecent assault in 1995.

Royal Commission Findings and Ongoing Oversight

The Abuse in Care inquiry previously found that the Overseeing Shepherd and senior leaders at Gloriavale were at fault for allowing physical and sexual abuse, failing to protect survivors, and mishandling perpetrators. The government continues to work with Gloriavale on a community plan, with multiple agencies engaging with the community on a regular basis. The visit included meetings with community leaders and members, as well as a tour of the school and family homes.