Editing Gloriavale Christian Community (section)

==Workplace exploitation==
===Venkata Rayavarapu's exploitation allegations===
In October 2006, the ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' reported that Indian student Venkata Siva Rayavarapu had fled Gloriavale's West Coast commune after alleging that Gloriavale leaders were attempting to pressure him into marrying a Mexican woman against his wishes. Gloriavale had sponsored Rayavarapu to study English and agriculture at its accredited school. Rayavarapu alleged that he had been made to work at a dairy farm for six weeks without receiving any wages. Gloriavale leader Fervent Stedfast disputed Rayavarapu's account, claiming that he was attempting to marry a New Zealand girl to gain residency and that the community had sponsored him for the sole purpose of training him to help his own Indian community, which had been stated on his visa. Stedfast said that Rayavarapu was applying for a work visa to support his family in India. [[Immigration New Zealand]] subsequently revoked Rayavarapu's temporary permit.<ref>{{cite news |title=Indian student in NZ being sent back |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/indian-student-in-nz-being-sent-back/story-u8q70AHPFDX5jeRiluRrGL.html |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |date=16 October 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401132608/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/indian-student-in-nz-being-sent-back/story-u8q70AHPFDX5jeRiluRrGL.html |archive-date=1 April 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Official investigations===
In late September 2020, [[WorkSafe New Zealand]] dispatched inspectors to Gloriavale to investigate claims that some members had been forced to work for more than 20 hours a day.<ref>{{cite news |title=WorkSafe inspectors heading to Gloriavale after claims of 20-hour work days |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300117241/worksafe-inspectors-heading-to-gloriavale-after-claims-of-20hour-work-days |access-date=28 September 2020 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=25 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926225155/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300117241/worksafe-inspectors-heading-to-gloriavale-after-claims-of-20hour-work-days |archive-date=26 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The news company [[Newshub]] also reported that current Gloriavale members had been targeted by the sect's leadership for speaking to the media.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Morrah |first1=Michael |title=Gloriavale accused of targeting members who spoke out against controlling leadership |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/09/gloriavale-accused-of-targeting-members-who-spoke-out-against-controlling-leadership.html |access-date=28 September 2020 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=27 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928103143/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/09/gloriavale-accused-of-targeting-members-who-spoke-out-against-controlling-leadership.html |archive-date=28 September 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> As a result of the Newshub investigation, [[Minister of Justice (New Zealand)|Justice Minister]] [[Andrew Little (New Zealand politician)|Andrew Little]] had ordered the police, WorkSafe and the Labour Inspectorate to launch a second investigation into allegations of "controlling behaviour" and labour exploitation at Gloriavale.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Morrah |first1=Michael |title=Police, WorkSafe, Labour Inspectorate visit Gloriavale after allegations of controlling behaviour, worker exploitation |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/09/police-worksafe-labour-inspectorate-visit-gloriavale-after-allegations-of-controlling-behaviour-worker-exploitation.html |access-date=29 September 2020 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=28 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929091642/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/09/police-worksafe-labour-inspectorate-visit-gloriavale-after-allegations-of-controlling-behaviour-worker-exploitation.html|archive-date=29 September 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 1 October, Little, in his capacity as Minister of Workplace Relations, ordered a major review into practices at Gloriavale after Newshub obtained a government report from July 2017 reporting "oppressive psychological practices", possible exploitation, bullying, manipulation and coercion within the community.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Morrah |first1=Michael |title=Andrew Little orders major review into Gloriavale practices after seeing critical 2017 report |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/10/andrew-little-orders-major-review-into-gloriavale-practices-after-seeing-critical-2017-report.html |access-date=2 October 2020 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=1 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002082217/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/10/andrew-little-orders-major-review-into-gloriavale-practices-after-seeing-critical-2017-report.html |archive-date=2 October 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 2 October, WorkSafe instructed Gloriavale's leadership to improve their work practices but found no evidence to suggest that the religious community was not managing the risk of workplace fatigue. WorkSafe had conducted a workplace assessment during which a team of four inspectors assessed Gloriavale, four subsidiary companies, and 13 workers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Howie |first1=Cherie |title=Gloriavale: WorkSafe tells controversial Christian community to make workplace changes |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12369893 |access-date=2 October 2020 |work=[[New Zealand Herald]] |date=2 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002082813/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12369893 |archive-date=2 October 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 10 August 2021, 1 News reported that several former Gloriavale members had alleged that they had been forced to sign a document waiving their right to legal advice when joining the community. The Labour Inspectorate also investigated a so-called partnership agreement as part of its inquiry into long working conditions.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Boswell |first1=Ryan |title=Claims Gloriavale members forced to sign documents waiving legal advice |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/claims-gloriavale-members-forced-sign-documents-waiving-legal-advice |access-date=11 August 2021 |work=[[1News]] |date=10 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810011725/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/claims-gloriavale-members-forced-sign-documents-waiving-legal-advice |archive-date=10 August 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

===May 2022 Employment Court ruling===
On 21 February 2022, three former Gloriavale residents – Hosea Courage, Daniel Pilgrim and Levi Courage – challenged two earlier Labour Inspectorate inquiries in both 2017 and 2020, which found that they were volunteers and thus not entitled to pay or employment rights. Consequently, the Labour Inspectorate had declined to investigate the labour conditions, including alleged long working hours, at Gloriavale. The plaintiffs want the [[Employment Court of New Zealand|Employment Court]] to determine their employment status while they lived at Gloriavale and to determine whether they were exploited as workers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Leask |first1=Anna |title=Workers or volunteers? Gloriavale leavers take employment fight to court |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/workers-or-volunteers-gloriavale-leavers-take-employment-fight-to-court/6DU3LWLYHZOEZPD7L654ZBPKZI/ |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=21 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223202511/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/workers-or-volunteers-gloriavale-leavers-take-employment-fight-to-court/6DU3LWLYHZOEZPD7L654ZBPKZI/ |archive-date=23 February 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="1 News 21 Feb 2022">{{cite news |last1=Boswell |first1=Ryan |title=Are Gloriavale residents employees or volunteers? |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/02/21/are-gloriavale-residents-employees-or-volunteers/ |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=[[1News]] |publisher=[[TVNZ]] |date=21 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221235100/https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/02/21/are-gloriavale-residents-employees-or-volunteers/ |archive-date=21 February 2022}}</ref> Courage alleged that Gloriavale residents were forced to work and beaten and starved as punishment for refusing to work or not working fast enough. Courage also alleged that he was beaten by his parents and authority figures.<ref name="1 News 21 Feb 2022" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Naish |first1=Joanne |title=Sent to work at age 6, beaten and starved: One boy's experience of 'volunteering' at Gloriavale |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/127834706/sent-to-work-at-age-6-beaten-and-starved-one-boys-experience-of-volunteering-at-gloriavale |access-date=25 February 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=21 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221030221/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/127834706/sent-to-work-at-age-6-beaten-and-starved-one-boys-experience-of-volunteering-at-gloriavale |archive-date=21 February 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 10 May 2022, the Employment Court ruled in favour of Courage, Pilgrim and Courage's legal challenge, accepting that they had been employees at Gloriavale since the age of six. The Court found that the trio had been forced to perform "strenuous, difficult and sometimes dangerous" work when they were legally required to attend school. This landmark decision has the potential to encourage other former Gloriavale residents to pursue legal action against the religious community.<ref name="RNZ May court ruling" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Leask |first1=Anna |title=Employment Court rules Gloriavale members were 'employees' from age 6, undertook 'laborious, often dangerous' work – not 'chores' |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/employment-court-rules-gloriavale-members-were-employees-from-age-6-undertook-laborious-often-dangerous-work-not-chores/Y765MNKEGTL6QD74BHEOD34OCM/ |access-date=11 May 2022 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=10 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511124149/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/employment-court-rules-gloriavale-members-were-employees-from-age-6-undertook-laborious-often-dangerous-work-not-chores/Y765MNKEGTL6QD74BHEOD34OCM/ |archive-date=11 May 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> In response to the Employment Court ruling, [[WorkSafe New Zealand]] confirmed that it would send inspectors to investigate conditions at Gloriavale. In addition, the [[Charities Commission (New Zealand)|Charities Commission]] commenced an investigation into Gloriavale's trust over allegations of unpaid child labour, beatings, and the withholding of food. If these allegations are proven, Gloriavale would lose its charitable status, costing it its donee status and tax benefits.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=Jean |title=WorkSafe inspectors to visit Gloriavale, charities regulator opens investigation after ruling |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/466916/worksafe-inspectors-to-visit-gloriavale-charities-regulator-opens-investigation-after-ruling |access-date=11 May 2022 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511124316/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/466916/worksafe-inspectors-to-visit-gloriavale-charities-regulator-opens-investigation-after-ruling |archive-date=11 May 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following the Employment Court's ruling in May 2022, [[Silver Fern Farms]] announced on 24 May that it would no longer be supplying offal to Gloriavale's trading company Value Proteins. In addition, Westland Dairy suspended milk collection from Gloriavale–operated farms. In addition, meat processing company [[Alliance Group]] confirmed that it was reconsidering its relationship with Gloriavale in light of reports of labour exploitation.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chittock |first1=Niva |title=Silver Fern Farms will no longer supply offal to Gloriavale meat plant |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/467760/silver-fern-farms-will-no-longer-supply-offal-to-gloriavale-meat-plant |access-date=28 May 2022 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=27 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527043714/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/467760/silver-fern-farms-will-no-longer-supply-offal-to-gloriavale-meat-plant |archive-date=27 May 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> That same month, WorkSafe inspectors travelled to Gloriavale and issued nine improvement notices relating to the management of hazardous substances, machines and traffic at the community's grounds in [[Haupiri]]. By 15 August 2022, Gloriavale had complied with six of the nine notices, with the remaining three due to be completed by November 2022. In addition, WorkSafe had issued a total of 19 improvement notices to four Gloriavale businesses since September 2020.<ref name="NZH 15 Aug 2022">{{cite news |title=Gloriavale ordered to improve workplace safety standards |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gloriavale-ordered-to-improve-workplace-safety-standards/OG4YTU6W56R7NDA7Z5FDOE6GAU/ |access-date=15 August 2022 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=14 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815104018/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gloriavale-ordered-to-improve-workplace-safety-standards/OG4YTU6W56R7NDA7Z5FDOE6GAU/ |archive-date=15 August 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

In response to Westland Milk's actions, Gloriavale's subsidiary Canaan Farming Dairy sought a High Court injunction, prompting Westland to agree to continue collecting Canaan's milk until the Employment Court made a ruling on a second labour exploitation case filed by several former Gloriavale women.<ref name="NZH 15 Aug 2022" /> On 4 October, High Court Justice Jan-Marie Doogue ordered Westland Milk to continue collecting milk from Canaan Farming Dairy's three farms Bell Hill, Gloriavale and Glen Hopeful on the condition that it did not hire any minors or associate employees under the age of 18 years. In her ruling, Doogue ruled there was no evidence that Canaan had breached its obligations as an employer and that the company was not a party to the Employment Court case which had sparked the contract move suspension. She also rejected Westland's claim that it had lost customers as a result of its business relationship with Canaan Farming.<ref>{{cite news |title=Judge orders Westland Milk not to halt milk collection from Gloriavale farms |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/476037/judge-orders-westland-milk-not-to-halt-milk-collection-from-gloriavale-farms |access-date=5 October 2022 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=4 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004070641/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/476037/judge-orders-westland-milk-not-to-halt-milk-collection-from-gloriavale-farms |archive-date=4 October 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Cropp |first1=Amanda |title=High Court rejects Westland Dairy's claims of big losses from using Gloriavale milk |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/130064576/high-court-rejects-westland-dairys-claims-of-big-losses-from-using-gloriavale-milk |access-date=5 October 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=5 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004183648/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/130064576/high-court-rejects-westland-dairys-claims-of-big-losses-from-using-gloriavale-milk |archive-date=4 October 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Gloriavale Christian Community including Canaan Farming Dairy director Samuel Valor welcomed the High Court's ruling and emphasised the community's willingness to comply with employment requirements.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McMahon |first1=Brendon |title=Gloriavale welcomes judge's ruling on milk collection |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/476045/gloriavale-welcomes-judge-s-ruling-on-milk-collection |access-date=5 October 2022 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=4 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004040914/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/476045/gloriavale-welcomes-judge-s-ruling-on-milk-collection |archive-date=4 October 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 22 November 2024, the [[Employment Court of New Zealand|Employment Court]] ruled that the previous Overseeing Shepherd Hopeful Christian had been the employer of Courage, Pilgrim and Courage during the periods that the three plaintiffs had worked in the Gloriavale Community.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sargent |first1=Anna |title=Gloriavale's leader was employer of children working there, court rules |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/534529/gloriavale-s-leader-was-employer-of-children-working-there-court-rules |access-date=24 November 2024 |work=[[RNZ]] |date=22 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241123013313/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/534529/gloriavale-s-leader-was-employer-of-children-working-there-court-rules |archive-date=23 November 2024}}</ref>

===Second Employment Court case===
In August 2022, [[Radio New Zealand]] reported that six former Gloriavale women named Serenity Pilgrim, Anna Courage, Rose Standtrue, Crystal Loyal, Pearl Valour and Virginia Courage had filed a second case with the Employment Court to determine whether they were employees or volunteers at Gloriavale. The case was set to begin on 29 August and expected to last three weeks.<ref name="NZH 15 Aug 2022" /> The Employment Court heard from 49 witnesses, who testified about various abuses including an alleged institutional culture of misogyny and victim blaming, sexual harassment of female members, and being forced to work for long hours with no breaks and little food.<ref name="Public shaming">{{cite news |author1=[[Radio New Zealand]] |title=Gloriavale: Father tells court of 'public shaming' culture in community |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/west-coast/129732711/gloriavale-father-tells-court-of-public-shaming-culture-in-community |access-date=4 September 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=30 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903171851/https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/west-coast/129732711/gloriavale-father-tells-court-of-public-shaming-culture-in-community|archive-date=3 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Burns |first1=Adam |title=Former Gloriavale woman says many girls in community sexually harassed |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/473852/former-gloriavale-woman-says-many-girls-in-community-sexually-harassed |access-date=4 September 2022 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=31 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902105137/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/473852/former-gloriavale-woman-says-many-girls-in-community-sexually-harassed|archive-date=2 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Boswell |first1=Ryan |title=Former Gloriavale resident sheds tears as she gives evidence |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/08/31/former-gloriavale-resident-sheds-tears-as-she-gives-evidence/ |access-date=4 September 2022 |work=[[1News]] |publisher=[[TVNZ]] |date=31 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831102904/https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/08/31/former-gloriavale-resident-sheds-tears-as-she-gives-evidence/|archive-date=31 August 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Leask |first1=Anna |title=Emotional testimony from Gloriavale leaver about life of fear, pressure, sexual abuse |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/emotional-testimony-from-gloriavale-leaver-about-life-of-fear-pressure-sexual-abuse/Z5O32A7HQSFFYCDWL53QHBCKH4/ |access-date=4 September 2022 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=31 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903002205/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/emotional-testimony-from-gloriavale-leaver-about-life-of-fear-pressure-sexual-abuse/Z5O32A7HQSFFYCDWL53QHBCKH4/|archive-date=3 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sherwood |first1=Sam |title=Gloriavale women 'inferior' to men and go hungry if not enough food to go around, hearing told |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/129922728/gloriavale-women-inferior-to-men-and-go-hungry-if-not-enough-food-to-go-around-hearing-told |access-date=20 September 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920020028/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/129922728/gloriavale-women-inferior-to-men-and-go-hungry-if-not-enough-food-to-go-around-hearing-told |archive-date=20 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

Two witnesses, Naomi Pilgrim and Pearl Valor, testified about being denied medical treatment for various health issues including dental problems, damaged fingers, and sustaining back injuries from difficult and long working conditions.<ref name="Public shaming" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Leask |first1=Anna |title='You feel like you always owe them' – Why Pearl Valor stayed at Gloriavale and the horrors that made her leave |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/you-feel-like-you-always-owe-them-why-pearl-valor-stayed-at-gloriavale-and-the-horrors-that-made-her-leave/IAZX26HMIXA4RH2EZ7NZPMW7QI/ |access-date=4 September 2022 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=31 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903002120/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/you-feel-like-you-always-owe-them-why-pearl-valor-stayed-at-gloriavale-and-the-horrors-that-made-her-leave/IAZX26HMIXA4RH2EZ7NZPMW7QI/ |archive-date=3 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> In early September, Virginia Courage and Rosanna Overcomer testified about community leaders shaming and sexually harassing female members of the community.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kenny |first1=Jane |title='Absolutely abusive': Gloriavale leaders allegedly verbally attacked ex-member during meeting |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/129786246/absolutely-abusive-gloriavale-leaders-allegedly-verbally-attacked-exmember-during-meeting |access-date=20 September 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=5 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906040703/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/129786246/absolutely-abusive-gloriavale-leaders-allegedly-verbally-attacked-exmember-during-meeting |archive-date=6 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=[[Radio New Zealand]] |title=Sexual harassment of Gloriavale workers a 'normal' occurrence, court hears |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/sexual-harassment-of-gloriavale-workers-a-normal-occurrence-court-hears/P42UCVH6VRFFR5EHSPS26LXTHA/ |access-date=20 September 2022 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=8 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907175829/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/sexual-harassment-of-gloriavale-workers-a-normal-occurrence-court-hears/P42UCVH6VRFFR5EHSPS26LXTHA/ |archive-date=7 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> On 19 September, one former Gloriavale leader, Zion Pilgrim, testified that the leadership had threatened to strip him of his leadership positions for raising concerns about sexual offending.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Boswell |first1=Ryan |title=Court hears secret recording made by former Gloriavale leader |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/09/19/court-hears-secret-recording-made-by-former-gloriavale-leader/ |access-date=20 September 2022 |work=[[1News]] |publisher=[[TVNZ]] |date=19 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920020443/https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/09/19/court-hears-secret-recording-made-by-former-gloriavale-leader/ |archive-date=20 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

The following day, Pilgrim testified that Gloriavale had received millions in child welfare benefits from the New Zealand Government despite requiring children between the age of 6 and 18 years old to work long, punishing hours.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gloriavale receives millions in government payments, ex-leader tells Employment Court |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/475085/gloriavale-receives-millions-in-government-payments-ex-leader-tells-employment-court |access-date=21 September 2022 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919091547/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/475085/gloriavale-receives-millions-in-government-payments-ex-leader-tells-employment-court |archive-date=19 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 September, Crystal testified that she had only been given one week of maternity leave after giving birth to her eldest child. She also testified that young mothers were expected to work long hours and were given little time to spend with their children.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gloriavale leaver given one week off work for the birth of her child |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/475228/gloriavale-leaver-given-one-week-off-work-for-the-birth-of-her-child |access-date=21 September 2022 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=21 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921100415/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/475228/gloriavale-leaver-given-one-week-off-work-for-the-birth-of-her-child|archive-date=21 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> Trudy Christian testified about children being subject to frequent corporal punishment, while former member John Ready testified about his epileptic daughter suffering third degree burns after experiencing a seizure while working in the kitchen.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chittock |first1=Niva |title=Gloriavale children subject to frequent smackings, court hears |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/475165/gloriavale-children-subject-to-frequent-smackings-court-hears |access-date=23 September 2022 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=20 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923114032/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/475165/gloriavale-children-subject-to-frequent-smackings-court-hears|archive-date=23 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Chittock |first1=Niva |title=Gloriavale employment court case: Father feared for his daughters' safety in community |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/475300/gloriavale-employment-court-case-father-feared-for-his-daughters-safety-in-community |access-date=23 September 2022 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=23 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923114208/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/475300/gloriavale-employment-court-case-father-feared-for-his-daughters-safety-in-community|archive-date=23 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 23 September, the defence opened its case. Gloriavale Christian School principal Rachel Stedfast disputed claims that the community's women were forced to work and mistreated by the elders, likening life there to a [[Māori people|Māori]] [[marae]]. She testified that Gloriavale was a harmonious community where members happily worked and gave their wages to the community.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Speedy |first1=Juliet |title=Gloriavale member rejects claims women are forced to work, says life in community is like Māori culture |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2022/09/gloriavale-member-rejects-claims-women-are-forced-to-work-says-life-in-community-is-like-m-ori-culture.html |access-date=23 September 2022 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=23 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923113159/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2022/09/gloriavale-member-rejects-claims-women-are-forced-to-work-says-life-in-community-is-like-m-ori-culture.html |archive-date=23 September 2022|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lourens |first1=Marine |title=Baby in the witness box as Gloriavale mum tells 'other side of the story |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/129973539/baby-in-the-witness-box-as-gloriavale-mum-tells-other-side-of-the-story |access-date=23 September 2022 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=23 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923113543/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/129973539/baby-in-the-witness-box-as-gloriavale-mum-tells-other-side-of-the-story |archive-date=23 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> On 27 September, defence witness Purity Valor testified that Gloriavale's leaders were unaware about sexual abuse within their community. She also claimed that media coverage of Gloriavale had resulted in the community being "slandered" and members receiving public abuse.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=Jean |title=Gloriavale women 'not downtrodden and subjugated', member says |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/475592/gloriavale-women-not-downtrodden-and-subjugated-member-says |access-date=5 October 2022 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=27 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930040858/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/475592/gloriavale-women-not-downtrodden-and-subjugated-member-says |archive-date=30 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> On 28 September, the Employment Court heard testimony from Sarah Standtrue that Gloriavale's leadership had burnt a book that her husband had written, but that he had been readmitted to the community after apologising. Standtrue claimed that members of Gloriavale were free to leave. Standtrue's daughter Compassion testified that Gloriavale disputed allegations of members being overworked, abuse, and denied food and care.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=Jean |title=Gloriavale leaders burnt book written by member of community, Employment Court told |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/475681/gloriavale-leaders-burnt-book-written-by-member-of-community-employment-court-told |access-date=5 October 2022 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=28 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004071657/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/475681/gloriavale-leaders-burnt-book-written-by-member-of-community-employment-court-told |archive-date=4 October 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 29 September, Joanna Courage testified in defence of her grandfather Howard Temple, Gloriavale's Overseeing Shepherd. She disputed claims that Temple had abused or behaved inappropriately towards female members of the community. Courage also disputed the plaintiffs' allegations that they had been overworked.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=Jean |title=Gloriavale leader's granddaughter denies claims of inappropriate behaviour |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/475755/gloriavale-leader-s-granddaughter-denies-claims-of-inappropriate-behaviour |access-date=5 October 2022 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=29 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004071657/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/475681/gloriavale-leaders-burnt-book-written-by-member-of-community-employment-court-told |archive-date=4 October 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> On 30 September, accountant Gordon Hansen testified that Gloriavale had received NZ$4.8{{nbsp}}million in government funds in the 2021 financial year including NZ$2.3{{nbsp}}million in [[Working for Families]] payments, NZ$2{{nbsp}}million in early childcare education grants, NZ$283,000 in [[Ministry of Education (New Zealand)|Ministry of Education]] grants and NZ$229,000 for midwifery services. Gloriavale's barrister Philip Skelton [[King's Counsel|KC]] testified that the majority of Gloriavale's income came from its farming businesses, which generated NZ$19.5{{nbsp}}million that year. The Employment Court case was adjourned until 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=Jean |title=Gloriavale received nearly $5m of govt money in 2021, court hears |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/475818/gloriavale-received-nearly-5m-of-govt-money-in-2021-court-hears |access-date=5 October 2022 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=30 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930071419/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/475818/gloriavale-received-nearly-5m-of-govt-money-in-2021-court-hears |archive-date=30 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 2022, Gloriavale confirmed that it would no longer hire the services of defence lawyer Philip Skelton [[King's Counsel|KC]] since it was unable to sustain the costs of a legal team. The community Shepherds Samuel Valor, Howard Temple, Stephen Steadfast, Noah Hopeful and Faithful Pilgrim would instead conduct their own defence with the assistance of [[Peter Righteous]]. On 18 January 2023, Chief Employment Court Judge Jude Inglis confirmed that she would visit Gloriavale in February 2023 to better understand the evidence presented in Court. The trial was scheduled to restart in Christchurch on 13 February before shifting to Greymouth between 20 and 24 February.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Leask |first1=Anna |title=Gloriavale site visit planned for Chief Employment Court Judge during next phase of 'servitude' trial between leavers and Christian community |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gloriavale-site-visit-planned-for-chief-employment-court-judge-during-next-phase-of-servitude-trial-between-leavers-and-christian-community/3SO4G4BVCNETRPNUMGEGAO2LIU/ |access-date=21 February 2023 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=18 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213053127/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gloriavale-site-visit-planned-for-chief-employment-court-judge-during-next-phase-of-servitude-trial-between-leavers-and-christian-community/3SO4G4BVCNETRPNUMGEGAO2LIU/ |archive-date=13 February 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 13 February 2023, Gloriavale resident and mother Priscilla Stedfast gave testimony disputing earlier testimony by the six leavers – Standtrue, Valor, Pilgrim, Courage, Loyal and Courage – about harsh and abusive working conditions on Gloriavale. Stedfast stated that she was never an employee and never intended to be one. She testified that people were free to leave Gloriavale without being ostracised as the leavers suggested. Stedfast also testified that Gloriavale supported leavers by providing funds, transportation, and denied that they restricted contact between members and leavers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Leask |first1=Anna |title=I love my life at Gloriavale: Leavers' claims are nonsense, exaggerated, offensive says life member |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/i-love-my-life-at-gloriavale-leavers-claims-are-nonsense-exaggerated-offensive-says-life-member/6H4ABETOZRFXRMAQSSQCC645A4/ |access-date=22 February 2023 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=13 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217001700/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/i-love-my-life-at-gloriavale-leavers-claims-are-nonsense-exaggerated-offensive-says-life-member/6H4ABETOZRFXRMAQSSQCC645A4/ |archive-date=17 February 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> On 17 February, the Employment Court heard testimony detailing the sexual offending of the late Gloriavale founder Hopeful Christian.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=Jean |title=Gloriavale: Details of crimes committed by founder Hopeful Christian made public for first time |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/484395/gloriavale-details-of-crimes-committed-by-founder-hopeful-christian-made-public-for-first-time |access-date=22 February 2023 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=17 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217060812/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/484395/gloriavale-details-of-crimes-committed-by-founder-hopeful-christian-made-public-for-first-time |archive-date=17 February 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> On 20 February, Gloriavale resident Temperance Hopeful argued in her testimony that introducing employment laws and wages would destroy Gloriavale's way of life. She alleged that the employment case was an attack on the commune's faith and disputed the plaintiffs' allegations of slave labour, describing it as a "labour of love to those who love to serve Christ by serving one another."<ref>{{cite news |title=Gloriavale could be 'destroyed' by employment laws – senior woman |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/02/20/gloriavale-could-be-destroyed-by-employment-laws-senior-woman/ |access-date=22 February 2023 |work=[[1News]] |publisher=[[TVNZ]] |date=20 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222030216/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/02/20/gloriavale-could-be-destroyed-by-employment-laws-senior-woman/ |archive-date=22 February 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Edward |first1=Jean |title=Gloriavale 'can't afford' to lose Employment Court battle, member says |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/484546/gloriavale-can-t-afford-to-lose-employment-court-battle-member-says |access-date=22 February 2023 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=20 February 2023 |archive-date=22 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222030756/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/484546/gloriavale-can-t-afford-to-lose-employment-court-battle-member-says |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 24 February, Chief Judge Christina Inglis along with lawyers, court staff, leavers Virginia and Anna Courage and Pearl Valor, and members of the media toured Gloriavale's Haupiri site to gain a better understanding of the reclusive community and the evidence being presented at Court. The tour was guided by Purity Valor and her husband Samuel Valor, a Shepherd in the community.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Naish |first1=Joanne |title=Inside Gloriavale: Judge's visit offers rare glimpse into life for women inside religious community |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/131311207/inside-gloriavale-judges-visit-offers-rare-glimpse-into-life-for-women-inside-religious-community |access-date=20 March 2023 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315063628/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/131311207/inside-gloriavale-judges-visit-offers-rare-glimpse-into-life-for-women-inside-religious-community |archive-date=15 March 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Leask |first1=Anna |title=Gloriavale: ironing, baking and macaroni cheese for the masses – inside top judge's tour of secretive Christian community |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gloriavale-ironing-baking-and-macaroni-cheese-for-the-masses-inside-top-judges-tour-of-secretive-christian-community/3JTI3MVKSFAN7NDPTEOYFPASHI/ |access-date=20 March 2023 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314213808/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gloriavale-ironing-baking-and-macaroni-cheese-for-the-masses-inside-top-judges-tour-of-secretive-christian-community/3JTI3MVKSFAN7NDPTEOYFPASHI/ |archive-date=14 March 2023}}</ref> On 27 February, Overseeing Shepherd Howard Temple admitted that Gloriavale's leaders had made mistakes and promised to report future abuses to the Police, rather than appealing for repentance and forgiveness.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=Jean |title=Gloriavale leader Howard Temple says much criticism of Christian community valid |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/484961/gloriavale-leader-howard-temple-says-much-criticism-of-christian-community-valid |access-date=20 March 2023 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=27 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227094221/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/484961/gloriavale-leader-howard-temple-says-much-criticism-of-christian-community-valid |archive-date=27 February 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> During cross-examination on 28 February, Temple rejected assertions by the leavers that Gloriavale's leadership imposed their religious faith on the community's children through isolation and ignorance, contending that the community sought to protect their children from "sinful" world influences.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=Jean |title=Gloriavale: Howard Temple rejects that leaders imposing faith in God through ignorance |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/485031/gloriavale-howard-temple-rejects-that-leaders-imposing-faith-in-god-through-ignorance |access-date=20 March 2023 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=28 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309221244/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/485031/gloriavale-howard-temple-rejects-that-leaders-imposing-faith-in-god-through-ignorance |archive-date=9 March 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 1 March, Temple confirmed during testimony at the Employment Court that Police were investigating allegations of forced labour, slavery and servitude at Gloriavale.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=Jean |title=Gloriavale: Police investigating claims of forced labour, slavery and servitude, court hears |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/485094/gloriavale-police-investigating-claims-of-forced-labour-slavery-and-servitude-court-hears |access-date=20 March 2023 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=1 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302100917/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/485094/gloriavale-police-investigating-claims-of-forced-labour-slavery-and-servitude-court-hears |archive-date=2 March 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> On 20 March, the Employment Court heard testimony from the plaintiffs' lawyers that the Crown had known about Gloriavale founder Hopeful Christian's sexual abuse crimes since the mid-1990s but had failed to help the community deal with his crimes.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=Jean |title=Crown knew details of Hopeful Christian's crimes in mid-90s – lawyer |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/486371/crown-knew-details-of-hopeful-christian-s-crimes-in-mid-90s-lawyer |access-date=20 March 2023 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=20 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320074649/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/486371/crown-knew-details-of-hopeful-christian-s-crimes-in-mid-90s-lawyer |archive-date=20 March 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 28 March, Gloriavale leader Samuel Valor apologised for delaying proceedings after the community's leadership hired a lawyer named Carter Pearce despite earlier claiming that the community could not afford legal counsel. Gloriavale leavers lawyer Brian Henry stated that he had only learned about Pearce's hiring on 26 March, a day before the Employment Court hearing resumed on 27 March.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Callahan |first1=Carey |title=Gloriavale leaders apologise for misleading court over their use of lawyers |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2023/03/gloriavale-leaders-apologise-for-misleading-court-over-their-use-of-lawyers.html |access-date=3 April 2023 |work=[[Newshub]] |date=29 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329092730/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2023/03/gloriavale-leaders-apologise-for-misleading-court-over-their-use-of-lawyers.html |archive-date=29 March 2023|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Boswell |first1=Ryan |title=Gloriavale leaders get new lawyer after claiming they couldn't afford one |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/03/29/gloriavale-leaders-get-new-lawyer-after-claiming-they-couldnt-afford-one/ |access-date=3 April 2023 |work=[[1News]] |publisher=[[TVNZ]] |date=28 March 2023 |archive-date=3 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403135436/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/03/29/gloriavale-leaders-get-new-lawyer-after-claiming-they-couldnt-afford-one/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In late March, the Employment Court heard closing arguments from the defendants and the plaintiffs. On 29 March, Gloriavale's lawyer Pearce and Valor disputed the plaintiffs' assertions that Gloriavale had exploited and mistreated them. They argued that Gloriavale was a voluntary religious community and not a "hidden capitalist market" as the plaintiffs claimed.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Redstall |first1=Shannon |title=Gloriavale leader says former members 'exaggerated' their experiences |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/131633591/gloriavale-leader-says-former-members-exaggerated-their-experiences |access-date=3 April 2023 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=29 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331072827/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/131633591/gloriavale-leader-says-former-members-exaggerated-their-experiences |archive-date=31 March 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=Jean |title=Employment Court hears closing submissions in 'precedent-setting' Gloriavale case |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/486976/employment-court-hears-closing-submissions-in-precedent-setting-gloriavale-case |access-date=3 April 2023 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=29 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329093554/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/486976/employment-court-hears-closing-submissions-in-precedent-setting-gloriavale-case |archive-date=29 March 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> On 30 March, the plaintiff's lawyer Henry argued that Gloriavale entrapped and exploited its female members from birth through religion and education, resulting in them being subservient to the community's patriarchal leadership. He argued that the plaintiffs were employees rather than volunteers. Justice Inglis has reserved her decision.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Redstall |first1=Shannon |title=Gloriavale was built 'on the backs of young women', court told |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/131656167/gloriavale-was-built-on-the-backs-of-young-women-court-told |access-date=3 April 2023 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=30 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330073410/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/131656167/gloriavale-was-built-on-the-backs-of-young-women-court-told |archive-date=30 March 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=Jean |title=Gloriavale women trapped in 'misogynist' community, Employment Court hears |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/dominated-from-birth-gloriavale-women-trapped-in-misogynist-community-employment-court-hears/3TJD2HTSA5GBZE7UE5DTFJ4X4Y/ |access-date=3 April 2023 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=31 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331002824/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/dominated-from-birth-gloriavale-women-trapped-in-misogynist-community-employment-court-hears/3TJD2HTSA5GBZE7UE5DTFJ4X4Y/ |archive-date=31 March 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 13 July, Employment Court Judge Inglis ruled that the six plaintiffs Courage, Valor, Pilgrim, Standtrue, Courage and Loyal were employees rather than volunteers at Gloriavale. In her judgement, Inglis stated that girls and women in the community were raised from young to work in "deliberately-gendered roles including cooking, cleaning and washing clothes" and that the plaintiffs were born into and kept in "servitude" (which is illegal under New Zealand law). Inglis also found that dissenters were threatened or punished with exclusion from the community. While the decision was hailed as a long-fought victory by the plaintiffs including Courage, Gloriavale's senior leadership confirmed that they would appeal the Employment Court's decision.<ref name="Stuff Employment Court ruling" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Leask |first1=Anna |title=Gloriavale in court: Leavers win Employment Court case, judge rules women born to work and any choice "illusory" |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gloriavale-in-court-leavers-win-employment-court-case-judge-rules-women-born-to-work-and-any-choice-illusionary/3QV3DXBXHRFBLIXKSJ5CEB6D7U/ |access-date=18 July 2023 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=13 July 2023 |archive-date=18 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718023315/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gloriavale-in-court-leavers-win-employment-court-case-judge-rules-women-born-to-work-and-any-choice-illusionary/3QV3DXBXHRFBLIXKSJ5CEB6D7U/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, the Labour Inspectorate confirmed that it would reopen its investigation and consider enforcement action if the women were found to be employees.<ref name="Stuff Employment Court ruling" />

On 9 December, the [[Court of Appeal of New Zealand|Court of Appeal]] dismissed most of Gloriavale's appeal against the second Employment Court ruling. While the Court declined leave on four questions of the law, they identified and invited submissions on two of these questions.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gloriavale's bid to appeal employment ruling largely fails |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/504301/gloriavale-s-bid-to-appeal-employment-ruling-largely-fails |access-date=14 December 2023 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=9 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209012510/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/504301/gloriavale-s-bid-to-appeal-employment-ruling-largely-fails |archive-date=9 December 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> On 15 December, Employment Court Chief Judge Inglis ruled that the "Overseeing Shepherd" at Gloriavale was the employer of the six female plaintiffs. The Overseeing Shepherd at the time was Howard Temple.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Boswell |first1=Ryan |title=Court rules Gloriavale's Overseeing Shepherd is employer |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/12/15/court-rules-gloriavales-overseeing-shepherd-is-employer/ |access-date=14 December 2023 |work=[[1News]] |publisher=[[TVNZ]] |date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214233908/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/12/15/court-rules-gloriavales-overseeing-shepherd-is-employer/ |archive-date=14 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Leask |first1=Anna |title=Gloriavale 'Overseeing Shepherd' is the employer of workers – Employment Court ruling |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gloriavale-overseeing-shepherd-is-the-employer-of-workers-employment-court-ruling/KR2R6BWJDNG5RNZ6SAFP5LY5MM/ |access-date=14 December 2023 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214234023/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gloriavale-overseeing-shepherd-is-the-employer-of-workers-employment-court-ruling/KR2R6BWJDNG5RNZ6SAFP5LY5MM/ |archive-date=14 December 2023}}</ref>

===Investigation into Gloriavale School===
On 17 July 2023, the [[Education Review Office (New Zealand)|Education Review Office]] (ERO) launched a review into Gloriavale School in light of the Employment court ruling that girls were only provided with a limited education that prepared them for life in the sect.<ref>{{cite news |title=Education Review Office reviewing Gloriavale School after Employment Court case |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/493872/education-review-office-reviewing-gloriavale-school-after-employment-court-case |access-date=18 July 2023 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=17 July 2023 |archive-date=18 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718023315/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/493872/education-review-office-reviewing-gloriavale-school-after-employment-court-case |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 30 October 2023, ERO released its review on Gloriavale School. The report found that Gloriavale did not meet many of the criteria for registering as a private school and identified several problems including the school not providing tuition beyond Year 10, that the quality of tuition was below the standard of many state schools, inadequate staffing levels, and that female pupils were offered a lower quality of education than male pupils. In addition, 26 pupils in the so-called "Awhina class" were taught at home by their mothers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gloriavale school 'not providing an adequate education' – ERO |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/501317/gloriavale-school-not-providing-an-adequate-education-ero |access-date=2 November 2023 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101135530/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/501317/gloriavale-school-not-providing-an-adequate-education-ero |archive-date=1 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Lynch |first1=Chris |title=Watchdog Report: Gloriavale Christian School Falls Short on Education Quality |url=https://www.chrislynchmedia.com/news-items/watchdog-report-gloriavale-christian-school-falls-short-on-education-quality |website=Chris Lynch's Christchurch Newsroom |access-date=2 November 2023 |date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102042239/https://www.chrislynchmedia.com/news-items/watchdog-report-gloriavale-christian-school-falls-short-on-education-quality|archive-date=2 November 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 3 July 2025, ERO released its second review on Gloriavale School. While the agency found that Gloriavale had made some improvements during its second visit in late 2024, it concluded that the school had failed three of the eight registration criteria: namely providing suitable staffing for children with complex additional needs, suitable equipment for children with complex emotional needs, or a physically and emotionally safe space. The report found that 40 percent of Gloriavale's school aged population attended the school while about half were [[Homeschooling|homeschooled]] and the rest were enrolled with correspondence school [[Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu|Te Kura]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Gloriavale school fails second ERO audit |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/565823/gloriavale-school-fails-second-ero-audit |access-date=3 July 2025 |work=[[RNZ]] |date=3 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250703024805/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/565823/gloriavale-school-fails-second-ero-audit |archive-date=3 July 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 18 December, the Ministry of Education cancelled Gloriavale School's registration, citing insufficient evidence that the school was complying with registration criteria. The deregistration is expected to come into effect on 23 January 2026.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gloriavale Christian School has registration cancelled |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/12/18/gloriavale-christian-school-has-registration-cancelled/ |access-date=18 December 2025 |work=[[1News]] |date=18 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251218091254/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/12/18/gloriavale-christian-school-has-registration-cancelled/ |archive-date=18 December 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 22 January 2026, the Ministry of Education confirmed two options for school-age children in Gloriavale: allowing students to enrol at an existing state school in the West Coast and operating a Te Kura hub at Gloriavale. The Education Ministry also confirmed it was negotiating establishing a Gloriavale unit as part of an existing state school.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Reid |first1=Neil |title=Gloriavale school closure: Ministry confirms two schooling options for students |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gloriavale-school-closure-ministry-confirms-two-schooling-options-for-students/2R2ZDOAH5VFSNK3S2XOK2SYKHU/ |access-date=24 January 2026 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=22 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260122010540/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gloriavale-school-closure-ministry-confirms-two-schooling-options-for-students/2R2ZDOAH5VFSNK3S2XOK2SYKHU/ |archive-date=22 January 2026 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 23 January, the cancellation of Gloriavale School's registration was delayed after the school board sought a judicial review by the [[High Court of New Zealand|High Court]] of the Education Ministry's decision to cancel its registration.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gloriavale Christian School to remain open, for now |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/584838/gloriavale-christian-school-to-remain-open-for-now |access-date=24 January 2026 |work=[[RNZ]] |date=23 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260124032300/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/584838/gloriavale-christian-school-to-remain-open-for-now |archive-date=24 January 2026 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Joint agency response===
In August 2022, the [[Sixth Labour Government of New Zealand|Sixth Labour Government]] set up a joint agency response to work on five key outcomes for Gloriavale community members: Glorivale members working without threat of punishment and receiving minimum legal entitlements, upholding children's rights, ensuring that children received an education and were not exploited for commercial gain, zero tolerance for serious harm and allowing people to freely leave the community. Despite the [[Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment]]'s (MBIE) concerns that ending the arrangement could undermine trust between Gloriavale and government agencies, Cabinet members of the [[Sixth National Government of New Zealand|National-led coalition government]] decided not to extend the arrangement beyond 31 December 2023. On 30 March 2024, this arrangement was reported by [[Radio New Zealand]]. The Education Review Office also reviewed Gloriavale's school, home schooling programme, and delivery of Te Kura. In addition, Gloriavale submitted progress reports to the [[Ministry of Social Development (New Zealand)|Ministry of Social Development]] every six weeks.<ref name="RNZ 30 Mar 2024">{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=Jean |title=Changes to Glorivale response could risk gains – ministers told |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/513019/changes-to-gloriavale-response-could-risk-gains-ministers-told |access-date=5 April 2024 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=30 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402044056/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/513019/changes-to-gloriavale-response-could-risk-gains-ministers-told |archive-date=2 April 2024}}</ref>

In December 2023, barrister Brian Henry sent a letter to Prime Minister [[Christopher Luxon]] calling for Gloriavale to be shut down. He also criticised the joint agency response for prioritising reforming Gloriavale over protecting victims of abuse. Henry also accused previous governments and agencies of enabling what he described as a "sex cult cloaked in Christianity."<ref name="RNZ 30 Mar 2024" /> On 27 March 2024, Henry filed proceedings against four government agencies ([[Oranga Tamariki]], the [[Department of Internal Affairs]], Ministry of Social Development and Labour Inspectorate), accusing them of knowingly allowing abuse to happen at Gloriavale.<ref>{{cite news |title=Government agencies accused of allowing abuse at Gloriavale to continue |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/512758/government-agencies-accused-of-allowing-abuse-at-gloriavale-to-continue |access-date=5 April 2024 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=27 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330133751/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/512758/government-agencies-accused-of-allowing-abuse-at-gloriavale-to-continue |archive-date=30 March 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Coronial inquiry into Sincere Standtrue's death===
Beginning in 20 May 2024, Coroner Alexandra Cunninghame held an inquiry into the death of 20-year old Sincere Standtrue, who sustained critical injuries on 23 October 2018 at a Gloriavale paintshop where he worked. He subsequently died at [[Christchurch Hospital]] on 2 November. The inquiry will consider whether Standtrue's death was a suicide or whether he died in different circumstances. The inquiry will be held in June and August 2024, and will hear from witnesses about Standtrue's state of mind at the time of his death, allegations of bullying and harmful sexual behaviour, how Standtrue coped with life in the community and other factors that caused his death.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Leask |first1=Anna |title=Death of Gloriavale's Sincere Standtrue: Coroner probes man's sudden death in 2018 |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/death-of-gloriavales-sincere-standtrue-coroner-probes-mans-sudden-death-in-2018/VAIIFFLB6NFWFJ26ZWP2C7KEI4/ |access-date=23 May 2024 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=20 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520105305/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/death-of-gloriavales-sincere-standtrue-coroner-probes-mans-sudden-death-in-2018/VAIIFFLB6NFWFJ26ZWP2C7KEI4/ |archive-date=20 May 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Over 50 witnesses are expected to testify. On 23 May, his younger sister Rose Standtrue testified that her brother endured bullying, shaming and beatings at Gloriavale.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Leask |first1=Anna |title=Gloriavale inquest: Sincere Standtrue was bullied, mocked, shamed, beaten most of his life – sister |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gloriavale-inquest-sincere-standtrue-was-bullied-mocked-shamed-beaten-before-sudden-death-sister/37DS2D6LKJCEDLTAL3KXDNGJUQ/ |access-date=23 May 2024 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=23 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523021450/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gloriavale-inquest-sincere-standtrue-was-bullied-mocked-shamed-beaten-before-sudden-death-sister/37DS2D6LKJCEDLTAL3KXDNGJUQ/ |archive-date=23 May 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 19 March 2025, Coroner Cunnighame ruled that Standtrue's death was an accident caused by "blacking out" rather than suicide. Standtrue's sister Rose disputed the Coroner's finding and criticised both the inquiry and the Police investigation for allegedly leaving out information.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Leask |first1=Anna |title=Coroner: Gloriavale man Sincere Standtrue's sudden death result of 'blacking out game' |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/coroner-gloriavale-man-sincere-standtrues-sudden-death-result-of-blacking-out-game/ERT7SV5QFBEJTBVOHS56QYGJPA/ |access-date=19 March 2025 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=14 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313193841/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/coroner-gloriavale-man-sincere-standtrues-sudden-death-result-of-blacking-out-game/ERT7SV5QFBEJTBVOHS56QYGJPA/ |archive-date=13 March 2025}}</ref>