Editing Gloriavale Christian Community (section)

===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>