Gloriavale: Police, Oranga Tamariki at remote West Coast community
4 May, 2021 08:57 PM
2 minutes to read
About 600 people live at Gloriavale Christian community in Haupiri, on the South Island s West Coast. Photo / Kurt Bayer
About 600 people live at Gloriavale Christian community in Haupiri, on the South Island s West Coast. Photo / Kurt Bayer
Police and Oranga Tamariki are on-site at Gloriavale conducting inquiries as part of an investigation.
A police spokesperson confirmed staff have been at the West Coast religious commune together with staff from Oranga Tamariki.
They will be back on-site on Wednesday but would not disclose any further details.
Sources have told the Herald children between the ages of 5 and 16 are being interviewed and the investigation relates to allegations of sexual abuse.
Moo Chews NZ is now looking for a new manufacturer for milk bites previously made at Gloriavale after concerns were raised about employment practices. The calcium-based children’s snack has been exported to Australia, Britain, India, China and Hong Kong and carries the government-endorsed FernMark label. Where the money comes from As a registered charity Gloriavale’s Christian Church Community Trust is obliged to file annual financial statements with Charities Services, and they show its annual income has increased fivefold from just over $4m a decade ago. Farming has been a mainstay of Gloriavale since it was established near Christchurch in 1969 by Neville Cooper, known as Hopeful Christian, before moving in 1991 to Haupiri on the West Coast where it owns dairy farms carrying 3126 cows, and one of the largest deer farms in the country.
Lawyers asked to lead independent inquiry into issues arising at Gloriavale nzherald.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from nzherald.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Mum of 13 quits Gloriavale regime for teaching job on the outside Sat, 20 Feb 2021, 3:11PM
Former Gloriavale resident Sharon Ready (centre) with two of her 13 children, David and Constance. Photo / Supplied
Mum of 13 quits Gloriavale regime for teaching job on the outside Sat, 20 Feb 2021, 3:11PM
After 50 years inside Gloriavale, one of the community s longest-serving members has her first job on the outside and is attempting to remove the leadership while still living within the compound.
At age 64, mother of 13 Sharon Ready has challenged the norm and defied the leaders by leaving the grounds of the secretive sect each day to work at an early childhood centre in Greymouth.