Former Gloriavale members file class action

A class action lawsuit has been filed by former members of the Gloriavale Christian community against the community and five government agencies.

The four plaintiffs claim that Gloriavale’s leaders exercised absolute control over community members, allegedly creating a master-slave relationship and depriving them of free will and remuneration for their labour.

They seek $2.5 million each in damages and a High Court declaration that the government breached international treaties by failing to protect children from child labour. The lawsuit also seeks to revoke Gloriavale’s status as a charitable trust.

The New Zealand government is accused by the plaintiffs of failing to take action against Gloriavale despite being a signatory to international conventions on the issues.

Gloriavale’s leaders deny the allegations, maintaining that members are volunteers and that the community fully complies with New Zealand law. Further comment cannot be provided due to the ongoing legal proceedings.