Former Gloriavale members will hold a demonstration outside the James Hay Theatre tonight which is the venue of the Leader’s debate between Jacinda Ardern and Judith Collins.

They’re calling on Ardern to announce an immediate wide-ranging inquiry into Gloriavale amidst “concerns of modern-day slavery, exploitation, unsafe work practices, poor education, health neglect, coercion, oppression, physical and sexual abuse, and illegal activities.”

Ex-members from Gloriavale and supporters say they were disappointed last week during the TV Leaders’ Debate when Jacinda Adern said she would not support an inquiry into Gloriavale.

Judith Collins answered “Yes”.

Trust Manager Liz Gregory says that Jacinda’s catch cry has “Be Kind”, and yet here she is reluctant to direct an inquiry into the secretive commune on the West Coast. “These are arguably 600 of the most vulnerable people in our country, and yet she gave a definite No. I find that extremely unkind.”

Gregory started a petition this week calling for the House of Representatives urge the Government to conduct a full independent inquiry into Gloriavale. Petition link: http://bit.ly/GloriavaleInquiry

The Trust urges the public to sign the petition, saying “We see Gloriavale as an oppressive regime controlling about 600 residents, including hundreds of vulnerable children. Will you help them?

People have been leaving Gloriavale at an escalating rate, and ex-members have been recently speaking at Unmasking Gloriavale events.

James Harrison, a former member who left 5 years ago with his wife and 12 children, says the public are always blown away by the details of how Gloriavale is run and how the people in there are treated.