Lawyer calls for Louise Upston to resign over Gloriavale concerns

Lawyer Calls for Minister's Resignation Over Gloriavale Concerns

A lawyer has called for Social Development Minister Louise Upston to resign, accusing her of being 'duped' by leaders of the controversial Gloriavale community during a recent visit. Dennis Gates, who has represented leavers from the sect, criticized Upston for not recognizing the dangers facing children in Gloriavale despite evidence from her department indicating potential risks. Upston visited Gloriavale on 30 January, meeting key leaders and community members. While she stated she saw no concerns about child safety, the Ministry of Education had previously canceled the registration of Gloriavale Christian School due to safety issues. Gates emphasized that Upston's comments were 'farcical' and highlighted the government's incompetence in addressing ongoing issues within the community. He called for her resignation, arguing she failed to act on available information. Upston's office has not responded to the criticism. The visit included a brief inspection of the school, main buildings, and a meeting with a homeschooling family. Gates also pointed out that Gloriavale members are trapped, with no freedom of choice and often in poor living conditions. He criticized the community's lack of transparency and control over information shared with government agencies. The Abuse in Care Royal Commission has previously found Gloriavale leaders responsible for allowing abuse and failing to protect victims. Upston stated she visited to gain firsthand knowledge and ensure she was well-informed about the community's progress in addressing safety concerns. She expressed confidence in the community's engagement with government agencies and the ongoing process of developing a safety plan. The High Court is currently reviewing the registration of Gloriavale Christian School, and the community's spokesperson confirmed that the visit was important for the minister to meet a cross-section of members, including school board members, mothers, managers, and leaders. The case has drawn attention due to the history of abuse within the community, with several leaders facing legal consequences. The lawyer's comments have added to the ongoing debate about the handling of such cases and the need for greater transparency and accountability.