Full Breakdown
Oranga Tamariki's Response to Gloriavale Child Suffocation Claims
11/19/2025, 1:25:59 AM
Background on Gloriavale's Child Discipline Practices
The Gloriavale Christian Community, located on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, has faced serious allegations regarding child discipline practices, particularly a technique involving suffocation. Former resident David Courage revealed in an affidavit that this practice, which involved placing a hand over a child's mouth and nose until they became limp, was encouraged by community leaders. This method was reportedly taught to parents as a means of controlling crying children.
Authorities Aware Since 2017
Oranga Tamariki (OT), New Zealand's Ministry for Children, was first alerted to these concerns in 2017 when a Canadian woman living in Gloriavale reported witnessing the suffocation technique. Following this report, OT and police conducted interviews with community leaders and provided parenting advice. However, the investigation concluded without further action, as authorities opted for education over prosecution. OT's National Commissioner for the South Island, Arihia Bennett, confirmed that staff were aware of the suffocation concerns but did not mandate a cessation of the practice.
Ongoing Investigations and Criticism
Despite the initial intervention, Courage stated that the suffocation practice continued after he left Gloriavale in 2019. In November 2022, OT and police initiated a new inquiry, interviewing over 100 parents as part of a "mass allegation investigation" prompted by evidence presented during the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. This investigation also resulted in two formal warnings issued to adults involved in the practice, although no prosecutions were pursued.
Auckland barrister Brian Henry criticized OT for its inadequate response, asserting that the agency failed in its duty to protect children. He emphasized that the suffocation technique was not merely a disciplinary measure but aimed at breaking a child's will. Henry expressed disbelief that OT had only provided parenting tips instead of taking decisive action against what he described as a serious crime.
Official Responses and Future Actions
In light of the ongoing concerns, Social Development Minister Louise Upston has been appointed to oversee the government's response to the Royal Commission's recommendations regarding Gloriavale. Upston stated that she was unaware of the 2017 complaint until contacted by the media and condemned the suffocation technique as "completely unacceptable." Children's Minister Karen Chhour echoed this sentiment, affirming that no circumstances justify suffocation as a disciplinary measure.
A Gloriavale spokesman claimed that the community has been implementing education programs on safe parenting since 2016 and introduced a child protection policy in 2022. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains in question, especially given the historical context of the allegations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If a baby of up to a school age child (5 years) was crying or fussing, usually crying, we would place a hand over their nose and mouth until the child went limp. The practice was a leadership-encouraged practice and was common,” — David Courage, Former Gloriavale Resident
- “They (OT) have just let it go. This is unbelievable from a government agency that’s supposed to protect children.” — Brian Henry, Auckland Barrister
- “Under no circumstances is suffocation ever an acceptable disciplinary measure, this has been made very clear to the Gloriavale community,” — Karen Chhour, Children’s Minister
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While OT and police have conducted inquiries and issued warnings, critics argue that these actions fall short of adequately addressing the severity of the allegations. There is also a lack of clarity regarding the number of ongoing cases or reports of the suffocation practice since the latest investigation began.
