'About bloody time': Former student deplores years of inaction as Gloriavale school looks to be shut
The New Zealand Ministry of Education is moving to cancel the registration of the Gloriavale Christian School following reports of abuse and safety concerns. Former student Lilia Tarawa expressed relief at the decision, though she criticized the government for the long delay in taking action.
Why it matters
This highlights ongoing systemic issues regarding child safety and government oversight in isolated religious communities.
The possible closure of Gloriavle school came as a relief but feels like "the bare minimum", former student Lilia Tarawa says.
The Ministry of Education wants to cancel the school's registration , effectively closing it, after a special report by the Education Review Office (ERO) found it was not providing a physically and emotionally safe place for students.
It's the Ministry of Education's second move to cancel the school's registration in less than a year.
The school remains open after an attempt in December was challenged at the High Court by the school's board. On Thursday the ministry applied to the court to lift the orders preventing the school's closure, which has a roll of about 80 students.
Former Gloriavale Christian School student Lilia Tarawa, who is the granddaughter of the founder Hopeful Christian, fled with her family from Gloriavale in 2009.
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