Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

Labour Inspectorate Concludes Inquiry Into Gloriavale

The Labour Inspectorate has found that the members of the Gloriavale Christian community cannot currently be considered employees under New Zealand legislation.

This means the Inspectorate has no jurisdiction and will not undertake further investigation or enforcement action at this point.

The Inspectorate conducted an inquiry into the employment status of people living and working at Gloriavale in 2017, after concerns raised by Charities Services, and again in 2020, after allegations of long working hours were made by two community members.

The results of both inquiries showed that no employment relationships existed within Gloriavale as defined by New Zealand employment law and that the matter therefore falls outside of the Inspectorate’s jurisdiction.

National Manager Labour Inspectorate Stu Lumsden says employment law defines an employee as a person who has agreed to do any work for some form of payment or reward under a contract of service.

“The evidence we evaluated showed that people who have lived or are living at Gloriavale gave service to the community without the expectations of being paid as individuals.”

Between September 2020 and February 2021, the Inspectorate interviewed 39 current and 13 former members of the Gloriavale community, reviewed a range of documents provided by the community and individual members, and sought advice from Crown Law in relation to the employment status of the residents.

Based on this information it became clear that:

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

· The documents signed by Gloriavale members suggest that it was not the intention of the parties to enter into an employment relationship.

· The intention of the parties is to create a sharing community with religious beliefs as the focal point, and that work is a means of providing for the whole community, rather than for individual gain.

· All Gloriavale members typically receive the same benefits that come with living in the community regardless of their role.

· No individuals enrich themselves by taking profits earned by Gloriavale.

· There is no evidence that community members currently come under duress to sign the documents that define their relationship with Gloriavale.

· There is good evidence that reasonable steps have been taken in the circumstances to support well informed decision-making, including independent legal advice.

· The way the community operates in practice is consistent with the structures and philosophy set out in the relevant legal documents.

· Members express an understanding of how the community operates.

“We understand there may be concern about whether individuals were able to make fully informed decisions while residing at Gloriavale, but this is not something the Labour Inspectorate can address within the scope of employment law.

“While we cannot take any further action at this point, the Labour Inspectorate will continue to monitor the situation at Gloriavale, and will take note of any new complaints or information,” Mr Lumsden says.

Anyone concerned about their employment situation can contact Employment New Zealand where concerns will be handled in a safe environment.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.