Every day, more than 50,000 people across Aotearoa New Zealand are affected by coercive control and the hidden harms of cults. Decult exists to raise awareness, take action and push for practical solutions — but we can’t do it alone.
As part of a network of advocates and practitioners, we’re working together for change.
Amplify survivors’ voices by sharing our documentary, newsletters and social media campaigns.
Join a growing community of former members, families and cult-informed professionals committed to healing and justice.
Your donation, sponsorship or volunteer time directly funds pro bono work that can change lives.
Over 50,000 New Zealanders are current or former members of cults.
This is 1% of New Zealand’s population—equivalent to a full stadium.
Impact extends beyond individuals, affecting their whānau.
The inaugural Decult 2024 conference broke new ground and sparked lasting change — from wide media coverage to new networks. We’re now preparing for Decult 2026 and seeking partners and sponsors to make it happen, alongside smaller speaking events for local communities and organisations across New Zealand.
In-person peer support groups offer safe spaces for leavers to heal and connect. Born out of the Decult 2024 conference, groups are now running in Ōtautahi Christchurch and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland — with more forming nationwide.
Want to start one in your town? We’ll help you make it happen.
From protest actions to comedy shows, art exhibitions or film festivals — we’re using all forms of expression to confront cultic harm and reshape public understanding. With a team of talented creatives, Decult supports innovative projects that give former members a voice and challenge misconceptions about cults. We are especially proud of our fully crowdfunded first documentary DECULT VOICES – BEYOND BELIEF.
Too often, media coverage of cults is sensationalist or shallow and perpetuates harmful stereotypes about people in cults. We work with trusted journalists to ensure survivor-centred, trauma-informed reporting — offering media guidance, research support and connections for investigative projects and documentaries.
New Zealand must recognise coercive control and spiritual abuse as crimes. Inspired by Australia’s ongoing Parliamentary Inquiry in Victoria, we’re advocating for similar, survivor-led reforms — urging Ministers for Justice, Mental Health, Health, Social Development and Children to upskill and take action. Groups with proven histories of abuse must lose tax-free charity status and face accountability under the law.
The Cult-Informed Professional (CIP) Network, which we’re involved in, connects those in health, law enforcement, social work, research, and education in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. Through knowledge-sharing and collaboration, the network is building a coordinated national response to better identify, understand, and support those affected by cultic and coercive environments.
Following Decult 2024, keynote speaker Dr Gillie Jenkinson and the Olive Leaf Network delivered the first specialised cult recovery therapy training in New Zealand — a milestone attended by more than 80 mental health practitioners. The training marked the beginning of survivor-informed professional development, with further programmes planned for 2026 to expand clinical expertise and access to cult-aware counselling.
Long-term, we envision a state-run advice and information center dedicated to preventing cult recruitment, providing safe exit pathways, and supporting leavers and families — similar to existing agencies for those affected by addiction or sexual violence.
Countries like Germany and Austria already lead the way. It’s time New Zealand did too.
We’re dreaming of a modern New Zealand version of The Wellspring Retreat — a former American recovery centre where people leaving cults can rebuild their lives.
Modelled on refugee resettlement programmes, rehabilitation facilities and women’s shelters, this place would offer professional care and a safe bridge back into society.
Every donation to the Decult Trust helps us deliver our projects and drive change.
Let’s make it happen — your support counts!
Spiritual abuse occurs when religious or spiritual beliefs are manipulated to control, frighten or harm someone. It can silence questioning, enforce submission and exploit faith for power. Survivors often face deep emotional and psychological scars.
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