Anke Richter is an international journalist based in Christchurch and the author of four books. “CULT TRIP: Inside the world of coercion & control” was published by HarperCollins in 2022. Over the last ten years, she has reported about high-demand groups across the world for the German and New Zealand media and was a research advisor on cult documentaries such as “Angie” and “Heaven and Hell: The Centrepoint Story” (TVNZ).
Anke is the founder and director of Decult, a co-founder of FACT (Fight Against Conspiracy Theories) Aotearoa, 2024 NZ Skeptic of the Year and a co-recipient of the 2025 Ethical Media Award by the Freedom Train Project. She curates the Decult conference program whilst heading our media campaigns and other creative output.
Dennis Parker works in governance and consulting roles for social enterprises, charities and non-profits, with wide management experience in business, tertiary education, central government and NGOs. He has an MA in sociology and is a chartered member of the NZ Institute of Directors. Dennis is the Decult business manager and Chair of the Decult Trust and also a co-leader of the CIPNetwork. Raising cult awareness is important to him because of his personal experience inside high-control groups as a young adult.
Hon Dr Duncan Webb is a New Zealand lawyer, academic, politician and fierce social justice advocate. As professor of law at Canterbury University, Labour MP for Christchurch Central and Minister of the Crown, he has shaped legal policy and championed prisoners’ rights, gambling reforms and a Criminal Cases Review Commission. He has been vocal in his criticism of cults like Gloriavale and has a deep personal conviction to expose manipulative entities, protect vulnerable individuals and advocate for systemic reforms to end the abuse in high-control groups.
Kirsten Maclean at Maclean Legal in Ōtautahi Christchurch is an experienced and empathic litigator with over 25 years as a lawyer both in NZ and in the UK. She has done complex civil and commercial disputes and has a large practice of HR, employment and health and safety law. Kirsten is passionate about justice for cult survivors and helping them lead a better life.
Rosaria Ferguson blends her expertise in stage management, sustainability and health and safety to craft inviting spaces for education, storytelling, and connection. With strong organisational skills and a friendly nature, she ensures smooth and successful events that deliver transformative learning experiences. Rosaria is the senior events producer at Boma and was a core team member behind TEDx Christchurch.
Judy Wnendt has been a volunteer (and Decult trustee) from the start, handling our admin and speaker liaison. As a cult survivor herself, she is deeply committed to community awareness and creating safe spaces for survivors to share their stories. When she’s not working as a teacher aide or completing her degree in social work, you’ll find Judy at the beach with her family or in nature.
Katelin Farnsworth is based in lutruwita/Tasmania and holds a degree in Professional & Creative Writing from Deakin University. Her fiction has been published widely across Australia. She is deeply aligned with Decult’s mission and dedicated to exposing high‑control groups and cults through thoughtful, grounded storytelling.
Ingrid Campbell is a counsellor, creative arts therapist, community advocate and founder and director of the Re:Woven Therapy Charitable Trust based in Murihiku Southland. With over 20 years of working experience in the social sector, her work centres on trauma-informed practice, cultural responsiveness, grief, identity, and relational safety.
Ingrid, who is part Cook Island Māori and the author of Grief Like Wild Horses, brings both professional and lived experience to Decult and is helping to create culturally inclusive and emotionally safe spaces for our team and wider community.
Corine Pontbriand provides administrative support for Decult, assisting with finance tasks and organisational processes. Corine holds a CIMA Certificate in Management Accounting. Her academic background also includes studies in languages and literature.
Jaya Mangalam Gibson is an artist and cult survivor who brings a unique perspective to his work. With his creative and marketing skills of over 25 years, he helps to amplify our platform’s reach and message. His experience includes brand strategy and management for national and global brands, social media and digital content production, creative direction and storytelling. Jaya is also the volunteer manager for the Uncult peer support group in Ōtautahi Christchurch, fostering a supportive community for fellow survivors.
Learn more about the Decult Trust and the 2025 Champion of Change Advocate Award which we received.
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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