Today marks a special birthday: on 3 November 2022, my book Cult Trip: Inside the World of Coercion & Control was published by HarperCollins. It’s no exaggeration to say it changed my life.
When I wrapped up years of investigative research exposing the harm done to children in cults – by shining a light on victims, perpetrators, bystanders, and my own experience as an “accidental cult tourist” in ISTA – I thought the work was finished. Those years took a toll; getting so close to people’s trauma and the minds of Centrepoint abusers was intense. But as it turned out, Cult Trip wasn’t the end.
It was the beginning of a new chapter: pausing journalism, launching New Zealand’s first cult awareness conference, founding a charity, and making a documentary about it all. Plus the many places where I got to talk or hold workshops – from “Tantra Island” in Thailand to Byron Bay and other major writers festivals.
These three years have been full-on but deeply rewarding – especially learning from the survivors who’ve shared their stories with me, some for the very first time.
It started with Angie, a teenage “commune concubine”, and Louise, the “girl in the caravan.” Later Theo Pratt and John Ready from Gloriavale. They were trailblazers; many others followed. I hope my work – first as an author, now through Decult – has helped lift stigma and empower them.
Birthday speech over!
DECULT JOINS PARLIAMENT HEARINGS
Across the Tasman, something extraordinary is happening: Last month, more survivors, researchers and therapists gave their statements and recommendations at live hearings for the Parliament of Victoria Inquiry into the recruitment methods and impacts of cults and organised fringe groups.
It was powerful to watch – an avalanche of courageous voices, lived experiences and hard-hitting facts that the media picked up. Activists Laura McConnell Conti and Clare Heath-McIvor featured on ABC, and The Guardian reported on “Australia’s cults crisis”.
Several speakers mentioned Decult and its pivotal role to the Melbourne committee, including US expert Dr Janja Lalich who suggested the government should “support annual conferences.” As a result, we’ve now been invited as the first representatives from New Zealand to join the upcoming hearings (and so has the Olive Leaf Network Australia, don’t miss their session).
It’s an honour to contribute to this groundbreaking legal initiative – and daunting. Apart from sharing insights from my investigations and Decult, I’ll explain the activities of ISTA in Australia and the lessons to be learned from the sex cults I’ve researched (or experienced). Another chapter…!
🕓 You can watch my statement and Q&A via the official livestream:
- Wednesday, 5 Nov at 2:15 pm AEDT (4:15 pm NZT)
UPCOMING EVENTS IN AOTEAROA
Don’t miss these exciting in-person events this month:
- Regain and Restore is an empowering and connecting weekend in Auckland for people who have left or are leaving high-control groups. It’s offered by the Olive Leaf Network and runs from 14–16 November. Spaces still available – spread the word!
- Cult Survivors: What is the problem, and how to help?
A one-day workshop for psychologists and other interested professionals at the University of Canterbury, Friday 21 November, facilitated by psychologists Maria Esguerra and Mark Ottley. - Leaders for Equity Unconference in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Friday 27 November. I’ll be there and plan to speak about equality and human rights in cults.
WHAT WE’RE BUILDING – AND WHERE WE’RE GOING
Public speaking (and bringing you Decult 2026!) is just the visible part of our work. Behind the scenes, we try to raise awareness, support media investigations, and push for tangible solutions to address cultic harm in Aotearoa.
Check out our new CALL TO ACTION page to see what we’re working on – and what’s ahead: from advocating for a national protection agency, to establishing safe transition centres for those leaving cults in the future.
We’re part of a growing movement. This isn’t just a dream – it’s a plan. And you can help make it real with your support.
Thank you for caring, and for reading – not just this newsletter. Books can change lives. And if reading isn’t your thing, watch our short documentary DECULT VOICES – BEYOND BELIEF. It has already had over 1.6k views on YouTube and received incredible feedback – very encouraging for us and everyone who is featured in the film. Feel free to leave a comment too.
Wishing you a great November*,
Anke
*It’s also the month of Movember. Imagine we had a similar national campaign to support cult survivors…! Just sayin’ (or dreamin’).