It’s been a year this week since we held the first New Zealand cult awareness conference – and we’ve come a long way…! My heart is full when I look back. A spontaneous idea that seemed impossible at first was made possible against all odds by the friends, volunteers and allies who came on board. Each of those enthusiasts contributed in big or small ways with their time, expertise or money. You know who you are, and I can’t thank you enough. ❤️
Those of you who attended Decult 2024 last October will remember how powerful and connecting the two-day event was. We now see the roll-on effect, from professional networks to survivor groups Many of the Decult speakers, some of whom had never gone public before, have since started writing books, gave public talks, released videos or podcasts. Sociologist and ex-“Gothard girl” Rachel Lees is the latest one with Across the Cultiverse. Congrats, everyone – watch this space for more!
Another exciting project emerged from our small hui with a big impact: The 22-minute documentary Decult Voices – Beyond Belief, fully crowdfunded and produced on a shoestring budget, is now live. It weaves together raw, unscripted insights from cult survivors, mental health professionals, human rights advocates, authors, journalists and academic experts. From powerful stories of exit and recovery to a united push for justice, this film is a rallying cry for accountability and compassion.
I can’t wait to share this labour of love from filmmaker Caleb MacDonald with you that has already made a strong impression at screenings in Christchurch and Wellington.
Enjoy it, discuss it, give us a rating or comment on YouTube – and share it widely so that others can raise their voices too.
PUBLIC HEARINGS IN VICTORIA INQUIRY
“Beyond Belief” is also the title of an incredibly insightful 69-page submission paper for the current Victoria Parliament Inquiry into cultic groups, with input and endorsements from 935 Australians. Together with other survivor activists, the co-authors around advocate Clare Heath-McIvor have formed the anti-cult law reform group SOCCHG. Expect to hear more from them and get inspired so that together, we can push for legislative change around coercive control in Aotearoa New Zealand too.
Public hearings for the inquiry start today. Our 2024 keynote speaker, US expert Dr Janja Lalich, will give her input on 21 October. All times and the live stream link are on the Parliament website. Don’t miss it.
CONFERENCE THEME CENTRES SURVIVORS
Another exciting announcement! Voices of Courage: Pathways to Healing and Justice is the theme for the Decult 2026 conference (24 – 26 October in Christchurch and live streamed around the world).
This time, we’re expanding the programme for North American and European time zones. For the sessions that are live on Zoom, we’re also looking for contributors from those regions who can’t make it to New Zealand. All the info is in the submission form.
I’m heading off for a break this week and look forward to sharing more news with you in November. If anything is urgent, you can still reach our team on [email protected]. We always love hearing feedback – it keeps us going.
Ngā mihi nui koutou,
Anke