If you like podcasts, work as a journalist or with cult survivors, or simply care about the media, our laws and people from high-control groups, then this content is for you:
- First professional network
- Modern Slavery call to action
- Cult journalism hui (18 June)
- Thoughts about the media
- “Beyond Belief” panel recording
SHARING KNOWLEDGE FOR THE WORKFORCE
You might have heard about the Cult-Informed Professional (CIP) Network which emerged from the connections made at our inaugural Decult conference. Co-led by Dr Caroline Ansley and Dennis Parker, it was established in 2025 as an independent, non-hierarchical platform connecting professionals in health, law enforcement, social work, research, advocacy and education across Aotearoa and Australia. Caroline (or Caz) is a Christchurch doctor and host of Cult Chat and Dennis is Chair of the Decult Trust.
The CIP Network operates with its own purpose and governance while collaborating closely with Decult. It now has over 50 members who are sharing knowledge and resources from academic research to legal responses. A key focus is to introduce cult-informed practice to the workforce. If you would like to be part of this growing professional community too, then please complete this form.
SUBMISSIONS FOR MODERN SLAVERY BILL
A recent call to action from the CIP Network is New Zealand’s Modern Slavery Bill which is now with the Select Committee ready for public submissions. We need your help to ensure our Modern Slavery legislation does not overlook the people being exploited in our own communities. To give your input before 28 May, read more here.
JOIN THE CULT JOURNALISM CALL
Another focus of the CIP Network is survivor-centric journalism – right up my alley (more on that below). We’re inviting interested members of the media to join us for an informative Zoom session on Thursday, 18th June from 8 pm – 9.30 pm NZDT. To attend, email [email protected]
INVESTIGATIVE PODCASTS GO DEEPER
When I researched the aftermath of Centrepoint a decade ago, I felt very alone in my niche. It’s inspiring to see the latest in-depth reporting about coercive groups locally and overseas, especially so many excellent investigative podcasts: Phil Vine from RNZ did a wellness-and-woowoo deep-dive in The Lodge, Cat McShane exposed the tantra yoga cult MISA in The Bad Guru, Richard Baker followed the Geelong Revival Centre in Pray Harder, and Murray Jones dug into the Mormon Church in Heaven’s Helpline – just to name a few. A growing network of colleagues and cult busters!
Not all cult exposés are that well done. If the focus is only on the criminal aspects or the crazy leader, even accurate reporting can strip cult members and leavers of their dignity, visibility or agency. How to expose cultic abuse but not perpetuate harmful stereotypes and exploit victims further for click bait?
HARD HITTING, ETHICAL AND COMPASSIONATE
To encourage better practices, we had a panel about cult media at Decult 2024, which you can listen to on Let’s Talk About Sects or watch on YouTube. Check out Cult Media Messaging and SOCCHG media guide too. I addressed the stigma and widespread misconceptions about people from cults in a think piece (“Changing the c-word”). While I’ve paused all my reporting to run Decult, I often help survivors with media liaison in the background or pass on story ideas to other journalists I trust.
Ethical cult journalism can be hard hitting and even entertaining but still compassionate and trauma informed. Lots to discuss next month at the CIP Network online event!
LISTEN TO OUR NELSON PANEL DISCUSSION
In late March, RISE Hikitia! – a charitable NGO preventing sexual and domestic violence – held a sold-out half-day event in Whakatū Nelson, “Beyond Belief: Understanding Cult Dynamics”. Lindy Jacomb from the Olive Leaf Network, Willow Duffy from Safeguarding Children and Kyle Eggleton (2x2s survivor and rural GP) joined me on a panel for a lively discussion. You can now listen to the recording of our kōrero, with an introduction by Dr Nikki Evans from Hikitia!. I’m stoked about this level of support for our combined mahi – so many good questions and such a powerful hui.
We’ll be back in June with a special campaign to help cult survivors in hardship attend the Decult 2026 conference. Stay tuned and stay aware.
Ngā mihi nui,
Anke Richter