Are you worried about the escalating geopolitical situation? You’re not alone. Cult-proofing ourselves against undue influence and disinformation – and protecting human rights – is more needed than ever. Here’s our latest content:
- Good & bad media coverage
- Doomsday Comedy shows
- Call for Australian storytellers
- March against Destiny Church
- Gloriavale school stays open
Good news first: We made prime time news! Ryan Boswell from TVNZ interviewed cult survivors and advocates who are working together for legal change and better support in New Zealand. Check out his excellent 1News story to learn what we want the government to do. More to follow.
LISTEN TO SURVIVORS, NOT CULT PR
In early January, a small group of activists held a peaceful protest outside Auckland’s Eden Park during the International Jehovah’s Witness Convention – a mass indoctrination event drawing 23,000 visitors to the city. Media coverage only focused on the tourism boost, not once mentioning the cult’s documented history of shunning, suicides and sexual abuse, or speaking to a single survivor or expert. One outlet even platformed a JW spokesperson praising their volunteer labour as “motivated by love” (brainwashing and coercion would be more accurate).
I’ve lodged complaints with TVNZ, NZ Herald and RNZ and encourage you to do the same. There’s still a lot of cult education needed in our newsrooms.
What was missing in the puff pieces: While JW security in pink tried to block the protesters, a 16-year-old left the cult on the spot and joined activist and comedian Jonas Skogstroll (photo below) before the Norwegian went on the radio. We’ve seen this kind of escape before: At our 2024 Decult conference, a young woman who secretly watched the event online found us afterwards, asked for support, and chose to leave the Witnesses that very night.
DOOMSDAY COMEDY – LAST SHOWS
Two shows down, two more to go, and a few solo gigs in-between: The first antipodean Doomsday Comedy tour got off to a great start. This week, front man Jonas and his motley crew of NZ comedians and exvangelicals will perform in Wellington (29th January at Meow) and next week on Waitangi Day in Christchurch (note the changed date: 6th February at A Rolling Stone). Meet our team there too – it will be an exciting closing night.
CALL FOR STORYTELLERS (AUSTRALIA)
Are you ready to go on stage? Olive Leaf Network Australia is partnering with Stories That Stir to launch a powerful live storytelling series, starting in Brisbane on 29 March, then rolling out nationally. The theme is “Breaking Free: Stories of Courage, Resilience, and Post-Cult Life”.
The organisers are seeking storytellers from high-control environments to share a 10-minute personal story of reclaiming autonomy and voice. Full script support is provided in a safe, non-judgmental space. ABC will film one of the events.
Submissions close 6 February 2026 – apply here.
STAND WITH THOSE BULLIED BY BRIAN
Bad news for Destiny Church: After recently targeting Sikh parades, the aggressive cult has been stopped from marching across the Auckland harbour bridge this Saturday – but is relocating to Victoria Park to spout its homophobic and anti-immigrant vitriol.
While not explicitly promoted as a counter-rally to Brian Tamaki’s, a separate hikoi will start from Britomart at 11 a.m. on 31st January.
Toitū Te Aroha organisers told me: “The event is centred in aroha, mana and unity and stands firmly against racism, bigotry, hate and the weaponisation of haka and culture against our communities.” Please join them if you can.
WELFARE OF GLORIAVALE CHILDREN
Last but not least, Gloriavale Christian School will remain open for now, despite the Ministry of Education’s decision to cancel its registration. Decult 2024 panelist Dennis Gates (who is in the Decult doco) spoke out on RNZ and other media saying that it leaves students in a potentially unsafe environment. The lawyer is calling on politicians and the Children’s Commissioner to intervene: “The welfare of the children seems to have taken a back seat to the interest of the school’s leadership.”
The failure to protect thousands of kids born and raised in New Zealand cults – not just in Gloriavale – needs to become an election topic this year.
I’m leaving you with the wise words of Deborah Frances-White, host of The Guilty Feminist and a former Jehovah’s Witness:
“We know the world feels overwhelming. The news is bleak and our feeds are terrifying. But there is hope. It lives in solidarity, in unity, and in knowledge.”
Arohanui,
Anke