In 2026, we return bigger and bolder. International and local experts, educators, advocates and storytellers will come together for two powerful days — live-streamed worldwide, with additional online programmes for North America and Europe. Voices of courage from mental health to human rights will take centre stage.
Decult 2026 presents another groundbreaking opportunity for new voices in the cult survivor space, for cult education, and for taking action. We can guarantee an enriching, stimulating and engaging experience held in a safe space that respects diversity. Everyone, regardless of background or belief, is welcome.
24–25 OCT 2026
Limes Room, Christchurch Town Hall
Ōtautahi | Christchurch
Aotearoa | New Zealand
Attendees can look forward to expert panels, survivor-led discussions and contributions from authors, academics, therapists and legal advocates. Have a look at the highlights from our inaugural conference to get inspired!
Those unable to attend in person can join us online again (at a reduced ticket price). In 2024, more than 250 attendees watched the live stream.
We are expanding the programme online – round the clock & round the world – with 20+ live sessions on Zoom for time zones in Europe and America.
After the Decult conference, the Olive Leaf Network offers trainings and workshops with US cult expert Rachel Bernstein in Auckland and Wellington.
Leading US expert, therapist and educator Rachel Bernstein, who hosts the IndoctriNation podcast and brings over 30 years of experience helping cult leavers and their families, will join us in person to headline the 2026 programme. Additionally, Rachel is holding an event in Wellington and professional trainings in Auckland post-conference.
Dr. Christine Marie is an author, survivor advocate, public speaker and founder of Voices for Dignity. She holds a PhD in media psychology and was featured in the Netflix docuseries “Trust Me: The False Prophet”. Dr. Christine has helped survivors turn their trauma into triumph.
Our international team from Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the United States and Europe assessed 85 speaker submissions over three months to create a unique programme, to be launched by September 2026.
Psychology practice intern & former Jehovah’s Witness
Event & content producer
“As someone raised in a notorious cult, I spent years burdened by shame and secrecy. Decult was an incredible experience, and amidst the pain were inspiring stories of hope and resilience. The survivor-focused approach of the organisers and speakers was truly impactful. Shame dies when stories are shared in safe places.”
Maria Esguerra, Psychologist and Cult Survivor
“The Decult 2024 conference was the most amazing and rewarding event I’ve attended in my 40 years in this field. The variety of presentations was beyond educational. The atmosphere was calm yet bubbling with excitement and people making professional and personal connections. Decult is an inspiration and a model for the future!”
Dr. Janja Lalich | Founder & CEO of the Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion
“Let’s decult our communities and shine a light on the physical and mental health risks of cults. Supporting Decult means decreasing the power and influence of coercive, controlling groups that cause severe harm to thousands of New Zealanders, especially children born and raised in them. I’m impressed that a small charity has raised so much public awareness. Ka pai!”
Dame Sue Bagshaw, Youth Health Doctor
“It was a privilege to participate in the Decult Conference and give it my support. Identifying controlling organisations and providing pathways out for those who are seeking them is important. There is a lot of work to do to make sure that the conduct of such entities is within the law – and also understanding what we as citizens should do for those affected. Decult is part of that work.”
Dr Duncan Webb, MP for Christchurch Central
“The conference facilitated such a safe and supportive environment for those of us who have had exposure to cultic spaces. For the first time, I felt that my experiences were recognised on a bigger scale. Decult really is the start of something that could positively impact many people.”
Luke Hollis, psychology student and former Jehovah’s Witness
Tickets will be on sale in mid-2026 but register your interest now to get first access to early bird tickets and other special announcements.
MESSAGE FROM THE ORGANISER
Decult has become more than a conference. Our first event in 2024 was a groundbreaking moment in New Zealand for cult recovery, survivor visibility and advocacy. Those who joined us in person and online gave us overwhelmingly positive feedback: They felt seen, heard and understood – some for the first time in their life. Attendees engaged in rich discussions and met world-leading experts. This impact has rippled outwards.
This is just the beginning. Whether through continued public discourse, survivor-centric media and professional training for support workers, the momentum we build together will carry forward.
Thank you to everyone who is making this possible by supporting our volunteer work. We look forward to seeing you at Decult 2026!
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.
Sign up to the Decult newsletter for the latest from the cultiverse: books, articles, campaigns and reflections on topics that matter to us.
