Click here to buy tickets for Decult 2026

Michelle Tonkin (Damchö)

Whistleblower & former Buddhist nun

Michelle Tonkin (Damchö) is an artist-researcher based in Naarm/Melbourne and a PhD candidate at Sydney College of the Arts. Michelle spent two decades in Buddhist practice, including ten years as an ordained Vajrayana nun (2001-2011). In 2017 she was one of eight signatories to an open letter exposing decades of abuse within Rigpa – a moment that catalysed a global reckoning across Tibetan Buddhist communities. Her art and research, ‘Unexpecting Enlightenment’, has since become central for processing that rupture and restoring the relationship between body and voice, matter and meaning.

Website

24–25 OCT 2026

Limes Room, Christchurch Town Hall
Ōtautahi | Christchurch
Aotearoa | New Zealand

DECULT 2026

What to Expect

50+ local and international speakers in 30+ sessions
12 additional online sessions for North America & Europe
Survivor Story Jam (our highlight!)
Lunchtime meet-ups, information booths and book signings
Fully catered with lunch and morning/afternoon tea
Mental health support and calm zones
Media room and security guards
All sessions are recorded to watch later
Post-conference support day for survivors

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!

30+
SESSIONS

50+
SPEAKERS

LIVESTREAMED

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.

INTERNATIONAL

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.

WORKSHOPS

After the Decult conference, the Olive Leaf Network offers trainings and workshops with US cult expert Rachel Bernstein in Auckland and Wellington.

Testimonials about Decult

“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