Police and Oranga Tamariki explained the ramifications of the practice to Gloriavale parents last year. Photo: Jean Edwards
Gloriavale Christian community says families are no longer taught to break the will of children.
Police and Oranga Tamariki have issued formal warnings to two people at Gloriavale, after an investigation into a practice of silencing babies and children by covering their mouths and noses.
On Friday, the NZ Herald reported that Gloriavale founder Hopeful Christian sent a letter to followers, while in jail for sexual offending, instructing them to break the self-will of babies "long before they are two years old".
The joint investigation by police and Oranga Tamariki was a result of concerns raised during the Abuse in Care Royal Commission.
They held a meeting at Gloriavale last year, where they said the physical, emotional and legal ramifications of the practice were made clear to parents.
In a statement, a community spokesperson said Gloriavale's leadership did not stand by statements attributed to the community from almost 30 years ago about breaking a child's will.
"These principles are not taught in Gloriavale today and have not been part of our teaching for many years," the spokesperson said.
They said community leadership was committed to nurturing families, and raising children with care, respect and strong relationships.
"Our community embraces relationship-centred parenting approaches that prioritise emotional safety, guidance, and mutual respect," they said.
"We actively review our practices and these continue to evolve as we learn, ensuring our approach reflects current understanding, and the best interests of children and families."
Between 2016-22, all parents had completed a non-violent parenting programme led by Gloriavale group leaders that was approved and recommended by the Ministry of Education, and endorsed and encouraged by the leadership.
"Over this time, parents have completed the course - not once, but 2-3 times - to embed the knowledge into their own understanding and parenting practice," the spokesperson said.
Parents had also attended professional development presentations, where they had worked with internationally renowned specialists in child development and positive behaviour management.
They said parents took part in another internationally recognised, non-violent parenting education programme that focused on the family unit and supporting positive family relationships.
Gloriavale said teachers at the school and early childhood centre were also trained in all the programmes to provide consistency across settings and support children's well-being.
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