Gloriavale Leader Howard Temple Faces Historic Sexual Abuse Trial in Greymouth

In a landmark moment for New Zealand, 85-year-old Howard Temple, the spiritual leader of the remote Gloriavale Christian community, is standing trial in Greymouth District Court on historic sexual abuse allegations. The trial, which began on July 28, 2025, is being heard before Judge Raoul Neave, and is expected to last at least a week. The charges span over two decades and involve allegations of unwanted touching, hugging, and kissing of nine girls and women, aged between 9 and 20, within the confines of the Gloriavale community.

Temple, who has been a central figure in the Gloriavale community for over 40 years, stands accused of a range of indecent assaults, including hugging young females from behind, placing an arm around their waist, and touching their legs, backs, and inner thighs. The Crown alleges that these acts occurred primarily during meal times in the communal dining area, in the kitchen, and in one instance, in the men’s bathroom.

The charges include 24 counts of indecent assault and indecent acts against children and adults. The alleged offenses date back to 1998, with the most recent incident occurring as recently as 2022. The Crown prosecutor, Kerry White, stated that the alleged victims would often be in close proximity to Temple while serving meals, providing him with opportunities to make inappropriate physical contact.

Temple, who is hearing-impaired and was assisted by a communications assistant in court, pleaded not guilty to all charges. His defense, led by Michael Vesty, argued that the alleged actions were not indecent and were instead expressions of affection and care, which were common in the community’s pastoral dynamic. Vesty stated that Temple had no sexual motivation and that the gestures were part of the spiritual and emotional support provided to members of the Gloriavale community.

The trial comes after a three-year police investigation into the Gloriavale community, which has been under scrutiny for its secretive nature and alleged cover-ups of past abuses. In January 2025, Temple made a public apology on behalf of the Gloriavale church to victims of historic abuse, acknowledging the pain and suffering experienced by many within the community between 1950 and 1999.

The trial has drawn significant attention, with several alleged victims and police expected to give evidence over the coming days. Judge Neave has denied applications to film in court, stating that he does not want the proceedings to “turn into a circus.” The case has become a focal point in New Zealand’s ongoing discussions about accountability, justice, and the long-term effects of institutional abuse.

As the trial continues, the outcome will not only determine the fate of Howard Temple but also set a precedent for how such cases are handled in isolated and insular communities. The proceedings are a stark reminder of the complexities involved in addressing abuse within religious and communal settings, where trust and tradition often take precedence over individual rights and safety.