Media release from New Zealand Communities Growth Trust

The New Zealand Communities Growth Trust (NZCGT) has welcomed the findings of a Massey University psychologists' report into the experiences of children who grew up in Centrepoint, an 'intentional community'.

New research by a team of Massey University psychologists into the outcomes for children who grew up in the Centrepoint community, which existed in Albany between 1977 and 2000, has found that although some people reported having had positive experiences, others have suffered long-term effects from childhood sexual abuse, parental neglect, drug abuse, manipulation and the stigma surrounding the community.

The research was conducted by Dr Kerry Gibson, Associate Professor Mandy Morgan and Cheryl Woolley - all members of Massey University's School of Psychology.

"Although many people in New Zealand have heard of Centrepoint because of high profile child sexual abuse cases reported in the media, not many understand what it was like for children to grow up there," says Dr Gibson.  She added that the research has tried to tell the stories of the children 'in their own words' as many of the research participants felt that they hadn't had an opportunity to say how things were from their perspective.

"The publicity around Centrepoint made it difficult for people to feel that they could talk about their experiences there.  A better understanding of what it was like to be a child at Centrepoint will be useful for health professionals and the broader public to respond more sensitively to the needs of former members of the community," she added.

It is estimated between 200 and 300 children lived or stayed at Centrepoint over the time it was operational.  The study provides an in-depth understanding of the experiences of 29 of them, most of whom are now adults.

Some told researchers they experienced positive impacts such as resilience, independence, good social skills, and the ability to relate honestly and openly.

But researchers found many are now suffering on-going psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety, substance abuse, financial management problems, life skills deficits, education and career issues, social stigma, and problems forming intimate relationships.  Some participants told researchers they fear their experiences may affect their own children.

Researchers say health professionals need more education to better identify and help those struggling to re-integrate, including knowledge of how these communities operate, the variety of members' responses and needs, and a likely mistrust of some health providers.

"There needs to be greater awareness both in the general community and in the health/rehabilitation sector about the impact of cults and intentional communities on people," the report says.  

The research study was commissioned by the New Zealand Communities Growth Trust (NZCGT), a Trust managed by Public Trust.  Among the Trust's objects, it provides charitable grants for former Centrepoint members.  The study, titled 'A different kind of family: Retrospective accounts of growing up at Centrepoint and implications for adulthood', will be used to guide the Trust's support and rehabilitation funding in the future.

Simon Dixie from Public Trust said the findings would help the Trust better understand how to support the Centrepoint stakeholders more effectively.

"We knew those who lived at Centrepoint had a wide variety of experiences there.  While some former residents view it as a positive experience, others have really struggled and we have worked hard to support them.  The research findings will help us to ensure that we are providing the best possible support we can," Mr Dixie said.

One of the outcomes of the research will be to share the learnings and recommendations with health professionals involved in assisting children from intentional communities, so that they can identify issues among those who have left one and can understand the challenges members face in re-integrating.

The full report can be accessed on www.nzcgt.co.nz from Friday 28th May

Related Links

New Zealand Communities Growth Trust (NZCGT) Booklet

Executive Summary of the Massey research