Beyond Belief: Understanding Cult Dynamics

Written By Karolina Gorton

We invite you to Beyond Belief: Understanding Cult Dynamics, a powerful and timely one-day event exploring cult and high-control group dynamics, coercive control, and the often-hidden harms impacting children and whānau.

This event is proudly supported by Hikitia!, RISE’s ACC‑funded primary prevention work. Hikitia! focuses on creating long-term change by transforming the conditions that enable sexual violence, family violence, and child sexual abuse. In our region, the Hikitia! team works across Whakatū (Nelson), Te Waiharakeke (Marlborough), and Kaikōura.

Grounded in our kaupapa of preventing violence and supporting safe, thriving communities, this gathering is designed for those working in the support sector and allied fields. It offers a rare opportunity to learn from leading researchers, practitioners, and people with lived experience about the significant risks posed by cults and high-control groups - including manipulation, isolation, coercive control, abuse, and long-term harm.

Our Presenters:

Anke Richter

International journalist and author of CULT TRIP: Inside the world of coercion & control. Anke has reported extensively on cults globally and served as a research advisor for Heaven and Hell: The Centrepoint Story (TVNZ). She is the founder of Decult, Aotearoa’s first cult awareness conference. Discounted copies of her book will be available.

Willow Duffy

Founder and CEO of Safeguarding Children and a registered nurse specialising in abuse prevention and children’s rights. Willow brings national safeguarding leadership and first-hand experience working within a closed, high-control community. She is a member of the Cult Informed Practice Network across Aotearoa and Australia.

Assoc. Prof.Kyle Eggleton

Associate Professor at the University of Auckland and rural GP in Northland. Kyle’s research focuses on power, control, and privilege. As a survivor of the 2x2s, he supports and advocates for former members and chairs a community trust supporting victims of family violence.

Lindy Jacomb

Founder and team leader of the Olive Leaf Network, supporting former members of high-demand religious groups. Excommunicated from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church at age 20, Lindy now works to raise awareness and amplify survivor voices. She is also a co-host of the podcast Cult Chat.

What You’ll Gain

This event will support practitioners to:

  • Deepen understanding of cult and high-control group dynamics

  • Strengthen confidence in responding to coercive control and trauma

  • Reflect on practice in informed, ethical, prevention-focused ways

  • Build practical strategies for safeguarding children and supporting whānau

Presenters will share insights, research, and lived experience, with opportunities for discussion and questions throughout the day.

Registration

To register your interest, please email the Hikitia! team at Hikitia@rise.net.nz with “Beyond Belief registration” in the subject line.

Karolina Gorton
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