@decult.bsky.social
We are a charitable organisation run by volunteers, dedicated to raising cult awareness in Aotearoa New Zealand. In October 2024, we held the first cult conference in Australasia - with more education and events to come!
Calling cult survivors to the stage!
Olive Leaf Network Australia and Stories That Stir® are launching a live storytelling series! Theme: BREAKING FREE: stories of courage, resilience & life after cults.
They are seeking 6 people to share a 10 min personal story of reclaiming voice. Info below:
Read our latest newsletter, out now! ✉️
Amongst the topics:
- Jehovah’s Witness escapes
- Call for Australian storytellers
- Gloriavale school stays open
and more!
Don't forget to sign up and get the latest cult news in your inbox 🗞️
decult.net/newsletter/l...
Thousands of children have been born and raised in high-control groups in New Zealand – not just at Gloriavale. Their safety, rights and futures are being repeatedly deprioritised. This failure of protection must become an election issue in 2026.
25.01.2026 22:29 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0Decult 2024 panelist and former lawyer Dennis Gates has spoken out, warning that children are being left in a potentially unsafe environment. He now calls on the Children’s Commissioner to step in: “The welfare of children seems to have taken a backseat to the interests of the school’s leadership.”
25.01.2026 22:29 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0The Gloriavale Christian School will remain open for now, despite the Ministry of Education cancelling its registration as a private school. A setback for everyone trying to stop the ongoing harm caused by this fundamentalist cult. The deregistration of Gloriavale as a charity is long overdue too.
25.01.2026 22:29 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
This series is a simple, powerful resource that breaks down the language around coercive control and high-control groups. Let us know what you think!
decult.net/definitions/
Our Decult Definition Series from last year is now live on our website. There was a lot of positive feedback about this series and we are happy to now share it all in one place!
20.01.2026 07:40 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0Don't miss the shows in Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Christchurch – a first in Aotearoa NZ.
05.01.2026 09:36 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0“Kids in cults are the most invisible victims. We need to make sure their voices are heard.”
The Doomsday Comedy tour starts this weekend and will be supported by our trustee Mark Darbyshire.
Decult, a New Zealand charity that amplifies the voices of cult survivors, is helping the comedians get their show on the road. “This kind of creative activism is right up my alley,” says Christchurch journalist and Decult director Anke Richter.
05.01.2026 09:36 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0His trip to New Zealand in the new year will be as part of a group called Doomsday Comedy, joining other ex-religious comics on the road. Dates are still being finalised, but he’s expecting to visit main centres in both islands.
05.01.2026 09:36 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0We’re stoked that former Jehovah’s Witness and Doomsday comedian Jonas Skogstroll (Plat Jonas) had a full-page story in the Sunday Star Times – and we got a mention too!
05.01.2026 09:36 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
Want to make sure that you’re not missing any updates next year? Read our latest edition as a blog and sign up for our newsletter at: decult.net/newsletter/2... 🧡
17.12.2025 07:32 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0The final newsletter of the year just went out. In this edition:
Gloriavale sentencing
Dear Children campaign
2025 recap & new networks
JW Auckland protest & comedy
Latest books & merch
Work with us: Fundraiser needed
Decult (verb): the process of raising awareness about high-demand groups and stopping harmful cultic influence.
Decult your wardrobe, decult your Christmas: store.decult.net
Your purchase helps us decult Aotearoa, New Zealand. Head to the store and get your own classy, cultic gifts today!
I'm producing this show if anyone has relevant expertise, contacts, or material and wants to get involved! #cult #NZ #exvangelical #comedy
24.11.2025 09:25 — 👍 2 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
"Human Rights & Mental Health Violations"
Decult New Zealand @decult.bsky.social
28 Nov 2025 [0:00:54]
#Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/f2jq3EaFbECnQagPpEhILA
Hit the link in the comments subscribe & read more. 💛
25.11.2025 19:54 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0🎤 Comedians Wanted: Jonas Skogstroll is bringing cult-themed comedy to NZ and protesting the 2025 JW Convention. Got material or venue leads? hello@markd.nz
🛍️New Merch: Tees, hoodies, totes — with 40% supporting our volunteer-run charity.
📣Decult 2026: Speaker proposals now open!
Our new newsletter just dropped 👇
Victoria Inquiry:
Decult was heard in what’s been called “a world first,” alongside global experts.
Gloriavale & Remembrance Day: Survivors rallied in Timaru and West Auckland, real change is being led by them, not the government.
If you have stand-up comedy experience and culty material that could be a good fit – or can help with finding venues – then please get in touch with them ASAP: hello@markd.nz
24.11.2025 00:55 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0We are super excited about their collaboration and are helping to get this show on the road.
24.11.2025 00:55 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0Additionally, the Norwegian goat farmer is planning stand-up shows in Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch with NZ comedians while he’s here, supported by Christchurch performer, Decult trustee and exvangelical Mark Darbyshire (“Ironing Man”).
24.11.2025 00:55 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0He plans to protest outside the International JW Convention in Auckland on 9–10 January. Mark your calendars!
24.11.2025 00:55 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0COMEDIANS WANTED for NZ tour & JW protest!
The Doomsday Comedy shows in London earlier this year were a hit.
Now the brains behind them, former Jehovah’s Witness Plåt Jonas, is coming to the Land of the Long White Cloud (or the Long-Lasting Cults).
40% of every sale supports our volunteer-run charity. These proceeds will help us put on the Decult 2026 conference, connecting cult informed professionals and survivors across Aotearoa.
Head to store.decult.net or the link in our bio and Decult your Christmas now.
Decult presents: our brand-new online store!
Support a good cause and make cult awareness visible this Christmas with our tees, hoodies and totes featuring culty messages.
By raising awareness, we can empower individuals to recognize and resist manipulative tactics, protect vulnerable populations, and support those on their journey to recovery.
18.11.2025 05:51 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
