Gloriavale leader sexual offending case

The story so far

Howard Temple, the 85-year-old Overseeing Shepherd of the Gloriavale Christian Community, went on trial in Greymouth District Court in July 2025 over alleged sexual offending spanning more than two decades.^{28, 29, 30 Jul 2025} He initially faced 24 charges of indecent assault and indecency and pleaded not guilty to all of them, while former members testified that he had touched and kissed young girls.^{29 Jul 2025} A lawyer representing former members then called for government intervention following the admissions.^{31 Jul 2025}

Latest

Temple has resigned as leader of Gloriavale after his guilty pleas, and he is awaiting sentencing.^{12 Aug 2025}

What's next

Temple is awaiting sentencing for the offences.^{12 Aug 2025} He was remanded on bail until his next court appearance in August.^{30 Jul 2025}

Key moments

1. 28 Jul 2025Trial begins in Greymouth District Court over alleged indecent offending.
2. 29 Jul 2025Temple faces 24 charges and pleads not guilty to all.
3. 30 Jul 2025Temple pleads guilty to 12 charges involving six girls and women.
4. 31 Jul 2025Breakdown of guilty pleas; lawyer calls for government intervention.
5. 12 Aug 2025Temple resigns as Overseeing Shepherd; Stephen Standfast appointed successor.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.