New Zealand Communities Growth Trust (NZCGT) Relief of Poverty

The New Zealand Communities Growth Trust Relief of Poverty program provides financial assistance to individuals who have been disadvantaged by cults and/or spiritual communities, including former residents of Centrepoint. The trust was established by High Court Order in March 2000 as a reformation of the former Centrepoint Community Growth Trust, which operated an intentional community in Albany from the late 1970s to the 1990s. Public Trust was appointed as Trustee by the High Court. Applicants must demonstrate a clear need for support based on their personal circumstances and show difficulty in meeting that need on their own. First-time applicants must include a brief explanation of how they have experienced disadvantage or harm within a religious cult or spiritual community. The program requires applicants to have explored other available avenues of financial assistance, such as support from Work & Income or a Hardship Withdrawal from their KiwiSaver provider before applying. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis after the closing dates of the 15th and 30th of each month (or the preceding working day if the date falls on a weekend or public holiday). In December, all applications are considered only after the 15th of the month. The program is specifically designed to provide poverty relief to those who have suffered harm from cult or spiritual community involvement.