Gloriavale Christian Community, Religious denomination in Haupiri, South Island, New Zealand
Gloriavale Christian Community covers 1700 hectares (6.6 square miles) and includes residential buildings, agricultural facilities, and educational structures within an enclosed settlement. The site sits in a remote valley and is organized around a central communal hall with adjoining living and working areas.
Neville Cooper founded the community in 1969 as Springbank Christian Community before it relocated to Haupiri Valley between 1991 and 1995. The move allowed for expansion of agricultural activities and development of new economic ventures.
Women wear floor-length blue dresses with head coverings, while men dress in long-sleeved blue shirts and trousers. This uniform clothing is worn by all members in daily life and reflects the community's values.
The community is located in a remote area and is not accessible to visitors without permission. The surrounding roads pass through rural farmland and require driving time from larger towns.
The community records around thirty births each year, contributing to ongoing population growth. This high birth rate shapes the age structure and social life within the settlement.
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