One said that while reliving the memories of abuse was hard, it was important to make the experiences of residents known.

Escaping Utopia is a three-part documentary speaking to leavers of the sect, giving unprecedented access to Gloriavale's inner workings, the unravelling of its leadership, and the pursuit of justice by the Gloriavale Leavers' Trust.

Escaping Utopia premiered last night at 8.30pm on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+ and continues tonight and tomorrow.

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