A former Gloriavale member has pleaded guilty to 11 charges of sexual offending against children, some of whom lived at the secretive West Coast community.
The man, whose name is suppressed, is facing a total of 38 charges including rape, sexual violation and indecent assault of at least eight girls and one boy.
He appeared in the Christchurch District Court and also entered not guilty pleas to 27 other charges.
A police investigation into allegations of abuse at Gloriavale has been underway since July 2020. Police, supported by Oranga Tamariki staff, have interviewed all children in the community.
The man's lawyer said he believed his client's name suppression should remain in place to ensure he had a fair trial.
A case review hearing has been scheduled for October 6.
