Gloriavale's leaders have issued an unprecedented apology - but it's been met with caution from former residents.
They wrote a letter admitting they failed to protect victims of sexual abuse and labour exploitation, and they're promising change.
Gloriavale's known for conducting its affairs privately. That's why the letter, intended for outsiders to read, is such a major departure from what's normal.
The leaders state: "We apologise for our role in failing to prevent and protect victims of labour exploitation and sexual abuse." They go on to say they denounce any and all offending, calling it "abhorrent".
But David Ready - a former resident and Ashburton farmer - does not buy it, saying the letter is carefully crafted.
"They've done a half-assed apology like Gloriavale does," he said.
"They know their way around an apology letter. They have bullshitted the Labour Inspectorate, they've led the Government in circles, they've been operating for 40 years."
The public apology comes just two weeks after a court ruling found children worked long hours in sometimes dangerous situations. They were not volunteers - but employees.
The letter says: "We can categorically state that child labour is no longer used in the commercial activities of any of our businesses."
"Sex offenders will not work in our schools or directly with any children," it goes on, before saying "we ask the public for forgiveness" and that leaders would commit to "significant changes".
But Ready says the only changes that can be guaranteed are the ones dished out directly by the legal system.
"They've had 40 years to make a change," he said.
James Harrison spent 40 years at Gloriavale, leaving in 2015. He says the admission in the letter is unprecedented.
"I can't think of them ever apologising about anything," he said. "I've never seen them have that much humility by a long shot, so I'm hopeful."
The letter talks about the concern that Gloriavale's businesses could be boycotted. Harrison says the words must be backed up by action.
"I don't think we can absolutely know if it's absolutely genuine until we see the fruit of what they're saying," he said.
It's change that's been promised many times before.
