Charisma, Cults & Control | Tauranga Arts Festival 2023

Just what is it that makes someone leap into the arms of a cult?

Investigative journalist Anke Richter’s Cult Trip is an eye-opening deep dive into Gloriavale, Centrepoint and Agama Yoga. Her interest in “high-control” groups was sparked by a chance meeting with a survivor of Auckland’s Centrepoint. Anke’s gripping new book explores her own personal experience as a former follower and now a critic of one particular ‘school’, as well as touching on the international cults which have hit the headlines.

In conversation with The Spinoff's Toby Manhire, Anke will reveal an alternative world hiding in plain sight where power, control and abuse masquerade as love, care and belonging, and where otherwise ordinary people find themselves in bad situations.

Supported by Books a Plenty & Craigs Investment Partners

Presented as part of the 2023 Tauranga Arts Festival, on from 19-29 October.