A family of teenagers walked out of a remote community declaring they had been living in a ' false system ' Many of the children were born in the remote Christian Community in Haupiri , on New Zealand 's west coast . But the family moved 200 miles away to live with a ' normal ' family as they begin integrating into society . The adults have forsaken their nun - like headdresses and white bibs to put on everyday clothes . The children have removed their hooded hats and blue uniforms . The community , founded in 1969 and which now has 500 members , is headed by ben Cooper . It has been revealed that he was convicted of sexual abuse in 1994 and spent 11 months in jail .
A family of 14 walked out of a remote community declaring they had been living in a 'false system ' Many of the children were born in the Gloriavale Christian Community in Haupiri , on New Zealand 's west coast . But the family moved 200 miles away to live with a 'normal ' family as they begin reintegrating into society . The adults have forsaken their nun-like headdresses and white bibs to put on everyday clothes . The children have removed their hooded hats and blue uniforms . The community , founded in 1969 and which now has 500 members , is headed by Neville Cooper . It has been revealed that he was convicted of sexual abuse in 1994 and spent 11 months in jail .