'Sad, sorry state of NZ law': barrister reacts to Gloriavale sentencing

85-year-old Howard Temple, the disgraced former leader of the West Coast religious community has successfully appealed his 26 month prison sentence, and will instead serve 11 months home detention.

Brian Henry was a barrister in the Gloriavale employment case, representing victims who had left the community. 

He called the result disappointing, but not surprising, and believes the sentencing should be increased.

“It's mandatory to consider the deterrent of others under the Sentencing Act… After 20 years of offending, to be quite honest, all of the remorse of these sort of guys is just crocodile tears”.

He believes home detention sends a weak message to potential abusers, and an upsetting one to survivors.

“They're all hearing the courts are going to do nothing to a man who abuses you over 20 years, who is the absolute leader.”

“He should have gone to jail for eight years to deter other leaders… leaders of other religious groups, leaders of scout groups, school teachers, any of those people that have got power and control over young kids.” 

Temple was arrested in 2023 on 12 charges of sexual offending, stepping down from his role as Overseeing Shepherd in December 2025. 

His offending against six girls and young women spanned across two decades.