When Pearl Valor reflects on the key reasons that led to her and husband Paul breaking away from the reclusive Gloriavale community, one stands out above the rest: “We wanted to give our kids a better life than we had.” Almost three years on, the couple and their five children, aged from 4 to 11, are thriving after moving to South Canterbury, well away from the isolated West Coast sect that previously controlled every aspect of their lives. “It’s exciting to see our kids having a childhood which is very different to ours,” says Pearl.
“They are happy, healthy, and know they are loved and valued as humans.” Pearl, 34, who shared her compelling story on the recent TVNZ documentary Escaping Utopia , explains there were many moments and events over the years that led to the family finally leaving the insular community. One of the most pivotal was Pearl’s chance encounter with Christchurch woman Renae Low at a Gloriavale concert in 2018.
Their instant connection and close friendship proved a significant turning point for Pearl, opening her eyes to life outside the community and questioning everything she had been taught..
