Author(s): Ella James

NZ History

Shortly before I turned 13, my life changed forever when my family moved to the Centrepoint Community on Auckland's North Shore. Centrepoint was founded by Bert Potter and was at peak capacity at the time. He was its 'spiritual leader'. During my four years there I was pressured into inappropriate and at times frightening situations by many of its adult members including its counsellors; free sexuality was strongly encouraged, including between different age groups, and to resist was actively discouraged. Sometimes I was given drugs. I was told at the time they were a treat. As an adult I now see only darkness behind the intention in giving them to me, a child. Due to the sensitive nature of this book, I have chosen to use a pseudonym to protect my privacy and that of others. This is my story.