Hidden behind the trees lies a history. A history of Centre Point. Centre Point wasn’t always a wellness retreat. It was once a controversial commune. Established in 1977 Centre Point promised social transformation. It promoted open communication. It also involved therapeutic encounter groups. These were popular in 1960s California. But Centre Point’s story is far more complex. It’s a story of both hope and tragedy.
Many came seeking a better way of life. They embraced a liberal attitude towards sex. They hoped to leave behind decades of sexual repression. However this freedom wasn’t for everyone. The commune had a brutal social hierarchy. Teenage girls held higher positions. This was a result of the destructive leadership. Bert Potter the leader was charismatic. He pressured people into engaging sexually. Some were told to sleep with a different person each day.
Drugs such as LSD and ecstasy were also present. They were manufactured and taken in group experiments. Children were involved in these experiments. A terrible mix of social control neglect and hyper-sexuality. This created the scene for horrific child abuse. A Massey University study confirmed this. It revealed that one in three children at Centre Point was sexually abused.
In 1990 Potter was arrested. He faced charges of sexual abuse and drug crimes. The commune was shut down in 2000. The site then became a wellness and retreat centre. It was later put up for sale. It failed to sell for the hoped-for price of over $10 million.
Today Centre Point is home to a new community. It’s a place of healing. It is a vibrant space for artists and spiritual seekers. But the scars of the past remain. The stories of abuse and neglect linger. Many former residents still seek justice. They demand an acknowledgement of the harm caused. They want to restore the Centre Point narrative. Centre Point’s story is a reminder of the complexities of human nature. It shows the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of consent. It is a place where happiness and pain exist side by side. A constant reminder of its controversial past.