A group of people who have escaped "cult like" groups have set up a support network to help others trying to leave.
The Olive Leaf Network is offering information and practical help to ex-members of the Plymouth Brethren Church and other closed sects trying to make new lives on the outside.
Ruth Hill reports.
In a written response to RNZ's questions, the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church says excommunication is "a rarely-used last resort".
Spokesman Doug Watt says they are saddened when someone decides to leave the church, but they "wish the person well".
He says it is up to them and their family to choose "what their relationship looks like going forward and it is not standard church practice to interfere in that decision".
He refutes allegations that ex-members have been forced to quit their jobs at the "request" of the church or its leadership.
In response to claims that other support groups have been shut down by legal action, Mr Watts says individual church members have a right to protect themselves against defamation.
He says that's a matter for them, not the church.
