An independent investigation is underway at Wesley College after disturbing claims surfaced that staff performed “deliverance and exorcism” rituals on students to rid them of “demonic serpents.” Allegedly conducted in darkened rooms without parental consent, the Pentecostal-style ceremonies involved “laying hands,” speaking in tongues, and encouraging students to cast out dark forces from peers.
Two staff members have been suspended over the rituals, while a third faces unrelated negligence claims. Methodist Church president Te Aroha Rountree said she was “shocked” by the whistleblower’s revelations and confirmed the church acted swiftly to remove those involved. “These kinds of practices were denounced in most mainline churches years ago,” she said.
The allegations come amid broader turmoil at the school. In November, the Ministry of Education urgently shut down Wesley’s hostels over serious safety concerns, prompting the church to dissolve the school’s trust board. A dossier obtained by the Herald reveals a troubling pattern: broken security cameras, unaddressed assaults, staff shortages, and a suicide risk mishandled due to poor communication.
One staff member allegedly showed students a video of himself performing an exorcism on a village girl in Indonesia. Another consultant reportedly joked about “micro-chipping” students and using electric shocks—comments dismissed as humour but later followed by a renewed contract.
Reverend Ali’itasi Aoina-Salesa, the school’s chaplain, warned in a November email that unsanctioned prayer meetings were “adding further fuel to an already unsettling time.” She stressed that the spiritual welfare of students lies with the Methodist Church.
Principal Brian Evans confirmed the investigation and said the practices “have no place” at Wesley. He acknowledged the school’s turbulent years but called the current moment a “timely reset.”
Rountree reiterated the church’s commitment to student safety and transparency, saying, “There is absolutely no place for this behaviour at Wesley College.” Legal expert Bridget Smith is leading the investigation, with findings expected next month.
The Ministry of Education has acknowledged the concerns and continues to support both the trust and school boards as they navigate the fallout.
