The population of the Haupiri Area Unit, which covered a much larger area than the locality, was 531 in the 2013 census, an increase of 150 people from 2006.[3] Since the 2018 Census, Haupiri has been part of the Lake Brunner statistical area.[4]
Gloriavale Christian Community is a private commune often described as a cult based 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) south of Lake Haupiri. Established in 1990 when its members relocated from Springbank Christian Community in North Canterbury, the community of over 500 members[8] operates a number of commercial enterprises on the large land-holding surrounding its base. The Gloriavale organisation has attracted controversy through the notoriety of its leader, Neville Cooper, subsequently known as Hopeful Christian (died 2018), who had convictions for sexual assault of community members,[9] and its categorisation by some within the wider Christian community as a religious cult.[10][11]
References
^Peter Dowling, ed. (2004). Reed New Zealand Atlas. Reed Books. pp. map 70. ISBN0-7900-0952-8.
^Roger Smith, GeographX (2005). The Geographic Atlas of New Zealand. Robbie Burton. pp. map 158. ISBN1-877333-20-4.
