Woman awarded compensation after ‘harassment’ permitted at Kawai Purapura retreat

A woman was awarded compensation after experiencing harassment at a retreat in Albany, New Zealand, stemming from a “calculated campaign” of intimidation by a fellow tenant. The Kawai Purapura retreat, located on the site of the former Centrepoint commune, was sold in mid-2024 after being operated by the Prema Charitable Trust since 2008.

Harassment and Intimidation at Kawai Purapura

Chea Joss Cameron sought respite and recovery at Kawai Purapura following health challenges, but her stay was marred by fear and resulted in both a criminal case and a claim with the Tenancy Tribunal.

The Tenancy Tribunal heard that fellow tenant Karl Keller sent a threatening message to Cameron, threw objects around outside her cabin, repeatedly ran a tap attached to her cabin, played loud music, and loitered near her cabin without reason. Keller maintains his innocence and claims his actions were misinterpreted, despite being convicted of intimidation.

Cameron argued the landlord, the Prema Charitable Trust, failed to enforce “House Rules” and should have evicted Keller. She also claimed the landlord was liable for a burglary at her cabin, alleging the premises were represented as safe despite housing individuals with criminal records. The tribunal heard there could have been as many as 100 people staying at the retreat simultaneously.

Burglary and Escalating Harassment

Cameron initially sought $130,796 in compensation, later reducing it to $100,000 to fall within the tribunal’s jurisdiction. She attributed $65,000 of this amount to lost wages.

Cameron arrived at Kawai Purapura hoping for a peaceful retreat focused on yoga and bush walks. However, she was soon admitted to hospital for a “serious health emergency.” While hospitalized, she asked Keller to lock her cabin, but he allegedly failed to do so, later informing her of a burglary.

Following the burglary, Keller sent Cameron a text message reading: “f***king thieving c**t”, and threatening to “leave [her] on her deck to die,” reportedly referencing an unreturned jumper.

After reporting the message to Kawai Purapura management, Cameron received an email from a manager, John, stating the situation was being reviewed, but no formal warning was issued to Keller. Cameron then reported the ongoing harassment to Jeanne Waldron, the trust’s liaison manager.

Keller allegedly continued to harass Cameron by throwing objects, lingering near her cabin, running the outside tap, and revving his car. Cameron was even issued an “anti-social behaviour” notice, with the tap by her cabin described as being “available for others to use.”

Tribunal Decision and Compensation

Tribunal adjudicator Kate Henry found that Keller interfered with Cameron’s “reasonable peace, comfort, and privacy” from the time of the burglary on October 7, 2023, until she left on December 23. Henry described the conduct as a “calculated campaign” intended to intimidate and frighten Cameron.

While acknowledging challenges in maintaining quiet enjoyment in boarding house settings, Henry determined the trust should have investigated Cameron’s complaints and terminated Keller’s tenancy. She also criticized the trust for issuing the anti-social behaviour notice to Cameron, effectively victimizing her for reporting the harassment.

Cameron was awarded a 65 percent rent reduction totaling $2503.15, $3000 in compensation for the landlord permitting harassment, and $500 in exemplary damages for an unsafe deck. Her claim for lost wages was denied due to other health factors potentially contributing to her inability to work.

Cameron expressed feeling “very worn down” and “disgusted” by the outcome of the process. Keller, despite his conviction, maintains his innocence and believes his actions were misinterpreted, recalling Kawai Purapura as a “cool place” offering second chances.

The Prema Charitable Trust and trustee Jenny Cottingham did not respond to requests for comment. Manager Jeanne Waldron also did not respond.