The property in Albany, Auckland, infamous for being the home of Bert Potter’s Centrepoint commune, has failed to find a buyer and has been withdrawn from the market. The site, with a council valuation of nearly $9 million, was promoted as a significant development opportunity on the fringe of Albany. However, its dark history, tied to sexual abuse and drug crimes, seems to have impacted its sale prospects.
Background of Centrepoint Commune:
Centrepoint was founded in 1977 by Bert Potter and became New Zealand’s most notorious commune. It was known for its open communication ethos, derived from therapeutic encounter groups popular in 1960s California, and aimed at social transformation. At its peak, the commune had permission for 244 full-time residents.
Bert Potter’s Convictions and Commune’s Closure:
Potter, who served as the spiritual head of the commune, was arrested in 1990 and subsequently convicted for sexual abuse of children and drug offenses. Survivors of the commune shared harrowing stories of exploitation, particularly of children, by adults living there. Centrepoint was shut down in 2000, and Potter passed away in 2012.
Current Status of the Property:
Since the closure of Centrepoint, the property at 14 Mills Lane has been operated as a wellness and retreat center, known as Kawai Purapura. Owned by the Prema Charitable Trust since 2008, it was also home to the Wellpark College of Natural Therapies. The Trust attempted to sell the property, hoping to secure over $10 million, but the listing was eventually removed after failing to attract a buyer.
Legacy of Centrepoint:
The legacy of Centrepoint and Bert Potter remains controversial and painful, particularly for those who suffered abuse within the commune. A 2010 study revealed that one in three children at Centrepoint was sexually abused. In 2021, survivors spoke out, demanding restorative justice and recognition of the trauma they endured. The commune’s history continues to evoke strong emotions and has likely influenced the sale prospects of the property.
As the property awaits its future, the memories of what transpired at Centrepoint continue to linger, a testament to the complex and often troubled history of communes and their leaders.
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