A family of nine are desperate for work and a place to live after fleeing the Gloriavale Christian Community on the West Coast.
Mr and Mrs Ben-canaan, who only want to be known by their last names, were born and raised in the community - living there for almost 37 years.
They fled the commune under the cover of darkness a month ago, staging their escape in two phases. Mr Ben-canaan says they have been overwhelmed by the support they have received from strangers.
He spoke to RNZ reporter Nicholas Pointon.
