Lafayette Ron Hubbard (1911-1986) was generally known as a low grade
science fiction writer in the United States who in 1950 published a
book titled Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. In
1952 he renamed Dianetics as the Church of Scientology, which was based
on this book and his fiction.
Hubbard's use of what he called an "E-meter" for psychoanalysis
was rejected by medical authorities as totally inadequate, but Hubbard
based treatment courses on this, which he charged members to undergo.
After problems with the law forced Hubbard to move his headquarters
from the United States to Britain, he declared Scientology a religion.
Nowadays the world centre is in the United States, and has been given
tax exemption by the US IRS and the New Zealand IRD.
18 February 1954. Church of Scientology of California incorporated
in California and registered as an overseas company in New Zealand.
28 January 1955. The Church of American Science Inc established here in New Zealand.
26 April 1957. The Hubbard Association of Scientologists International
Inc established here.
14 December 1960. The Church of American Science Inc dissolved by declaration.
23 February 1962. The Hubbard Association of Scientologists International
Ltd (previously known as the Hubbard Association of Scientologists Ltd)
incorporated in England.
January 1965. Hubbard Association of Scientologists International
Ltd ceases to have a place of business in New Zealand.
13 September 1965. The Hubbard Association of Scientologists International
(HASI) in New Zealand. Originally incorporated in Arizona, U.S.A.
1 October 1966. HASI ceased to have a place of business in New Zealand.
30 March 1967. The Hubbard Association of Scientologists International
Inc is dissolved by declaration.
28 June 1968. A petition signed by F. P. O'Donnell and 715 others
is presented to Parliament, which refers it to the Select Committee
on Social Services. The petitioners requested that a Board of Inquiry
be set up to investigate the present activities, methods, and purposes
of the Hubbard Association of Scientology in New Zealand.
This led to the
Dumbleton-Powles Report, which found "the activities, methods, and practices of Scientology did result in persons being subjected to improper or unreasonable pressures". Scientology assured the Commission it would charge its practices and the Commission recommended that no immediate action be taken.
28 August 2000. Church of Scientology California ceases business in
New Zealand. Scientology continues in this country as Church of Scientology
New Zealand Incorporated.
Around December 2002. Scientology granted tax exemption by the New
Zealand IRD.
June 2007. Scientology buys a $10 million property, the historic (formerly)
Whitecliff College building in Grafton Rd, Grafton, Auckland. Scientology spent another $6 million doing repairs and renovation, before opening it in 2017.
For more information see
Scientology in New Zealand at Wikipedia.