Several former Gloriavale workers are planning to sue the Crown for negligence.

Members of the group have accused public servants of knowing about the slave labour within the community - and refusing to do anything about it.

Lawyer Brian Henry says these public servants knew about the witnesses who were interviewed and the allegations.

"You just don't go to the potential criminal and say - did you steal that? And if he says no, he'll walk away. You actually go evaluate the evidence and look around further."

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