Louise Upston visited the West Coast community in January. Photo / NZMESenior Government minister Louise Upston visited Gloriavale in late January, months after refusing to rule out closing the religious community following allegations of child abuse in the community. Newstalk ZB has confirmed Upston visited the sect on January 30, alongside officials from the Ministry of Social Development. She said while there, she met with the community’s new overseeing shepherd, Stephen Standfast, and other community leaders. “I welcome the opportunity to learn about the changes they’ve made over the last few years, and am pleased to see they are supportive of the outcomes framework and working together in the months ahead.”Upston is leading a group of 10 Government ministers responding to issues at the West Coast community, and leads the Government’s response to the Gloriavale-specific recommendation of the Royal Commission to Abuse in Care.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 04, 2026 03:26 UTC