Police say they regularly visit Gloriavale to promote safety

Police say they regularly visit the isolated West Coast Gloriavale community and any criminal offences will be dealt with.

But they have stopped short on commenting on suggestions their presence has become heightened recently.

Yesterday, the Greymouth Star reported that police had been on site every day for the past week, interviewing at least 33 women in the process and that multiple charges would follow.

However, today police would not comment on whether an investigation was being made, if charges would be pressed, or if specific concerns about Gloriavale had been raised with police.

West Coast Area Commander Inspector Mel Aitken said police had an "ongoing positive relationship and commitment" with the Gloriavale Christian Community, which had a population of more than 550 people.

"A multi-agency approach to safety within the community has been adopted at Gloriavale, and regular visits are made to the community by police, and also in a multi-agency led approach which includes Oranga Tamariki, District Health Board and the Ministry of Education," she said.

They continued to work with the Gloriavale leadership to assist in providing advice and support, she said.

Police say they visit Gloriavale regularly, following reports of a heightened presence. Above, a still from the 2016 TVNZ documentary Gloriavale: A Woman's Place. Photo / TVNZ

"Should concerns come to police attention or be raised by members within the community, strategies are discussed and implemented to ensure those residing within the community, are kept safe from harm.

"Any criminal offences identified are dealt with by police in the same way they are in any other community."

Gloriavale leader Frevent Stedfast refused to comment on the story.

Last year, Newsroom revealed that former Glorivale members had made allegations of forced marriages and sexual and physical abuse during an 18-month Charities Services investigation into the trust that governs the community.