The nearest town is Carterton 15 kilometres to the northwest, and nearby settlements include Ponatahi to the west and Longbush to the south.

[4] Several other localities in the country are also called Gladstone - an Invercargill suburb, a coastal sawmill village south of Greymouth, a hamlet beside Lake Hāwea and an area near Levin.

[5] Thirty-four deceased soldiers from Gladstone and its surrounds are commemorated by a small roadside war memorial, and part of the main road between Masterton and Gladstone is lined with 36 memorial oaks.

[7][8] In October 2020, the New Zealand Government committed $2,179,654 from the Provincial Growth Fund to upgrade Ngāi Tumapuhia a Rangi ki Okautete, Motuwairaka, Pāpāwai, Kohunui, Hurunui o Rangi and Te Oreore marae.

Viticultural activity is increasing as winemakers realise the potential of soil and climate that produce low yielding rich concentrated grapes.

Gladstone also has a number of small businesses and industries, including cafes, homestays, and a wheelwright shop.

[13] Gladstone also has a sports complex, built in 1979[14] - which is owned and run by the local community.