Summarised by Centrist
The government’s proposed move-on orders come amid a sharp rise in visible homelessness.
Under the proposal, Police would gain powers to order people to leave an area for up to 24 hours if they are “displaying disorderly, disruptive, threatening, or intimidating behaviour.”
However, the policy goes further.
It would also apply to people “begging, rough sleeping, or displaying behaviour indicating an attempt to inhabit a public place.” Breaching an order could result in a fine of up to $2,000 or three months’ imprisonment.
The National Homelessness Data Project recently showed homelessness “had more than doubled in Auckland in the year to September.”
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the changes are about restoring public confidence. “We’ve got to make sure we’re doing everything to keep people feeling safe.” He added that if individuals need help, “police will be able to plug them in to support services.”
Rough sleepers told journalists they already face frequent displacement and asked where they are expected to go, warning the orders may simply push homelessness from one block to another.
Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young welcomed additional tools for Police but questioned their durability. “If you move someone on, you’re moving them to just another area where they’ll be a problem for somebody else,” she said, describing it as “probably a break in the circuit.”
Auckland councillor Richard Hills called the measures “heartless, draconian,” while youth advocate Aaron Hendry warned of “a really clear streets to prison pipeline.” Rough sleeper Kenneth Dahl described the policy as “a bully tactic.”
The amendment to the Summary Offences Act will now proceed through Parliament.
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