Police are set to receive expanded authority to issue move-on directives against rough sleepers, beggars, and individuals engaging in “disorderly behaviour” in public spaces.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announced that amendments to the Summary Offences Act will equip police with enhanced enforcement capabilities.
The proposed “move-on” orders would empower police to direct individuals aged 14 and over to vacate a designated area for up to 24 hours if engaged in activities such as rough sleeping, any type of begging, signs of intending to occupy public spaces, or disorderly, threatening, or intimidating behaviour.
Violating a move-on order carries a maximum penalty of a $2,000 fine or three months’ imprisonment. Orders, applicable “as operationally appropriate,” will be issued in writing.
Goldsmith stated that city centres and tourist areas have turned into sites of “intimidation and dysfunction.”
“New Zealanders are fair-minded people, and our culture is one where we seek to help those who are in need, but that doesn’t mean we should accept our city centres, particularly our showcase tourist spots, becoming places of intimidation and dysfunction,” he said.
“Our main streets and town centres have been blighted by disruption and disturbance. Businesses are declining as some bad behaviour goes unchecked. It needs to stop.”
“Currently, police officers have limited options to respond, particularly when it doesn’t reach the level of offending. It means many disruptive, distressing, and potentially harmful acts can occur before officers have any means of intervention.
“It doesn’t make sense.”
For Police Minister Mark Mitchell, the changes focus on public safety, equipping frontline officers with extra enforcement tools to ensure people feel and remain safe.
“Naturally, every situation will be different. Some people may require support services; some may not. Police have the expertise to assess and determine what support is required, if any – they do this every day,” he said.
He noted that police already maintain strong networks and partnerships with social and housing services, expecting close collaboration as they develop operational guidance.
“In terms of where people will be move on to, they will be required to move a reasonable distance away from the area, as specified by the constable,” Mitchell said.
“Our police officers are familiar with the locations they work with and already have strong networks and partnerships with social and housing services.”
Social service providers have criticised the move-on approach, with the Salvation Army warning last month that these powers won’t reduce homelessness.
Ian Hutson, director of the social policy and parliamentary unit, said move-on powers “just shift it somewhere else” and push vulnerable people into more dangerous situations.
“We know what works — access to emergency housing, permanent homes and wraparound support for health, mental health and addiction,” he said.
“Moving people along doesn’t address any of the reasons they are homeless, and it undermines the relationships and trust that help people into stable housing.”
“Housing First, kaupapa Māori approaches, mental health and addiction support, and safe transitional options all help people stay housed. That is where investment and leadership need to go—not into punitive measures that push people further from help.”