Francesca Rudkin: Move on orders put Police in an awkward position

The Move-on Orders Amendment Bill has passed its first reading in Parliament – this is the bill that would give police the power to issue move-on orders to rough sleepers, people begging or obstructing entrance ways, or showing intent to inhabit a public place. Submissions to the bill close next month.    Now, the majority of Auckland City Councillors agreed this week that they want begging and rough sleeping to be taken out of these proposed move-on orders. They see the proposed legislation very much as a tool to deal with destructive, disorderly or threatening behaviours, not to further marginalise those who are already struggling.   At the end of the day, the action taken will be at the discretion of the Police.   The bill in its current state puts the Police in an awkward position, because it is being sold to us as a bill that is going to get rid of homelessness in city centres. It gives the impression police will be out on the beat daily, moving on those sleeping rough from doorways or bus shelters, and that all of a sudden homelessness will disappear and we don’t have to think about it again.    In theory this sounds good. It will make city centres safer and more welcoming, respond to the business community’s concern that rough sleepers harm economic activity, and help connect homeless people to support services.    But we all know the issue of homelessness is complicated and nuanced, and that temporarily removing the problem from sight does nothing to fix the problem.   The Police Association said it would be a drain on resources. Retail NZ welcomes new tools for police but doubts their long term usefulness. Those who deal with homelessness aren’t impressed. In short, no one seems convinced by this bill.   The move-on law may provide businesses and the wider public with short-term relief from visible homelessness and anti-social behaviour. But without meaningful investment in housing and support services, it risks criminalising vulnerable people, fracturing service access and merely “sweeping the problem under the rug”.    True solutions require addressing the structural causes of homelessness, building trust with affected communities, and creating inclusive pathways out of homelessness.    Police will use the law to move on people who are causing a disturbance, and to get people the care and support they need it, but it’s not going to work as it’s being sold. Simplifying the Bill to reflect this reality isn’t a bad idea – the legislation as proposed is about optics and won’t fix the issue.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.