Government move-on orders: Police to target begging and rough sleeping

New powers allowing police to issue move-on orders are set to be implemented across New Zealand, impacting individuals experiencing homelessness and those exhibiting disruptive behavior in public spaces. The move, announced on Sunday, February 22, 2026, aims to address concerns about safety and declining business activity in town centres.

New Powers for Police

The amendments to the Summary Offences Act will grant police the authority to direct individuals aged 14 and older to leave a specified area for up to 24 hours. These orders can be issued to those displaying disorderly, disruptive, threatening, or intimidating behavior, obstructing access to businesses, breaching the peace, begging, rough sleeping, or indicating an intent to inhabit a public space. Police will be required to warn individuals that breaching the order is an offense, unless they have a reasonable excuse to remain.

Did You Know? The new orders will apply to individuals as young as 14 years old.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith stated that New Zealand’s main streets and town centres have been “blighted” by disruption, leading to declining businesses. He emphasized the need to address this issue and ensure public safety. Police Minister Mark Mitchell added that officers will assess situations and determine if support services are needed, noting that not all individuals targeted by the orders are necessarily homeless.

Political Reactions

The move has drawn criticism from opposition parties. Labour’s Auckland spokeswoman, Carmel Sepuloni, argued that the orders would penalize “those with the least” without addressing the root causes of homelessness. Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick compared the policy to “Trump’s America,” accusing the government of ignoring evidence and “punching down.”

Expert Insight: The implementation of these move-on orders represents a shift towards a more enforcement-focused approach to addressing social issues in public spaces. While proponents argue it will improve safety and support businesses, critics raise concerns about its potential impact on vulnerable populations and whether it addresses the underlying causes of homelessness and disruptive behavior.

Auckland City Missioner Helen Robinson expressed concern that simply moving people around would be ineffective and that addressing the underlying causes of homelessness is crucial. She highlighted that 113,000 people are “severely housing-deprived” and that increased social housing is the primary solution. The Auckland Business Chamber welcomed the move, viewing it as a necessary step to strengthen safety in the city center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What behaviors could lead to a move-on order?

Police can issue move-on orders to people displaying disorderly, disruptive, threatening or intimidating behaviour, obstructing access to businesses, breaching the peace, begging, rough sleeping, or displaying behaviour indicating an intent to inhabit a public place.

How long will a move-on order be in effect?

A move-on order will require a person to leave a specified area for a specified amount of time, up to 24 hours.

What is the government’s justification for these orders?

According to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, the orders are necessary because New Zealand’s main streets and town centres have been “blighted” by disruption and disturbance, leading to declining businesses.

Will these measures truly address the complex issues of homelessness and public disorder, or will they simply displace vulnerable populations?