March 11, 2026

#regional: Community Leaders Warn Move-On Powers Could Deepen Homelessness Crisis

Dale Husband Posted On March 11, 2026

Dale Husband #regional: Community Leaders Warn Move-On Powers Could Deepen Homelessness Crisis

Community leaders and advocates are raising strong concerns about proposed changes to the law that would allow police to issue move-on orders to people sleeping rough in public spaces, warning the policy risks pushing vulnerable people further to the margins.

Among those speaking out is community advocate Mike Hinton, who says the proposal fails to address the root causes of homelessness and instead focuses on removing the visible signs of poverty from public areas.

The proposed powers would allow police to require people to leave certain locations for up to 24 hours if they are deemed to be causing disruption or disorder, including those sleeping rough or begging. Critics say that for many people living without stable housing, such orders simply move them from one place to another without providing any meaningful support.

Hinton says the central issue facing people experiencing homelessness is not behaviour but a severe shortage of housing, emergency accommodation and social support services. In cities such as Auckland, shelters are often full and transitional housing options remain limited, leaving many people with few alternatives but to sleep in public spaces.

Advocates argue that forcing people to move on when they have nowhere safe to go risks creating further harm, increasing instability and making it more difficult for outreach services to maintain contact with vulnerable individuals.

Community groups say the policy could also place additional pressure on already stretched social services, as people displaced from one area move to another without access to the support they need.

Opponents of the legislation are calling for a shift in approach, focusing instead on long-term solutions such as expanding public and community housing, increasing mental health and addiction support, and strengthening wrap-around services for people experiencing homelessness.

Hinton says addressing homelessness requires coordinated investment in housing, health and community support rather than enforcement measures that treat homelessness primarily as a public order issue.

Community leaders and advocates are expected to gather at a hui to discuss the proposal and outline their concerns to policymakers. Organisers say the meeting will focus on ensuring the voices of people directly affected by homelessness are heard in the national debate.

Participants are expected to emphasise the importance of dignity, human rights and practical solutions that address the underlying causes of homelessness rather than shifting the problem from one street to another.

As debate over the proposed legislation continues, advocates say the key question for policymakers is whether the country chooses enforcement as the primary response to homelessness, or invests in the housing and social support systems needed to help people move off the streets permanently.