Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad is urging Parliament to reject the proposed Summary Offences (Move On Orders) Amendment Bill, warning it risks criminalising homelessness and pushing vulnerable children and young people further into harm rather than addressing the causes of their hardship.
Appearing before Parliament’s Justice Committee, Dr Achmad argued that children experiencing homelessness are among the country’s most vulnerable and should not be treated as a public nuisance. She said the proposed legislation would allow Police to direct people to leave public places, a power that could disproportionately affect tamariki and rangatahi who have nowhere else to go.
The Commissioner says homelessness is fundamentally a child rights issue, with many young people sleeping rough or living in unstable accommodation due to family violence, poverty, housing shortages and other complex social issues. Rather than relying on enforcement measures, she says greater investment is needed in housing, wraparound support services and early intervention to address the underlying causes of homelessness.
Dr Achmad also raised concerns that move-on orders could disrupt access to education, healthcare and support networks, while increasing the likelihood of children becoming involved in the justice system. She warned that repeatedly moving homeless young people from one location to another does not resolve their circumstances and may instead deepen their vulnerability.
The Move On Orders Bill has generated significant public debate, with supporters arguing it would provide Police and councils with additional tools to respond to anti-social behaviour in public places. Opponents, including community organisations, homelessness advocates and child welfare groups, argue the proposal targets people experiencing hardship rather than providing meaningful solutions.
The issue has particular significance for Māori, who remain disproportionately represented in homelessness statistics and among children experiencing material hardship. Advocates say any response to homelessness must address the structural drivers of poverty while ensuring tamariki Māori and their whānau receive culturally appropriate support.
The Justice Committee is continuing to hear submissions on the proposed legislation before reporting back to Parliament later this year.
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