Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson says New Zealand is at risk of deepening social harm if it continues to respond to complex social challenges through enforcement rather than prevention.
Davidson joined Radio Waatea as public submissions opened on the Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill and amid growing concern from community organisations about the future of sexual violence prevention services.
The proposed move-on orders legislation would allow Police and authorised officers to direct individuals to leave public places under certain circumstances. Critics argue the bill could disproportionately affect vulnerable young people, including rangatahi experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
One of the most contentious aspects of the proposal is that young people as young as 14 could face penalties for failing to comply with move-on directions.
Davidson says concerns raised by community leaders, health experts and youth advocates deserve serious consideration, particularly where vulnerable rangatahi are involved.
Throughout the day, Radio Waatea has heard from researchers, health professionals and frontline advocates warning that the legislation could create a pathway into the justice system for young people whose primary need is housing, support and stability.
Critics of the bill argue that many rangatahi found sleeping rough or spending time in public spaces are dealing with circumstances beyond their control, including family violence, housing instability, poverty, trauma and disconnection from support services.
There are concerns that move-on orders could push young people into less visible and potentially more dangerous environments, making it harder for outreach workers and community organisations to provide assistance.
The debate over move-on powers comes as another issue is drawing increasing attention — the future of sexual violence prevention programmes.
Davidson says New Zealand continues to face unacceptably high rates of sexual violence, making investment in prevention more important than ever.
Her comments follow warnings from organisations such as RespectEd Aotearoa, which has raised concerns about its future amid ongoing funding uncertainty.
Community providers say prevention programmes are often among the first services affected by funding pressures, despite widespread recognition that early intervention delivers significant long-term benefits for individuals, whānau and communities.
Advocates argue that prevention work in schools, communities and workplaces plays a critical role in reducing violence before it occurs, helping to challenge harmful behaviours, strengthen healthy relationships and support safer environments.
Davidson says the closure or reduction of prevention services raises serious questions about national priorities, particularly when evidence consistently shows prevention costs far less than responding to the long-term consequences of violence.
The concerns come in the wake of Budget 2026, which some community organisations say failed to adequately address the growing demand for prevention-focused services.
Advocates argue that proper investment should include long-term funding certainty, community-led programmes, culturally grounded approaches and stronger support for organisations working directly with whānau.
Across both youth homelessness and sexual violence prevention, Davidson says a common theme is emerging — communities are warning that systems are struggling to respond effectively to complex social challenges.
As the country moves closer to the 2026 General Election, Davidson says voters should be paying close attention to how political parties propose to address the underlying causes of inequality, homelessness, violence and poor social outcomes.
Rather than focusing solely on enforcement and crisis responses, she argues greater emphasis is needed on prevention, housing, health, education and community wellbeing.
Public submissions on the Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill remain open until July 2, with Parliament expected to hear a wide range of views from community organisations, health experts, advocates and members of the public.
For many groups involved in the debate, the central question remains whether New Zealand chooses to invest in preventing harm before it occurs, or continues to respond after the damage has already been done.
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