Concerns are mounting that proposed move-on powers for Police could be driving rough sleepers out of central Auckland before the legislation has even been passed, with frontline organisations warning the policy risks displacing vulnerable people rather than addressing the causes of homelessness.
The issue will be explored in an interview with Lifewise Chief Executive Pam Elgar, who says outreach teams are witnessing changes in where people are sleeping and increasing anxiety among those experiencing homelessness.
The Government’s proposed move-on orders would give Police greater authority to direct people to leave public spaces in certain circumstances. Supporters say the measures are intended to improve public safety and respond to concerns from businesses and the wider community about anti-social behaviour.
However, homelessness advocates argue the proposals could simply shift rough sleepers from one location to another without providing the housing and support services needed to help people permanently leave homelessness.
Lifewise says there are indications some people are already moving away from Auckland’s central city, fearing they may face increased enforcement if the legislation is enacted.
The organisation is concerned that displacement could make it more difficult for outreach workers to maintain contact with vulnerable people, many of whom rely on established relationships with health providers, social workers and support agencies based in the CBD.
The interview will explore what Lifewise is seeing on the ground, including the concerns being expressed by people experiencing homelessness and the practical challenges created when rough sleepers become harder to locate.
The discussion will also examine the broader impacts on communities if homelessness is simply redistributed into surrounding suburbs rather than addressed through long-term housing solutions.
Lifewise argues that stable housing, mental health support, addiction services and coordinated social services remain essential to reducing homelessness, rather than relying solely on enforcement measures.
The organisation is expected to call for greater collaboration between central government, local authorities, community organisations and housing providers to tackle the structural issues contributing to homelessness, including housing affordability, income insecurity and access to support services.
As debate over the proposed legislation continues, the discussion highlights the wider question of whether public policy should focus primarily on managing visible homelessness or investing in the long-term solutions needed to prevent it.
