New Zealand Parliament passes new police move-on powers

New Zealand Parliament has passed legislation granting police the authority to issue move-on orders to individuals displaying disorderly behavior in public spaces. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith stated the measure aims to “reclaim” streets and town squares for residents, businesses, and visitors who have faced disruption.

The new powers allow police to order individuals aged 18 or older to leave a specified area for up to 24 hours. Grounds for these orders include begging that interferes with public space use, rough sleeping, threatening or intimidating behavior, obstructing business entrances, breaching the peace, or attempting to inhabit a public place.

Minister Goldsmith clarified that the orders do not criminalize homelessness itself, but rather provide a tool to manage disorderly conduct. Prosecution will only occur if an individual refuses to comply with the order. While the order requires moving a reasonable distance away, individuals issued orders for begging or rough sleeping may return to the area provided they do not engage in the prohibited behaviors.