Source: New Zealand Government
Police can soon issue move-on orders to people being disorderly in public places with legislation passing its final reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“Move-on orders are going to reclaim our streets and town squares for the enjoyment of those who visit, work and live there.
“Businesses, residents and visitors are paying the price for unprecedented levels of disruption. Many are just trying to make a living, but have to face people camped outside their store, day in day out.
“We have many tools to help those who are in need, including access to one of the most generous welfare systems in the world. What we don’t have are effective tools to deal with disorderly behaviour.
“Move-on orders do not criminalise homelessness. They simply provide Police with an additional tool to deal with people displaying disorderly behaviour in public places. Only people who refuse those orders will face prosecution. A move-on order is not a criminal charge.
“New Zealanders are fair-minded people, and our culture is one where we seek to help those who are in need. But that doesn’t mean we should accept our city centres, particularly our showcase tourist spots, as places of intimidation and dysfunction.
“Our government is committed to fixing the basics in law and order, and building a future where everyone feels safe to visit, work and live in our central cities.”
Under this legislation Police will have the power to issue move-on orders to people who are:
- Begging that unreasonably interferes with the use or enjoyment of a public place.
- Rough sleeping.
- Displaying disorderly, disruptive, threatening or intimidating behaviour.
- Obstructing or impeding someone entering a business.
- Breaching the peace.
- Behaviour indicating an intent to inhabit a public place.
These orders will:
- Apply to people aged 18 or older.
- Require a person to leave a specified area for a specified amount of time, up to 24 hours. However, a person issued a move-on order for begging or rough sleeping can return to the area so long as they do not do any of the behaviours prohibited by the Bill.
- Require a person to move on a reasonable distance from the area, as specified by the constable.
- Be issued in writing or electronically, as is operationally appropriate.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/18/move-on-or-face-the-consequences/