Advocates call for housing solutions as Move-on Orders Bill passes under urgency

Homelessness advocates are calling for a shift in focus toward long-term housing solutions following the passage of new legislation in Parliament. The Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill completed its third reading under urgency on Friday, granting Police enhanced powers to order individuals to leave public areas if they are engaged in disruptive or disorderly behaviour. Victoria Crockford, co-director of the Coalition to End Women’s Homelessness and former CEO of Community Housing Aotearoa, has been closely monitoring the bill’s progress. Speaking to Waatea News, Crockford noted that the legislative debate has brought serious concerns regarding the treatment of Aotearoa’s most vulnerable populations to the forefront. While the Government maintains the law provides necessary tools to manage public disorder and protect retail areas, advocates argue that the root causes of rough sleeping remain unaddressed. A coalition of 18 organisations, supported by a petition of over 4,700 people, has voiced strong opposition to the measures. The group is advocating for urgent action to transition those sleeping rough into safe, stable accommodation. They argue that homelessness is a social issue requiring intensive support rather than a policing matter that simply shifts individuals from one public space to another. As the legislation moves toward implementation, the focus for advocates such as Crockford and Irwin now turns to the practical impacts on the streets. The primary concern remains whether the new powers will be accompanied by increased efforts to connect wāhine Māori, rangatahi, and whānau with the essential housing and social services they need to thrive. The call from the sector remains clear: sustainable housing, not displacement, is the key to ensuring public safety and dignity for all members of the community.