Minors Removed from Move-On Orders Bill Following Community Advocacy and Massive Public Opposition

Thousands of New Zealanders and youth advocates have successfully secured a significant policy shift as the Government’s Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill progresses through Parliament. As reported by Waatea News, the initial draft of the legislation sought to grant Police the power to issue move-on orders to individuals as young as 14, requiring them to stay away from specific public areas for 24 hours. However, following a robust Justice Committee review and widespread community pressure, 14 to 17-year-olds have now been officially removed from the regime. The bill passed its second reading this week and has moved to the committee stage with the exclusion of minors. The push for these changes was driven by a massive wave of public engagement, including more than 7,000 parliamentary submissions—98 percent of which opposed the legislation in its original form. Additionally, an open letter led by Family for Every Child was signed by over 4,700 people, calling for the government to abandon the bill in favour of addressing the root causes of poverty and housing insecurity. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith maintains the legislation provides necessary tools to manage disruptive or intimidating behaviour in public spaces before it escalates. However, Manaaki Rangatahi CEO Bianca Johanson and other advocates have voiced ongoing concerns that displacing people from public spaces does not address fundamental needs, such as the shortage of affordable housing or mental health services. Te Ao Māori advocates further noted that Māori whānau are disproportionately affected by housing instability, particularly rangatahi leaving state care or fleeing unsafe environments. The revised Bill now includes additional safeguards, including a formal review of the regime after three years and requirements for Police to report on the frequency and age of those receiving orders. While the exclusion of those under 18 represents a victory for those fighting the criminalisation of youth homelessness, the debate continues regarding how the law will affect young adults. Advocates urge the Government to redirect investment toward strengthening support for whānau and communities to reduce child poverty rather than focusing on displacement. The legislation now moves forward with the intent to improve safety in city centres while limiting its scope strictly to adults.