Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill
The Government is considering a Bill that would give Police the power to issue move-on orders to people in public places. Supporters say it could help address rough sleeping and begging, while others are concerned it could push vulnerable people further from the support they need.
About this Bill
The Government is proposing changes to the Summary Offences Act that would allow Police to issue move-on orders requiring people to leave a public place and stay away for up to 24 hours.
Supporters say the Bill could help improve public safety and respond to concerns about rough sleeping, begging, and anti-social behaviour in public spaces.
Others argue that homelessness is a housing and social issue, not a criminal issue, and are concerned the proposal could make life harder for people already experiencing hardship.
You don’t need to be an expert to make a submission – your lived experience, values, and community knowledge matter.
What you might want to comment on
Will move-on orders solve the problem?
The Bill aims to address concerns about rough sleeping and begging in public places.
Supporters say move-on orders could help improve public safety and respond to concerns from businesses and local communities.
Others argue that homelessness is a housing and social issue, not a criminal issue, and that moving people on does not address the reasons they are there in the first place.
Do you think move-on orders would address the causes of homelessness and hardship? Or could they simply move the issue elsewhere?
Impacts on vulnerable people
Move-on orders could apply to people experiencing homelessness, financial hardship, mental distress, or other forms of vulnerability.
Some people are concerned that moving people away from visible public spaces could make them less safe and further from support services.
Could move-on orders improve safety in your community? Or could they create additional challenges for vulnerable people and whānau?
Young people and the justice system
The Bill would allow move-on orders to be issued to people aged 14 years and over.
Failure to comply with an order could result in fines or prosecution.
Some people are concerned this could draw vulnerable young people into the justice system rather than connecting them with support.
Do you think move-on orders are an appropriate response for rangatahi experiencing hardship? What alternatives would you like to see?
What support should come first?
Many organisations working in homelessness and public health advocate for approaches that prioritise housing, mental health support, addiction services, and community-led support.
They argue that homelessness is a symptom of wider social and economic challenges that cannot be solved through enforcement alone.
What support do you think would make the biggest difference for people experiencing homelessness in your community?
Why this matters now
Homelessness and severe housing hardship continue to affect many whānau across Aotearoa.
This Bill raises important questions about how we respond to these challenges, and whether policing powers should play a greater role in addressing them.
We advocate for solutions that address the root causes of homelessness and reduce harm, providing active protection for communities disproportionately affected.
We believe it is important that communities have the opportunity to share their views on proposals that could affect some of our most vulnerable whānau.
Share your kōrero
Submissions close at 11.59pm on Thursday, 2 July 2026. Click below to submit to Parliament and make your voice count.
Ready to have your say?
Closes Thursday, 2 July at 11:59 pm NZST –