Proposed Policing (Direction to Move On) Amendment Bill

The Salvation Army acknowledges the Government’s intent to address community concerns about anti-social behaviour and public safety. However, we are deeply concerned that the “move-on” powers risk disproportionately impacting people experiencing homelessness, who often have no safe alternative place to go. Simply moving people out of sight does not resolve the underlying issues of poverty, housing insecurity, and mental health challenges that drive street presence.

International evidence and our own experience show that enforcement-led approaches can criminalise vulnerability rather than reduce harm. The focus should instead be on investment in housing, wraparound support, and outreach services that address root causes. Without these, the legislation could be ineffective, undermine human rights obligations under the New Zealand Bill of Rights, and exacerbate social exclusion.

We urge the Government to consult widely with homelessness service providers and people with lived experience before implementing the proposed law. Any response to public safety must balance community confidence with compassion and practical solutions that make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring—not invisible.

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The Salvation Army Territorial Media Officer, 021 945 337, email: media@salvationarmy.org.nz (The Media Officer responds to enquiries from media outlets and journalists. If you would like to donate, are in need of help, or have some other non-media-related enquiry, please call 0800 53 00 00.)