Gisborne Community Leaders Challenge Government's Move-on Orders for Rough Sleepers

As New Zealand's government advances legislation granting police new powers to issue move-on orders for rough sleepers, community leaders in Gisborne are raising critical concerns about the policy's effectiveness and humanitarian implications.

The proposed amendments to the Summary Offences Act would enable police officers to require individuals aged 14 or older to leave public areas for up to 24 hours if they are deemed to be causing public disruption, including rough sleeping. Violations could result in up to three months imprisonment or fines reaching $2,000.

Indigenous Voices Challenge Policy Direction

Liz Albert, regional coordinator for Gisborne's Māori Wardens, expressed deep skepticism about the government's approach. "I don't think they have thought it through," Albert stated, emphasizing that the policy would simply "move the issue from one area to another, without a solution."

Albert's concerns reflect a broader understanding of homelessness as a complex social issue requiring comprehensive support rather than punitive measures. Many rough sleepers, she noted, "want to get off the streets, they just don't have the means or the knowledge."

Systemic Issues Require Holistic Solutions

The challenges facing Gisborne's homeless population are multifaceted, encompassing mental health struggles, family breakdown, addiction, prohibitive rental costs, and inadequate support systems. These underlying factors suggest that enforcement-focused approaches may prove insufficient.

Mayor Rehette Stoltz echoed these concerns, acknowledging that Gisborne has "grappled with rough sleepers for decades" without finding simple solutions. "These are our people and we need to support them," Stoltz emphasized, highlighting the tension between creating welcoming public spaces and caring for the community's most vulnerable members.

Community-Based Initiatives Show Promise

Despite systemic challenges, local organizations are developing innovative approaches to homelessness. The Tairāwhiti Māori Wardens have implemented City Watch patrols that focus on relationship-building rather than enforcement. Patrollers Tina Wilson and Shelly Brown have established connections with rough sleepers since beginning their roles in September.

Liz Crawford from Oasis Community Church & Shelter raised practical concerns about implementation, questioning how police would distinguish between housed individuals and rough sleepers in public spaces.

Housing Investment Promises Long-term Change

Housing Minister Chris Bishop's office outlined significant investment commitments for the region. As part of a $200 million government initiative to accelerate Māori housing through 2027, Gisborne is set to receive over 160 additional social homes, including 150 affordable rentals through Toitu Tairāwhiti.

An additional 100-plus social homes are planned from mid-2027 onwards, delivered by community housing providers. Bishop acknowledged New Zealand's housing crisis while emphasizing the government's "comprehensive plan to fix the fundamentals of the housing system."

Balancing Enforcement with Compassion

The debate over move-on orders reflects broader questions about how communities should address homelessness in an era of housing affordability challenges. While Ministers Paul Goldsmith and Mark Mitchell frame the legislation as essential for public safety, community leaders advocate for approaches that address root causes rather than symptoms.

As the legislation progresses through Parliament, operational guidance remains under development. Police have indicated their continued focus on "keeping communities safe through visible presence, prevention and targeted initiatives."

The Gisborne experience highlights the complexity of homelessness policy, where effective solutions require balancing public safety concerns with human dignity and the systemic changes necessary to address housing inequality in contemporary New Zealand.