Move-on orders for rough sleepers face strong criticism from Gisborne Māori Wardens

As the government prepares to grant police new powers to issue move-on orders for rough sleepers, Gisborne's Māori Wardens are raising critical questions about whether this punitive approach addresses the root causes of homelessness.

"I don't think they have thought it through," says Māori Warden regional coordinator Liz Albert, highlighting concerns that echo across Aotearoa's progressive communities about criminalising society's most vulnerable.

A Band-Aid Solution to Complex Social Issues

Under proposed amendments to the Summary Offences Act, police will soon have authority to require anyone aged 14 or older to leave an area for up to 24 hours if they're deemed to be causing public disruption. This includes rough sleeping, begging, or simply indicating an intention to inhabit public space.

The penalties are severe: breaching these orders could result in up to three months' imprisonment or fines reaching $2000. For people already struggling with homelessness, such consequences risk creating a devastating cycle of criminalisation.

Ministers Paul Goldsmith and Mark Mitchell frame these orders as public safety measures, providing police with enhanced enforcement tools. However, Albert and the Tairāwhiti Māori Warden team fear this approach will simply "move the issue from one area to another, without a solution."

Understanding the Human Story Behind Homelessness

Albert's observations reveal the complexity often overlooked in policy discussions. Many rough sleepers actively want to leave the streets but lack the means or knowledge to access support systems. The underlying issues span mental health challenges, whānau breakdown, addiction, prohibitive rental costs, and inadequate support networks.

This holistic understanding aligns with progressive approaches that prioritise human dignity and social justice over punitive measures.

Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz acknowledges this complexity, noting decades of collaborative efforts between council, police, health services, and iwi. "These are our people and we need to support them," she emphasises, capturing the community-centred ethos that defines progressive policy-making.

Community-Led Solutions in Action

The Tairāwhiti Māori Wardens' City Watch programme exemplifies innovative, relationship-based approaches. Patrollers Tina Wilson and Shelly Brown have built meaningful connections with rough sleepers since September, revealing insights that challenge assumptions about homelessness.

Wilson observes that some people perceived as homeless actually have housing but socialise with rough sleepers in town, highlighting how surface-level assessments can mislead policy responses.

Oasis Community Church & Shelter manager Liz Crawford raises practical concerns about implementation: "How will police distinguish between housed and rough sleepers? Does this apply to housed people relaxing on public benches or in library gardens?"

Housing Investment Versus Immediate Needs

Housing Minister Chris Bishop's office points to significant investment: $200 million for Māori housing through 2027, delivering 160-plus social homes to Gisborne, including 150 affordable rentals through Toitu Tairāwhiti. An additional 100-plus homes are planned from mid-2027.

While these long-term investments are crucial, they don't address immediate needs or the fundamental question of whether criminalising homelessness aligns with Aotearoa's values of compassion and social justice.

Manaaki Tairāwhiti's iwi-led approach, supporting transitions from emergency shelter to long-term affordable accommodation, demonstrates how culturally grounded, community-driven solutions can create sustainable change.

A Call for Progressive Policy-Making

This debate reflects broader tensions between punitive and progressive approaches to social issues. As the legislation progresses through Parliament, it offers an opportunity to consider whether move-on orders truly serve public safety or simply criminalise poverty and disadvantage.

The Māori Wardens' critique challenges policymakers to think beyond enforcement towards comprehensive solutions that address housing, mental health, addiction support, and social inclusion. Their community-based expertise offers valuable insights for creating policies that reflect Aotearoa's commitment to social justice and human dignity.

As Police acknowledge that operational guidance remains under development, there's still time to incorporate these progressive perspectives into implementation, ensuring any new powers serve genuine community wellbeing rather than simply moving social problems out of sight.