This Government bill amends the Summary Offences Act 1981 to empower Police to issue move-on orders to manage low-level disorderly behaviour and prevent escalation, with the stated aims of addressing public disorder, increasing the public's sense of safety, and supporting urban centres and economies. It is still before Parliament.
This Government bill would amend the Summary Offences Act 1981 to give Police the power to issue 'move-on orders' — directions telling a person to leave a public place for a set period. Police could use them to respond to disorderly, threatening or disruptive behaviour and stop it escalating. The stated aim is to improve public safety and people's sense of safety in town and city centres and to support local businesses and economies.
The Government says the orders would give police an extra tool to manage anti-social behaviour and 'reclaim' public spaces. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith introduced the bill. Debate has been sharp because the orders could also cover activity linked to homelessness, such as rough sleeping or begging. Supporters, including some retailers, say it would make city centres safer and more orderly; critics, including the Law Society and homelessness advocates, say it risks criminalising poverty and raises Bill of Rights concerns about freedom of movement.
See the Parliament.nz ↗ site for the full bill.