We are a collective group of students within a Year 13 global studies class attending Paraparaumu College, focusing on social action and policy change. For the topic of our internal, we have decided to explore the Homeless Move-on Order. 

We believe the homeless move-on order the government plans to implement in late 2026 is very notable and something that should prompt much discussion and debate. Ultimately, we are against this policy; we believe there is no simple solution to homelessness and forcing people to move on could hinder their support network, driving them away from proximity to food banks and shelters. As you may already be aware, the government plans to introduce an order which provides police with the power to issue individuals a move-on order. This impacts the following people who are…  

• Displaying disorderly, disruptive, threatening or intimidating behaviour.
• Obstructing or impeding someone from entering a business.
• Breaching the peace.
• All forms of begging.
• Rough sleeping.
• Behaviour indicating an intent to inhabit a public place.

This move-on order can be issued to those aged 14 or older, requiring them to leave an area by a reasonable distance for up to 24 hours. This will impact the wider community, as anyone can be asked to leave the area if they display any of the criteria. This could lead to more arrests and less proper support for vulnerable people.

This order has notably been opposed by politicians such as Tamatha Paul, with a direct quote: “I will never support the move-orders, nor will I ever support any law or initiative that looks to punish our country’s most vulnerable people. This government has consistently shown ongoing hostility towards people experiencing homelessness and those who rely on social support. Through deliberate political decisions made during this term, homelessness has been actively worsened rather than addressed."

Coming together as a community and as a collective is key to making change. Signing this petition shows you are against the proposed Homeless Move-on Order.