Rough sleepers, beggars should not be subject to move-on orders - Auckland Council

Auckland Council members have reached a consensus to advocate for the exclusion of begging and rough sleeping from proposed legislative move-on orders. Officials expressed significant concern that enforcing such mandates would disproportionately affect the city's most marginalized residents. By removing these activities from the scope of the bill, the council aims to prevent the forced displacement of individuals who lack stable housing. The decision reflects a growing preference for social support over punitive measures when addressing homelessness. Local representatives emphasized that criminalizing these behaviors fails to resolve the underlying issues faced by those living on the streets.

This move signals a shift in local policy toward prioritizing the welfare of vulnerable populations over strict enforcement tactics in public spaces.