About 150 people gathered on the lawns of Tauranga's Holy Trinity Church on Sunday in a peaceful protest against the government's proposed new police powers to issue "move-on orders" to people in public spaces, including rough sleepers and beggars.
The "Day of Action" event, part of a nationwide campaign organised by the Auckland-based youth homelessness organisation Kickback, brought together homeless individuals, their supporters, and local advocacy groups. The gathering featured a barbecue, music, art, and guest speakers who voiced their opposition to the controversial legislation.
The proposed powers, part of the government's crackdown on crime and public disruption, would enable police to order individuals to leave a public area for up to 24 hours if they are deemed to be causing a nuisance. However, critics argue the policy unfairly targets the most vulnerable members of society without addressing the underlying causes of their situation.
Food for the event was donated by Good Neighbour Aotearoa Trust and the Gurudwara Sikh Sangat, reflecting a broad base of community support for the cause.
Advocates fear policy will 'further victimise' the vulnerable
Among the attendees was Angela Wallace, co-chairwoman of the Awhina House board, a local organisation providing support for homeless women. She described a "great turnout and a great vibe" and said many unhoused whānau attended and shared their personal experiences during an open-mic session.
Wallace and other social service providers believe the legislation will only serve to punish and displace vulnerable people, pushing them further into the margins while ignoring the complex issues that lead to homelessness. These root causes often include a severe lack of affordable housing, inadequate mental health services, addiction issues, and family breakdowns.
We wanted to show our unhoused whānau and our streeties that they are well-supported, and stand against any legislation that further victimises them.
Instead of punitive measures, protesters are advocating for the introduction of "duty to assist" legislation. During the event, 125 attendees signed a petition calling for this alternative approach, which would legally require government agencies to actively work to prevent homelessness and provide support and permanent housing for those experiencing it.
Petition and letters sent to MPs
The signed petition will be sent to Kickback for presentation to national political leaders. In a direct appeal to local and national lawmakers, attendees also wrote letters to Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell, Tauranga-based list MP Tom Rutherford, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka, Social Development Minister Louise Upston, and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
This political engagement highlights the community's determination to be heard. Wallace stated that those who signed up for updates would be kept informed of the legislation's progress through parliament and receive guidance on how to make formal written submissions against it.
The government has argued that the new powers are necessary to address intimidation and disruptive behaviour in town centres, a stance that has found some support among business associations. However, critics, including those at the Tauranga protest, maintain that it criminalises poverty and desperation. The policy appears to be a key priority for the coalition government, with Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith reportedly dismissing official advice that questioned the effectiveness and fairness of such orders.
Homelessness a growing challenge for Tauranga
The debate over the move-on orders comes as Tauranga grapples with significant social and economic pressures. The city and the wider Bay of Plenty region have some of the highest rates of homelessness in New Zealand, exacerbated by a critical housing shortage and some of the highest rental prices in the country. Recent data from the Ministry of Social Development shows a persistent and lengthy waitlist for public housing in the region.
While the city continues to expand with major infrastructure projects, such as the recently opened Pāpāmoa East interchange, social advocates argue that investment in people is being neglected. The focus on punitive measures, they say, detracts from the urgent need for more social housing, mental health funding, and addiction support services that could offer a genuine pathway off the streets. This aligns with a broader national debate on how the country should prioritise its spending, as outlined in a national infrastructure plan that focuses on large-scale projects.
Wallace says the support shown on Sunday was a clear message that the community wants compassionate and effective solutions, not policies that punish people for being poor. Her organisation will continue to oppose the legislation and advocate for policies that address the core drivers of homelessness in Tauranga.
