Moving On is No Answer

I'm proud that the Waitematā Local Board set a position yesterday against move-on orders where there is no criminal or antisocial behaviour.

There are plenty of provisions within the Summary of Offences Act that gives power to address criminal and antisocial behaviour including obstruction, disorderly behaviour, public drinking, drug dealing, associating with drug dealers, being found in a public place preparing to commit an offence, offensive behaviour, indecent exposure etc.

We would welcome more police resource to tackle these behaviours but targeting people without places to live is unhelpful and undermines social cohesion.

We also urge the government to invest more in housing and social support. I heard this morning that the extra funding for transitional housing that has significantly reduced the numbers of rough sleepers is only until 1st July. I imagine all eyes in the community housing sector will be looking at what ends up in the budget in May.