Police in town centres across the country have been granted the ability to issue move-on orders to rough sleepers, or people displaying disorderly behaviour.

It is a decision by the government that has drawn some controversy. Notably, the Royal College of Psychiatrists ANZ, said that moving people on “does not make communities safer”. The group also argued that evidence does not show such forms of enforcement to be effective.

But for retailers, it was argued that the powers could provide some relief to a country blighted by retail crime. 

“Being able to have police move people on from an area where they are displaying anti-social behaviours and creating an unsafe environment for the public may be a useful tool to break the cycle,” Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young said.

“But we are cautious about the long-term solution, given that the order will be in place for only 24 hours and will require police resourcing to implement.”

Retail crime, which has been described as a “significant problem”, is beginning to trend downwards. A 2024 report found that 99 per cent of 1500 retail business owners in the country had experienced some form of retail crime or anti-social behaviour.

“We do have some concerns about moving on people who are ‘rough sleeping’ and where they would be able to move if they have no home,” Young added.

“Ultimately, addressing the disorderly, threatening and intimidating behaviour we are seeing in our towns and cities across New Zealand is a positive step forward and providing police with tools to enable them to address this is welcome. 

“But on its own, without wider social services support, we don’t believe it makes a long-term difference.”