New Zealand - September 2026

On 18 September, the New Zealand Parliament passed legislation enabling police to issue ‘move-on orders’ that require individuals to leave a public place for up to 24 hours. The law applies in cases involving disorderly conduct, begging, rough sleeping and related concerns.[AH3.1][MR3.2] Failure to obey such an order can result in fines and jail time. Supporters argued the measure would improve public safety and access to shared spaces, while critics contended that it unnecessarily expands police powers, essentially criminalizes homelessness, and disproportionately impacts other vulnerable groups. Comparative studies show New Zealand has one of the highest rates of homelessness among OECD countries, at 2.3 per cent of the population. Ninety-eight percent of official submissions concerning the bill did not support the legislation. 

Sources: Newswire, New Zealand Legislation, Radio New Zealand, The Conversation