The Criminal Bar Association of New Zealand (CBANZ) calls on the Government to re-think the proposed ‘move-on ’orders seeking to forcibly remove unhoused people from certain areas, as it risks eroding fundamental rights, without addressing the cause of the issues faced by those who are vulnerable in our communities.

“Everyone in New Zealand deserves a secure home and to live with dignity. But we are all aware of the worsening problem of homelessness in our communities, especially clear to our CBANZ members working in our courts, where unhoused persons often end up,” said CBANZ President, Annabel Cresswell.

“Forcing our unhoused community to leave their most familiar spaces, via harsh policing and criminalisation, is not only inhumane but will cause many to become unsafe. The unhoused, like all of us, have bonds among their communities, live where they have support and access to facilities they need.

“It isshocking that the Government would attack what little dignity this community isleft with, at a time when emergency housing is cut and state-housing is at its least accessible.

“We remind policy-makers that policing and criminal justice processes against unhoused people is actually far more expensive in the long-run than investing in homes, health access, support and care.

“Criminalising those communities, by imposing fines or imprisoning them, is not the answer.

The CBANZ notes that move-on orders are also likely to result in serious unlawful breaches of rights. We stand ready to challenge any rights breaches through the courts, where our members have long acted to stand for equality and justice for our most vulnerable.” Ms Cresswell said.

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