NZ Introduces Sweeping New Police Move-On Powers to Tackle Disorder in City Centres

The New Zealand Government has introduced controversial new legislation granting Police expanded powers to issue “move-on orders” aimed at tackling disorder, intimidation, and anti-social behaviour in public spaces, as part of a broader push to restore safety and confidence in the country’s city centres.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announced the legislation today, describing it as a critical step in the Government’s law-and-order agenda and an effort to reclaim public spaces increasingly affected by disruption, aggressive behaviour, and street disorder.

“Our Government is committed to fixing the basics in law and order, and building a future where everyone feels safe to visit, work and live in our central cities,” Goldsmith said.

“Unfortunately, our streets and town centres have endured unprecedented levels of disruption in recent years. Many people no longer want to be there. Businesses, residents and visitors are paying the price.”

Police Given New Powers to Remove People From Public Areas

Under the proposed legislation, Police officers would be able to issue formal move-on orders requiring individuals to leave a specified public area for up to 24 hours if they are found engaging in a range of behaviours considered disruptive or threatening.

The powers would apply to people aged 14 years and older and orders could be issued either in writing or electronically depending on operational circumstances.

The legislation specifically targets people who are:

• Displaying disorderly, disruptive, threatening, or intimidating behaviour

• Obstructing access to businesses or public premises

• Breaching the peace

• Begging in public places

• Rough sleeping

• Behaving in ways suggesting an intention to inhabit a public area

Police would also have authority to direct individuals to move a “reasonable distance” away from the designated area.

Importantly, the Government says receiving a move-on order would not itself constitute a criminal offence. However, failure to comply with an order could result in prosecution.

“Only people who breach those orders will face prosecution,” Goldsmith said.

“A move-on order on its own is not a criminal charge.”

Government Targets Public Disorder and Urban Decline

The legislation forms part of the coalition Government’s wider effort to address growing public concern over safety in central business districts and urban areas, where retailers, hospitality operators, commuters, and local residents have increasingly raised concerns about anti-social behaviour, visible homelessness, drug use, intimidation, and street violence.

Business groups in several New Zealand cities have repeatedly warned that deteriorating perceptions of safety are discouraging shoppers, tourists, and workers from returning to city centres following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Goldsmith argued current laws leave Police with insufficient ability to intervene early before situations escalate into criminal offending or violence.

“We currently have many tools to help those who are in need, including access to one of the most generous welfare systems in the world, but we have limited tools to deal with disorderly behaviour,” he said.

“It means many disruptive, distressing, and potentially harmful acts can occur before police officers have any means of intervention.”

“This legislation changes that.”

Rough Sleeping and Begging Provisions Likely to Spark Debate

The inclusion of rough sleeping, begging, and behaviour indicating an “intent to inhabit” public places is expected to generate significant debate among legal experts, social service organisations, and human rights advocates.

Critics are likely to argue the measures risk criminalising poverty and homelessness, particularly amid ongoing housing shortages and increasing cost-of-living pressures.

Civil liberties groups may also raise concerns around the broad discretionary powers being granted to Police, especially regarding what constitutes “disruptive” or “intimidating” behaviour.

Supporters of the legislation, however, argue the measures are necessary to restore public confidence in urban safety and ensure shared public spaces remain accessible to businesses, residents, and visitors.

The Government has maintained that the legislation is focused on behaviour rather than personal circumstances, and says social support systems remain available for those requiring assistance.

Wider Push to Restore Law and Order

The proposed move-on powers align with the Government’s broader law-and-order platform, which has included tougher sentencing policies, expanded police powers, youth crime initiatives, and increased emphasis on visible public safety.

The Government has repeatedly argued that improving public order is essential for economic recovery, particularly in struggling retail and hospitality districts.

“This is about reclaiming our streets and our city centres for the enjoyment of everybody who visits, works and lives there,” Goldsmith said.

The legislation is expected to face intense public and parliamentary scrutiny as it moves through the select committee process, with debate likely to focus on the balance between public safety, civil liberties, and the treatment of vulnerable populations.

If passed, the new powers would mark one of the most significant expansions of police authority over public order behaviour in New Zealand in recent years.