18 September 2026– The Christchurch
Methodist Mission (CMM) says the passage of the Move-on
Orders Bill is a disappointing step backwards for efforts to
build a socially just and inclusive society.
CMM
Executive Director Jill Hawkey says that homelessness
can’t be solved by moving people from one street corner to
another.
“We are deeply concerned by the passage of
the Move-on Orders Bill,” Hawkey says. “While
communities deserve to feel safe, legislation that focuses
on moving vulnerable people out of sight does not address
the underlying causes of homelessness: lack of affordable
housing, poverty, addiction, mental distress, or social
exclusion.”
CMM is concerned that move-on powers could
further disconnect people from health services, housing
providers, community networks and trusted support
relationships, while increasing contact with the justice
system. “Enforcement-led approaches primarily manage
visibility rather than addressing housing need,” Hawkey
says.
In contrast, Housing First programmes operating
in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally have
demonstrated strong outcomes in housing stability, wellbeing
and reduced reliance on crisis, health and justice
services.
Hawkey says that homelessness is
fundamentally a housing issue, not a public order issue, and
that effective responses require affordable housing,
wraparound support services, and sustained investment in
prevention.
CMM is calling on the Government to
prioritise evidence-based solutions that provide stable
housing and support pathways rather than policies that risk
pushing vulnerable people further to the margins.
“The
evidence is clear that displacement does not end
homelessness. Our communities deserve both safety and
compassion,” Hawkey
says.
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