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Christchurch 'Move On' Orders Spark Criticism

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, March 6th 2026 at 5:56 GMT by rnz
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Christchurch, New Zealand - March 6th, 2026 - A new policy enacted by Christchurch police, granting officers the power to issue 'Move On' orders to individuals sleeping rough, is drawing criticism from a leading homeless support agency. DePaul House, a crucial resource for Christchurch's vulnerable population, warns the orders risk disconnecting individuals from essential services and driving them further into the margins. The policy, which took effect on March 1st, allows police to direct people experiencing homelessness to relocate from areas where they are sheltering, but advocates fear this seemingly simple directive will have complex and damaging consequences.

Tony Wallace, manager of DePaul House, expressed deep concern that the 'Move On' orders will effectively disrupt the fragile connections support agencies have established with those experiencing homelessness. "Our primary goal is to build trust and provide consistent support," Wallace stated. "These orders undermine that by creating instability and making it infinitely harder for individuals to access the very help they desperately need."

The core of the issue, Wallace explains, isn't the act of moving someone physically, but the severing of crucial lines of communication and support. Many individuals experiencing homelessness struggle with complex needs, including mental health challenges, substance abuse issues, and a lack of understanding of available resources. Navigating the social services system is already a daunting task, even for those in stable environments. Forced relocation removes the familiarity of known locations - places where DePaul House staff regularly connect with individuals, offering assistance with housing applications, healthcare appointments, and basic necessities.

"When they're moved on, they can't access the support," Wallace emphasizes. "It's challenging enough as it is for them to engage with the system when they're in a familiar environment. When they're forced to move, they don't know where they're going to go, they don't know who to trust, and they're less likely to seek assistance." This lack of trust is paramount. Many individuals experiencing homelessness have had negative experiences with authority figures and are understandably hesitant to approach strangers, especially when feeling vulnerable and displaced.

Critics argue that the 'Move On' orders address the symptoms of homelessness, rather than the root causes. While acknowledging the concerns of business owners and residents regarding public spaces, they contend that simply displacing individuals doesn't solve the underlying issues of poverty, lack of affordable housing, and inadequate mental health support. In fact, it often exacerbates them. Moving individuals from one location to another doesn't address the fundamental needs of shelter, food, and healthcare; it merely shifts the problem elsewhere.

This situation mirrors a growing trend in several global cities, where increasingly punitive measures are being implemented in the name of public order. However, studies consistently demonstrate that such approaches are not only ineffective in reducing homelessness but also increase the costs associated with managing the issue, including healthcare and emergency services. A proactive, housing-first approach, which prioritizes providing immediate housing without preconditions, has proven to be significantly more successful and cost-effective in the long run.

Police are currently conducting an assessment of the 'Move On' orders' effectiveness, but DePaul House fears this assessment will be skewed by a lack of understanding of the complex needs of the individuals affected. Wallace reports that police are frequently called to areas where DePaul House actively provides outreach, creating a potentially adversarial relationship that hinders their ability to offer support. He suggests greater collaboration between police and social service agencies could help ensure that any enforcement actions are carried out with sensitivity and a focus on connecting individuals with appropriate resources.

Looking ahead, DePaul House is calling for a more holistic and compassionate approach to addressing homelessness in Christchurch. This includes increased investment in affordable housing, expanded mental health services, and a commitment to working collaboratively with support agencies to provide tailored assistance to those in need. The organization believes that 'Move On' orders, without adequate supporting infrastructure, will only serve to further marginalize a vulnerable population and create greater challenges for those dedicated to helping them rebuild their lives.