By Colin Ambler/cvnznews.com
The Justice Minister is standing firm on the Government’s proposed move‑on orders, despite newly released documents showing significant concern from multiple Government agencies about cost, impact, and effectiveness.
Papers proactively released by the Ministry of Justice reveal officials estimate up to six people a year could be jailed for failing to comply with a move‑on order. Treasury questioned that modelling, calling it “highly uncertain” and warning the benefits of the policy were not clearly evidenced. It also said implementation would worsen existing cost pressures across the justice sector.
The Government announced in February that police would be given the power to issue move‑on orders to deal with disorderly behaviour in public places. Anyone who refuses to comply could face a fine of up to $2000 or three months in prison. The Bill has not yet had its first reading.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said officials provide a range of advice, but “it is for the elected Government to determine how it moves forward”.
Corrections warned the prison network has limited capacity and even a small increase in inmate numbers could trigger the need for new infrastructure costing at least $300 million and taking up to eight years to build. Indicative estimates put the annual cost at $120,000 per prisoner.
Police also expect “significant costs” to roll out the policy and cautioned that delivering it within existing budgets could affect core policing functions.
Housing and Urban Development officials advised “caution”, warning the orders risk criminalising homelessness and could cause further harm to vulnerable people. They also noted limited international evidence on whether such orders work.
A regulatory impact statement from justice officials outlined four options, ranging from the status quo to a broad order covering begging and rough sleeping. The Ministry of Justice preferred no change, saying the proposed penalties were disproportionately high.
A Cabinet paper acknowledged move‑on orders may simply shift disorder from one location to another, and noted unpaid fines could deepen cycles of poverty. Oranga Tamariki opposed applying the orders to 14‑ to 18‑year‑olds.
Labour’s housing spokesman Kieran McAnulty labelled the policy a “total crock”, arguing it would push problems from CBDs into residential areas.
Goldsmith remains confident, saying the policy is about reclaiming public spaces and only those who refuse to comply will face prosecution.
