Homelessness affects our children. A whopping 62% of NZ’s homeless are under 19 years old, while 17% are 15 years or under.
The suggested Amendment to the ‘Move On Bill’ penalises our homeless and impoverished. The amendment would allow police to detain and charge those already suffering.
If you’re freedom camping, you’re expressly excluded. But if you’re rough sleeping, you’re a disorderly problem.
Kris Gledhill, Professor of Law, AUT, says, QUOTE: “The bill also exempts people who are primarily engaged in promoting “a point of view, cause or campaign.” This might mean someone protesting homelessness or poverty – even while sleeping rough or seeking donations – may be protected from a move-on order in circumstances where someone without a political message would not be.” UNQUOTE
So yes, it appears to criminalise the homeless and impoverished, rather than addressing the underlying issues. Where are they moving them on to? Just down the road?
Auckland Council Director of Community, Rachel Kelleher, co-authored a report saying, QUOTE: ”Homelessness and begging are not synonymous with anti-social or disorderly behaviour. Including rough sleeping and begging as “behaviour” criteria has the potential to displace people who are already vulnerable and will not address the root causes that lead to people being in this situation.”
Kelleher said the remaining criteria would still allow police to respond to disorder, safety and accessibility. ” UNQUOTE
Fines of up to $2000 or imprisonment for breaching the order would just end up costing the taxpayer money.
Is this the society we want to raise our children in?
Should we address the problem – or just penalise those already suffering?
Find out more here:
https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/move-orders-will-criminalise-children-experiencing-homelessness
Or here:
INFO on HOW to make a Submission before June 30:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4lVwPxYoUg