The ‘Move On Move On Orders’ event in Tauranga brought together local voices to oppose the proposal and speak openly about the barriers our homeless face
Amid growing nationwide protests against the proposed Move On Orders, SociaLink Tūhono Pāpori strongly opposes the measures that target people experiencing homelessness. While communities and businesses need to feel safe, the scope of these powers raises serious concerns.
A Day of Action: ‘Move on the Move On Orders’ event was held at Holy Trinity Church, Tauranga on March 29th. Part of a nationwide protest led by Kick Back, the local event was a collaborative effort involving a wide range of community providers and individuals, including Under The Stars-Homeless in Tauranga, Awhina House, Te Paiaka Lived Experience Panel, Holy Trinity Tauranga Church, Tauranga Māori Wardens, Merivale Community Centre, Good Neighbour, Gurdwara Sikh Sangat Tauranga, Orange Sky, Gate Pā Community Centre, Ōkahukura, Uokbro NZ, Tumanako Lifezone, Jesus Safe Haven, Clothes on Wheels, Jasmin Faye Photography, Te Puke Anglican Church, and Abmon photographer; and attended by Mana Greerton, Tauranga Salvation Army, SociaLink, St Luke’s Church and Takitimu House.
“I agree that shop owners and customers should be protected from disruptive behaviour,” Ani Stace from Te Paiaka Lived Experience Panel shares. “However, these Move On Orders are too broad, and we are concerned they may be used unjustly, risking the criminalisation of vulnerable people.”
SociaLink Chief Executive Liz Davies is urging decision-makers to invest in social support for people in our community experiencing homelessness, saying enforcement-led approaches risk criminalising poverty and placing extra strain on already stretched services.
“Displacing individuals does not solve homelessness, it shifts it and disrupts access to support. Effective responses require housing alongside access to culturally responsive, wrap-around health and social services” she adds.
The local Day of Action showed strong community support. More than 150 people attended the peaceful protest, which included an open mic, a blanket donation drive, community art station, shared kai, and opportunities to sign petitions or write to local MPs. The community’s response was clear: 125 people signed the Duty to Assist petition, 59 letters were written to MPs, and 60+ blankets were donated.
“Attendees and local service providers emphasised the human impact of homelessness,” says Angela Wallace, co-chair of Awhina House that offers transitional housing for women. “My hope is that every person without housing left feeling loved and valued. People without housing often don’t have an address for service, can’t register with a GP, and may be moving constantly. That instability makes it much harder to access support.”
On key priorities, Angela adds, “We need to invest in outreach and integrated service centres, expand immediate and transitional housing, support kaupapa Māori housing solutions, implement Duty to Assist legislation, and stop benefit sanctions that punish people experiencing homelessness. These practical steps will create real, lasting change for whānau.”
SociaLink emphasises the need for practical, proven solutions grounded in compassion. Expanding access to housing, strengthening integrated support services, and removing barriers to support will improve outcomes for vulnerable communities, not approaches that simply displace people instead of ensuring access to help.
