Move-On Orders Will Harm Rangatahi Experiencing Homelessness – Manaaki Rangatahi

Manaaki Rangatahi is disappointed that the Coalition Government has passed the Summary Offences(Move-on Orders) Bill that will further criminalise being homeless in Aotearoa.

The Government’s cut to housing in Aotearoa only puts more pressure on our rangatahi, as well as the frontline workers who work to provide necessary care. Moving people away from their support systems into new and unfamiliar environments will be harmful; especially for our rangatahi.

We know that youth homelessness has not improved over the last three years. When funding for transitional and emergency accommodation is cut, our rangatahi do not get the wrap-around support needed for their wellbeing.

Instead of move-on orders, we need a duty-to-assist legislation that requires Government agencies including Oranga Tamariki, police and hospitals, to support those experiencing homelessness to find suitable housing. “Housing is a right, not a reward,” Johanson said. “We are ready to work alongside the Government to build real solutions, but young people cannot wait.”