“Move-on” To Where? – Lifewise

Pam Elgar ONZM, Executive Chair of Lifewise states “We are deeply troubled by the Government’s decision to introduce “move-on” enforcement orders targeting people experiencing homelessness in Auckland.” With more than 900 individuals currently sleeping rough—far exceeding official estimates—these measures fail to address the underlying causes of homelessness. Rather than offering meaningful solutions, they simply shift vulnerable people from one area to another, compounding instability and trauma.

We strongly urge the Government to reconsider this harmful policy and instead prioritise evidence-based, practical solutions that address the homelessness crisis at its core.

1. Restore and expand access to better emergency and transitional housing Rough sleeping rises when people are denied access to emergency and transitional housing and pushed onto the streets. Preventing homelessness is more effective and more humane than responding after people are already sleeping rough.

2. Increase the supply of safe, affordable housing in Auckland

Rough sleeping cannot be reduced without more homes. Without sufficient housing supply, people remain stuck on the streets regardless of policy changes or enforcement measures.

3. Fund the support services needed to help people sustain housing Housing alone is not enough for many people sleeping rough. Long term reductions in rough sleeping require properly funded mental health, addiction, disability, and social support services linked to housing.

4. Invest in rapid housing pathways for people newly sleeping rough People who have recently lost housing need fast, flexible options to get back indoors before homelessness becomes entrenched. Delays increase harm and make recovery harder.

5. Strengthen prevention to stop people being pushed onto the streets Income support, tenancy sustainment, family violence responses, and crisis interventions must be properly resourced so people do not become homeless in the first place.

6. Reject move on orders and stop criminalising homelessness

Move on orders displace people without addressing the causes of homelessness. They increase harm, undermine trust, and make it harder for services to engage and support people into housing.

7. Focus on system solutions, not enforcement

Rough sleeping will only reduce when fewer people are pushed onto the streets and more people can move quickly into safe, permanent housing. Enforcement led responses do not solve homelessness — they hide it.

Lifewise is committed to working collaboratively with the government, community partners, and the Housing First Collective to achieve lasting change. Our recommendations are grounded in evidence and compassion, aiming to make homelessness rare, brief, and non recurring. We call on the Government to take meaningful action that truly supports people experiencing homelessness, rather than shifting the problem elsewhere.