An invitation to respond to proposed ‘move‑on’ powers

At the heart of our faith is the conviction that every person bears the image of God (imago Dei), and that Christ is uniquely met “in the least of these” (Gen 1:27; Matt 25:40).

Scripture calls God’s people to “share your food with the hungry and provide the poor wanderer with shelter” (Isa 58:7). This week we’re inviting our diocesan whānau to join Kate and Alex at Common Grace Aotearoa in a faithful, constructive response to the Government’s proposed ‘move‑on’ powers.

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Pōneke comes together to oppose Move-On Orders

On Wednesday 11 March, Wellington people are gathering at St Peter’s on Willis to share breakfast and hold a community hui to organise in opposition to Move-On Orders. We believe no person should be criminalised for sleeping rough! Homelessness is addressed around the world by housing policies that provide safety and shelter for those most in need.

We will eat together and hear from community leaders about how the Move-On Orders will affect their communities. There will then be an opportunity to share our concerns and consider next steps about how we respond as the people of Wellington. This gathering is a chance to connect so that together we can build a city where no one is criminalised for experiencing poverty, and everyone’s dignity is upheld.

Everyone is welcome, including and especially the rough sleeping community, leaders from community and faith-based organisations and other passionate people.

What:
7:30: Breakfast provided.
8:00: Hearing from community leaders including Rev Murray Edridge, Wellington City Missioner
8:15: Facilitated space to share your views and consider next steps.
Finished by 9:00.

Organised by Common Grace Aotearoa with support from St Peter’s Anglican Church and the Wellington City Mission. If you have questions or would like to help, email contact@commongrace.nz

What’s being proposed
—and why it matters to the Church

The Government has announced it will amend the Summary Offences Act to give police the power to issue move‑on orders to people in town centres who are begging, rough sleeping, or displaying disorderly or intimidating behaviour. Orders could apply to people aged 14 and over, directing them to leave an area for up to 24 hours, with penalties up to $2,000 or three months’ imprisonment for breaching an order (unless there’s a reasonable excuse). Ministers argue these powers are needed to address disruption and make public places feel safer.

Social agencies, researchers and community advocates have expressed concern that such powers risk criminalising visible poverty without addressing the drivers of homelessness. They could push vulnerable people further from the services that help. Evidence shared by academic and sector experts suggests enforcement‑led approaches don’t resolve homelessness long‑term, while Housing First and wrap‑around supports do.

Common Grace Aotearoa has launched an action opposing the proposed move‑on powers, urging a policy focus on long‑term housing, mental‑health and addiction support rather than punitive dispersal.

How you (and your parish) can respond

1) Pray
Include intercessions for those rough sleeping, for police and civic leaders, and for policies that prioritise housing and care over punishment.

2) Learn & discuss

• Read a concise overview of the proposal and its implications via RNZ and The Spinoff. Share with vestries and pastoral teams.

3) Take constructive action

• Use Common Grace Aotearoa’s action page to email or phone Ministers—in your own words—asking for investment in Housing First, mental‑health care, and social housing, and for caution about measures that criminalise poverty.

4) Strengthen local compassion
Even as we speak up nationally, let’s double down locally: deepen partnerships with our City Missions and housing providers.

Public order matters. Small businesses, tāngata whenua, migrants, families—everyone deserves to feel safe in shared spaces. But safety and compassion are not competitors. We can hold both: urging wise, proportionate responses to harm while refusing to hide people made in God’s image. Let’s ensure our national conversation is anchored in evidence, tempered by mercy, and oriented toward hope.

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice… to share your food with the hungry and provide the poor wanderer with shelter?” (Isaiah 58)

Common Grace Aotearoa

Move on resources here