Oral Submissions on the ‘Move-On’ orders

Many in our diocese were aghast when the proposed ‘Move-on’ orders were  proposed. We were moved with compassion to voice our opposition through calling Members of Parliament and joining the beautiful vigil at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul organised by Common Grace Aotearoa.

Many also provided written submissions to the select committee process. Now, oral submissions are being heard, both online and in person.

Our Bishops’ Justin and Anashuya will make a combined oral submission on Tuesday night.

Common Grace Aotearoa are inviting supporters to join them at Parliament for their oral submission against the Move-On Orders.

Meet outside Parliament main entrance at 4:00pm for a group photo with a banner containing written prayers and artwork by children.

The group will then go in together and fill the Committee Room for the Common Grace Aotearoa oral submission (4:35-4:45pm). Other submissions continue until 6pm.

Your presence shows that we are watching the Select Committee process closely, while continuing to pray and act for more compassionate solutions.

The legislation threatens to criminalise homeless people as young as 14 years if they fail to ‘move-on’ when asked by enforcement officials. At a time when poverty, living costs, access to housing has increased and become more inaccessible - the wisdom of this legislation is hard to justify. Evidence shows interventions such as the housing first approach  are effective mechanisms for reducing homelessness when combined with secure housing supply. No additional funding has been provided to allow this.

Anika Green is a member of St Tom’s in Newtown a volunteer youth worker and member of Urban Vision. Watch her excellent submission below.