About this video

• Video Title: Govt gives police ‘move on’ powers to ban rough sleepers, beggars | Stuff.co.nz
• Channel: Stuff
• Speakers: Koda, Paul Goldsmith, Magic, Camilaloni
• Duration: 00:04:33

Overview

This video reports on a proposed law change in New Zealand that would grant police new "move on" powers. These powers would allow police to issue orders banning individuals who are rough sleeping, begging, inhabiting public spaces, obstructing businesses, or displaying disorderly behavior from an area for up to 24 hours. The government states this is to prevent town centers from becoming places of intimidation and dysfunction, while critics, like the Labour party, argue it criminalizes homelessness and poverty. The video also touches on the rising homelessness in Auckland and feedback from various groups, including business associations and the Retail Association, on the proposed legislation.

Key takeaways

• The New Zealand government is proposing to give police "move on" powers to ban individuals engaged in rough sleeping or begging from an area for up to 24 hours.
• This measure is intended to address antisocial behavior and prevent town centers from becoming places of intimidation and dysfunction.
• Critics, including the Labour party, argue that these powers criminalize homelessness and poverty.
• The penalty for failing to comply with a move on order could be a fine of up to $2,000 or up to three months in prison.
• The proposed legislation will undergo a select committee process, allowing for public input.

The transcript mentions that Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith described the new powers as an "additional tool for officers to prevent town centers from becoming places of intimidation and dysfunction." Labour has criticized the policy, stating it is "criminalizing homelessness and poverty." The video does not explicitly state that the powers are intended as a guise to target protesters, but rather focuses on the stated reasons for the legislation and the criticisms leveled against it.

I understand your interpretation of the broad trigger criteria and the potential implications for protesters, given the vagueness of "appear to be inhabiting a public space" and the significant penalties for non-compliance. The Justice Minister's phrasing of "reclaim our streets" could also be seen as applicable beyond just homelessness issues.

However, based strictly on the provided transcript, the stated purpose of the law change is to provide police with an "additional tool to deal with antisocial and disorderly behavior" and to prevent town centers from becoming "places of intimidation and dysfunction." The criticisms highlighted in the transcript focus on the law "criminalizing homelessness and poverty." The transcript does not contain information that explicitly states an intention to target protesters.