STATEMENT: Catholic agencies: ‘Move-on’ orders fail to uphold the dignity and mana of people sleeping rough on our streets

The following is a joint statement from Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, the Society of St Vincent de Paul New Zealand, Catholic Family Support Services Hamilton and Catholic Social Services Wellington.

New Zealand Catholic social agencies say the government’s proposal to give police the power to issue ‘move-on’ orders is potentially counterproductive and unjust. They warn that the measure will deepen hardship and push vulnerable people further from safety and support. 

26 February 2026 – WELLINGTON – The Society of St Vincent de Paul New Zealand, Catholic Social Services Wellington, Catholic Family Support Services Hamilton, and Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand concur that the government’s announcement this week risks criminalising people experiencing homelessness - simply for not having a home, rather than for any antisocial behaviour.  

“Our experience working with vulnerable communities for over 157 years has shown that criminalising homelessness will not lead to a safer and more just society,” said Gerard Stevens, President, St Vincent de Paul New Zealand. 

Catholic agencies are guided by the Catholic social teaching principles of human dignity and preferential option for the poor. Human dignity affirms that every person is created in the image of God and possesses inherent worth that cannot be taken away by poverty or housing status. The preferential option for the poor calls us to judge public policy by its impact on those with the least power and protection.  

“This move targets people already facing significant hardship,” said Carmel McKee, Director, Catholic Social Services Wellington. “Displacement will not reduce homelessness or improve public safety. Evidence shows punitive approaches push people into less visible and less safe areas – including prison – increasing the likelihood of harm and reducing their access to social services.”  

“People experiencing homelessness are members of our community, whose mana and dignity must be upheld,” said Mena Antonio, Chief Executive of Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand. 

We urge the government to work with people experiencing homelessness and the social agencies that support them before advancing these changes. We believe sustainable solutions come from investment in housing and support services, not from policies that further displace vulnerable people. 

Gerard Stevens – National President, St Vincent de Paul New Zealand 

Mena Antonio – Chief Executive, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand  

Carmel McKee – Director, Catholic Social Services Wellington 

Renee Rewi - Manager, Kake Oranga Hāhi Katorika, Catholic Family Support Services Hamilton