A proposed law currently before New Zealand’s parliament would give police the power to move people on from public spaces if they are found begging, rough sleeping or otherwise causing a disturbance.

Under the Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill, police would also be able to detain a person, collect their personal details, formally issue the order and serve it on them.

Recipients could even agree to have the notice served by email. It can last for up to 24 hours; and the police decide how far away the person has to move.

Breaching an order could result in a fine of up to $2,000 or three months’ imprisonment, while providing false details could attract a $500 fine.

Supporters say the bill – being considered by parliament’s Justice Select Committee and presently open to public consultation – will help police deal with disorderly behaviour and make town centres safer.

Critics argue it risks criminalising homelessness and poverty while doing little to address the underlying causes.

More than a century ago, colonial New Zealand law allowed people to be prosecuted as vagrants if they could not explain how they supported themselves.

There are uncomfortable echoes of that approach in the proposed legislation.

Like its Victorian-era predecessor, the bill........

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