New Zealand expands police power to issue move-on orders for disruptive behavior, with fines up to $2,000 or jail time, despite low public order crime rates.

New Zealand is expanding police powers to issue move-on orders in public spaces nationwide, allowing officers to require individuals aged 14 and over to leave areas where they display disruptive, threatening, or disorderly behavior, including begging or rough sleeping. The changes, part of an amendment to the Summary Offences Act, could result in fines up to $2,000 or three months in prison for breaching an order, unless a reasonable excuse exists. The policy, aimed at improving safety and business access in city centers, requires legislative approval and comes amid concerns from advocacy groups about insufficient support services. Despite claims of deteriorating public order, police data shows a 10-year low in public order offenses in December 2025.