At its meeting on Tuesday, the Council received a report outlining the scale and complexity of homelessness within the district and agreed on a series of actions focused on supporting proposed legislation and coordinating any local response.

Recently Council also hosted a collaborative forum with community partners to better understand the issue, and discuss local solutions.

Mayor Dan Gordon said homelessness is a complex issue that requires leadership and action from Central Government and can be supported by councils and community organisations.

“Local government does not have the legislative authority or specialist services required to address homelessness. However, we can provide a referral pathway for help, as well as actively advocate and collaborate so local support can be tailored to the individual.”

The Council discussed and expressed in-principle support for proposed changes to the Summary Offences Act, including the introduction of targeted ‘Move‑on orders’. These are intended to provide Police with earlier intervention options for behaviour that causes intimidation, nuisance or safety concerns, while also linking individuals with appropriate support services.

The Council authorised the Mayor to write to the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Police, and the local Member of Parliament expressing initial support for such new legislative tools.

Council also noted the Mayor had an invitation to participate in a forum discussing the potential establishment of a national Mayoral Taskforce on homelessness and housing.

“We are not just noting what’s happening, we are seeing how we can help and stepping forward,” said Mayor Gordon.

“We want to work alongside Ministers, Police and other agencies to shape practical solutions that maintain public confidence and create genuine pathways for support for homeless people.”

“Any new legislation must strike a careful balance,” said Deputy Mayor Philip Redmond. “The Government needs to give Police tools to protect public spaces, businesses and families, while also recognising that enforcement alone does not address the root causes of homelessness.”

The Council committed to strengthening collaborative work with Police, Ministry of Social Development (MSD), Work and Income, and community partners to improve local coordination and support better outcomes.

“Homelessness is not just a Waimakariri issue, it’s a national one,” said Deputy Mayor Redmond. “We are committed to doing our part locally and to pushing for the leadership, investment and policy settings needed at a national level.”

Staff were instructed to investigate existing bylaws, including the Commercial Charity Bylaw 2017, to assess whether any changes could help address growing concerns around begging in town centres.

Council will continue to monitor the impacts of legislative changes and work with partners to respond to community concerns while supporting those most in need.