Jeremy Nicholls joins Homelessness Panel re ‘Move On’ Orders

On the 13th of March at St Matthews In the City, our Outreach Team leader Jeremy Nicholls was invited onto a panel to share his experience and expertise walking alongside rough sleepers. Chaired by Prof. Peter Lineham, the event discussed concerns over how ‘Move On’ orders could harm whānau. The Panel also included Max Harris (Lawyer & Advocate), the Hon. Helen White (Labour MP), and Danielle LeGallais (Lawyer & Founder of Sunday Blessings).

Outreach Team Leader Jeremy Nicholls

On Friday 13th March, our wonderful Jeremy Nicholls joined as a panellist alongside some influential lawyers to discuss the “move on” orders. Their shared position was that the ‘Move On’ orders are a cruel and callous way that directly penalises those of our community that are rough sleeping and begging in the city areas.  There already exists clear laws and legal frameworks that address disorderly and aggressive behaviours.

 

Peter Lineham did a wonderful job facilitating the night, inviting questions from the floor and calling for everyone to show support by sharing their views to their local MP’s or to the appropriate government official.

 

Danielle LeGallais, one of the co-founders of Sunday Blessings, also a barrister, spoke passionately about her journey and lived experience as well as what she sees often during their Sunday lunches, that actually it is not the rough sleepers that are creating a swell of safety fears – they were the just the easy scapegoat because they are the cohort of our population that are voiceless and vulnerable; and will become invisible.

 

There was general consensus that more investment in appropriate housing, health & mental health support services was key.  The ‘Move On’ orders that could fine an individual thousands of dollars or 3-month incarceration, would be wasteful and punitive – it would be much easier to invest in continued support services.  These punitive mechanisms show a deep disrespect for humanity.

 

Jeremy’s insight was incredible – he brought the real life experience of working with the rough sleeping communities in both Chicago and in Aotearoa.  His sharing brought a sharper focus on where orders like this overseas did not work – and in fact, pushed our more vulnerable into the shadows, into the margins and only served to create a prevalence of tent city and is not the Aotearoa that demonstrates our ethic of care.  Jeremy highlighted that the populations most affected by the orders will be women, individuals with mental health and those with head injuries.

 

Jeremy and the outreach team will continue to meet rough sleepers, supporting them without judgement. Meeting them with care and the strength of compassion.