WELLINGTON, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand police will soon be able to issue move-on orders to people displaying disorderly behavior in public places after legislation passed its final reading in parliament on Friday.
The orders are intended to give police an additional tool to deal with public disorder and will not criminalize homelessness, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said in a statement.
"Only people who refuse those orders will face prosecution," Goldsmith said, adding that a move-on order itself is not a criminal charge.
Under the legislation, police can issue orders to people whose begging unreasonably interferes with the use or enjoyment of a public place, people sleeping rough, or those displaying disorderly, disruptive, threatening or intimidating behavior.
Orders can also be issued to people obstructing or impeding someone from entering a business, breaching the peace, or behaving in a way that indicates an intent to inhabit a public place.
The orders will apply to people aged 18 or older and require them to leave a specified area for up to 24 hours. People ordered to move on for begging or rough sleeping can return to the area if they do not engage in prohibited behavior, according to the bill.
Goldsmith said the government is committed to "fixing the basics in law and order" and making central cities safe for residents, workers and visitors. ■