Nick Mills: Wellington desperately needs a rough sleeper solution
Yesterday in Parliament, something very interesting happened and it’s the sort of conversation we’ve been screaming out for here in the capital. During Question Time, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was pressed on whether the coalition government is working on a new law to prevent people from sleeping in our downtown city centres. Luxon batted it away in the House —wouldn’t touch it. But later, minister for Auckland Simeon Brown went further, and his comments should make Wellington sit up and listen. Brown acknowledged the obvious: homelessness is just as serious in Auckland as it is here —maybe worse—but it’s not a competition. He confirmed the Government is looking at ways to prevent rough sleeping in CBDs and provide accommodation options for those who need it. That’s the combo we’ve been missing: expectation and support. Not just “move them on,” but “give them somewhere better to go.” Otherwise, they will just keep coming back. And let me be very clear— in my view, this is exactly what Wellington needs right now. Not next year. Not after a working group. Now. Because, friends… this is not just about tidying up the shop window of our city — though that matters —it’s about the people themselves. Nobody benefits from sleeping outside convenience stores 24/7. It’s unsafe. It’s unhealthy. And frankly, it is not the dignity any New Zealander deserves. I’ve said many times on this programme: I have never personally witnessed a homeless person assaulting anyone. But that doesn’t mean the current situation is working. It doesn’t feel good. It doesn’t feel safe. It keeps people away from our CBD, and it drags down businesses already on their knees. And if we’re serious about making Wellington vibrant again — if we want people back in town, shopping, eating, working — then we’ve got to confront the reality in front of our eyes. National MP Ryan Hamilton is even floating a member’s bill that would give police powers to move people on from public places. Labour, of course, called it “banning homelessness.” Heated scenes in Parliament followed. Luxon insists nothing has been discussed at Cabinet — but the conversation alone tells you how serious this has become. Meanwhile, homelessness here in Wellington has surged —up 24 percent according to The Post. That should shock all of us. That’s the direction of travel under the current system — more people on the streets, fewer tools to intervene. Yes, there are legitimate questions about rights and freedoms. Community Law rightly points out that people have the right to move and live where they choose. But we already allow police to act on trespass, public nuisance, disorder… the law already intervenes when things get unsafe. The issue here is balance — helping, not punishing — and creating a better alternative so no one has to sleep rough in the first place. Simeon Brown says Auckland is talking to its council. Well — so should we. If Auckland can start planning, why can’t Wellington? We cannot keep waiting, hoping it fixes itself. This government stepping up to create real tools — and more importantly, real accommodation — is exactly what Wellington needs. Not later. Now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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