Retail NZ To Monitor Move-On Orders Closely
by Retail NZ · SCOOPRetail NZ will watch the use of new move-on orders closely, as the new Police powers come into force today, says Chief Executive Carolyn Young.
"Retailers have long been frustrated by threatening, abusive and disorderly behaviour outside their stores, which can affect the safety and wellbeing of staff, customers and local communities," Ms Young says.
"All Kiwis want safe shopping environments, and we support Police having the tools and resources they need to respond when people are acting in a disruptive, disorderly or threatening manner. However, we have held concerns since move-on orders were first proposed, that it could just result in relocating the problem behaviour from one retailer to another, rather than resolving the issue."
Ms Young says Retail NZ was pleased to see changes made to the legislation before it was passed, including limiting its application to those 18 and older, and requiring begging to be considered unreasonable before action can be taken.
"Those changes have improved the legislation, and we have been working closely with Police and social agencies to ensure there's suitable intervention for problem behaviour outside our retail spaces, including engaging wraparound services where appropriate," Ms Young says.
"We know there are genuine challenges facing many retailers, particularly in busy urban centres. But lasting improvements will come from addressing the causes of antisocial and unsafe behaviour, not just moving it from one shopping area to the next," Ms Young says.
Retail NZ will be keeping in close communication with retailers, Police and support services to understand whether move-on orders are successfully reducing harmful behaviour, or simply relocating it.
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