Begging and rough sleeping will be banned in one of our fastest-growing cities from next week.
The controversial bylaw means the Tauranga City Council will now be able to stop beggars congregating near shops, but says it will only prosecute if the problem persists.
Tauranga mayor Greg Brownless said, "I just think we have to do something. If we don't draw a line in the sand somewhere, I mean, you just mentioned, people coming in and asking for scissors to cut up synthetics, other things like that - it's not part of a city that I would like to live in."
Te Tuinga Whanau Services' Tommy Wilson said he "totally supports" the law change.
"I think it's a brave move by Tauranga Council and one I totally support because until these guys cross the road and get help, they will continue to do what they do and that's not good for anyone, including our community or our country," Mr Wilson said.
The begging bylaw comes into effect on Monday, which means anyone begging or sleeping rough within five metres of any business will be moved on.
Tauranga Chamber of Commerce's Stan Gregec said, "It's been welcomed by pretty well all the retailers here and our retail sector I'm sure, as you've seen, is undergoing quite a bit of change at the moment. We've got a lot of construction on and we've also got a lot of empty shops".
The council says it's taking an educational approach, with bylaw officers speaking with rough sleepers to connect them with support services.
If the tactic doesn't work, the council will consider an official warning. If that fails, individuals could be prosecuted. However, the council says it doesn't want to go down that path.
The bylaw will not be enforced by police, but they will continue to support the council.
However, Mr Wilson says fixing the problem is quite simple.
"Until we can move from sympathy to empathy, same old, same old - nothing will change."
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