Sunny Kaushal’s Push Yields Stronger Powers

The Government has confirmed it will tighten laws dealing with antisocial behaviour by introducing move-on orders — a reform long championed by retail advocates including Sunny Kaushal. The new powers will give New Zealand Police clearer authority to direct individuals engaging in threatening or disruptive conduct to leave specific areas before situations escalate.
Ministers say the change responds to years of concern from frontline officers, small business owners and community leaders who have argued that existing tools were insufficient to deal with repeat disorder. The reform aims to restore confidence in town centres, protect retailers and staff, and ensure public spaces remain safe for residents and visitors alike.
The move follows months of consultation and policy development through the Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime, established in July 2024. The group was tasked with delivering independent, evidence-based recommendations to address a sharp rise in retail offending and growing fears among business owners.
Its brief included advising on potential amendments to the Crimes Act 1961, reviewing self-defence provisions, examining antisocial behaviour measures and considering security-related regulations. The introduction of move-on orders is being seen as one of the most concrete outcomes of that work.
Under the proposal, police would be empowered to require individuals causing intimidation, harassment or disruption to leave a defined area. Supporters say this will allow officers to act earlier and more decisively, preventing repeat incidents and diffusing volatile situations before they worsen.
Retail crime has driven much of the urgency behind the reforms. When the advisory group was formed, ministers pointed to an 86 percent increase in retail offending over five years. The estimated annual cost of retail crime has been put at $2.7 billion. For many small retailers — particularly dairy and petrol station owners — shoplifting, ram raids and aggressive behaviour have become regular challenges.
Kaushal, a long-time advocate for small retailers, has consistently called for stronger enforcement, more police resources and clearer legal authority to tackle offending. Observers note that for nearly a decade he has maintained a focused message on law and order, even in the face of criticism from some quarters of the retail sector.
Media coverage examining the advisory group’s formation, budget and recommendations has highlighted the breadth of ideas considered. The group was encouraged to think widely, with then-Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith inviting members to present “any and every idea” to address the crisis.
Among the proposals discussed were expanded citizens’ arrest powers, greater authority for security guards and even the use of facial recognition technology in retail environments. However, not all suggestions attracted broad support.
The most contentious issue proved to be the expansion of citizens’ arrest powers. Submissions from Retail NZ and the Police Association raised serious concerns about placing additional enforcement responsibilities on shop workers and private security staff. Critics argued that retail employees should not be expected to physically confront offenders, particularly when there is a risk of violence.
Current industry practice prioritises staff and customer safety: observe, avoid confrontation and contact police. Some submissions described proposals to broaden arrest powers as unrealistic and potentially dangerous.
Against that backdrop, move-on orders represent a more targeted compromise. Rather than shifting enforcement responsibility to retailers, they reinforce police authority to manage antisocial behaviour directly. Supporters argue this keeps intervention in the hands of trained officers while signalling that persistent disorder will not be tolerated.
The Government insists the reforms are rooted in real-world experience and informed by broad consultation. Ministers emphasise that the goal is not simply harsher rhetoric, but practical measures that deter repeat offending and improve day-to-day safety for businesses and communities.
Debate is likely to continue as legislation progresses, particularly around balancing enforcement powers with civil liberties. Nonetheless, there appears to be growing consensus that retail crime and antisocial behaviour require sustained and coordinated action.
For many small business owners, the introduction of move-on orders represents tangible progress, a policy shift reflecting years of advocacy. As the reforms move forward, they mark a significant step in the effort to restore confidence in public spaces and support the retailers who form the backbone of local communities.
-TIN Bureau