Unemployment is at an all-time high, with Māori unemployment at 11.2% in the December 2025 quarter, more than twice the national average according to Stats NZ. “The system has been built in a way where it keeps us Māori down,” Peneha-Whakatutu said. With references and a decent work history on her CV, Peneha-Whakatutu was struggling to get into work and off the streets. She understood that some rough sleepers were on the streets by choice, and had grown accustomed to the lifestyle. “Move-on orders are designed to target disorderly behaviour.”He did not respond to questions on how systemic challenges for Māori were considered with the new legislation.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 03, 2026 03:14 UTC