Marching to show opposition to begging bylaw

A march is being organised for this afternoon to show people's opposition to the bylaw being propsed by Tauranga City Council. File photo.

People opposing a proposed bylaw to target begging in Tauranga are planning a community march today.

Last week, Tauranga City Council voted 6-2 in favour of the bylaw amendment at a Community and Culture Committee meeting yesterday, despite advice from legal council staff saying the bylaw would be unenforceable.

Protest organiser Tania Lewis-Rickard told Newshub the council has not thought the plan through.

"If you take something away from someone you have to replace it with something else, and that something hasn't been put in place yet."

People who want to take part in this afternoon's march can meet on the corner of 3rd Ave and Devonport Road around 1pm.

The proposed bylaw will be included in the draft Street Use and Public Places Bylaw, which is set to go out for public consultation later this year.

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6 comments

Good on Council

Posted on 18-06-2018 07:17 | By Really

I agree with council on this one - stopping begging or sleeping within 5 metres of a retail or hospitality site is needed. It can be very upsetting for both staff and customers to have someone begging or sleeping in your business door way.


Why does the Council

Posted on 18-06-2018 08:21 | By tish

have to put anything in place? And why should everyone be allowed to treat the pavements as they wish? Like the homeless camping in reserves and using them as toilets as they please, these social issues are not the ratepayers problem to fund, fix or endure. "If you take something away from someone you have to replace it with something else, and that something hasn't been put in place yet." No, you don't. What some activist thinks the Council, ie a ratepayer, is responsible for is risible. Do the beggars need food? Food kitchens. Do they need shelters? Work on that. If that isn't good enough, sort harder measures to get off the booze and the drugs but not by waving a cup for cash at people and do it at a bigger level than ad hoc local attempts.


What.!!

Posted on 18-06-2018 08:37 | By Marshal

If you look about there are already thing in place to take away the need to be begging in New Zealand, It is called employment, its what most do, and If that doesn't suit there is the Social Welfare system. And numerous Salvation army type arrangement's ..


Not voiceless!

Posted on 18-06-2018 09:07 | By nerak

If you engage with some beggars, and offer them WORK, they are extremely vocal. With all the excuses why they cannot work. Begging can be very profitable, and become the lifestyle of choice.


Tania

Posted on 18-06-2018 10:54 | By overit

We dont want beggars around the shops! Hikoi all you like, I would suggest more effort was put into finding resolutions not bandaids.


Begging and rough sleeping is only the beginning of it

Posted on 18-06-2018 12:25 | By Lvdw

I agree that this needs to be dealt with - permanently. I work in the CBD and trust me I have seen it all. Particularly the use of the car park area as a toilet. Its always a treat first thing in the morning when you arrive at your (paid for) car park to the smell of fresh urine and human feces, as well as being flashed on a regular basis when someone is urinating in front of you.


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