'Good prevention tool': Assistant Police Commissioner on the launch of new move-on orders

Only four homeless people have been moved on under new legislation - and 29 orders have been issued since kicking in 10 days ago.

Police can now order rough sleepers, beggars, or people acting disorderly out of a public space for up to 24 hours, and could be sent to jail or fined for refusing.

One person's been arrested so far in Wellington. 

Assistant Police Commissioner Tusha Penny says so far, the orders have mostly being used for disruptive and threatening behaviour.

"Rightfully so, there was a lot of anxiety in corners across the country about what this could look like with the vulnerable, but it's nine days - that's just not playing out."

LISTEN ABOVE

• Govt to give police new powers to 'move on' rough sleepers, Opposition parties say changes 'disgraceful'
• Goldsmith backs move-on orders despite Treasury, Corrections cost warnings