Few remain at homeless encampment in Whangārei as deadline to leave site looms

Just three or four people remain at a homeless encampment in Whangārei as the council's new deadline for leaving the site looms later today, RNZ understands.

Up to 50 people have lived in tents and makeshift shelters at the disused Old Boys' sportsground since 2023, though that number dropped to 10 after Kāinga Ora opened a new housing complex in June.

The remaining rough sleepers were ordered on leave on 8 October but the eviction notices were put on hold following a public outcry.

MSD, Kāinga Ora and social service providers such as Arataki Ministries and Whare Āwhina have been working intensively to find homes for them since then.

RNZ understands that has been successful for all but a few people with the most complex needs.

Whangārei District Council said it had been forced to act by increasing health and safety risks, as well as complaints from nearby businesses.

The encampment backed onto Semenoff Stadium, leading to concerns for public safety during major sporting events.

The council said the area around one of the stadium's emergency exits was strewn with broken glass.

After mayor Ken Couper met the residents on site on 8 October, the eviction was paused and two new deadlines were set.

All tents and other belongings had to be moved off the grass onto a parking area by the end of 23 October, and the site had to be vacated completely by 20 November.

The original 10-day eviction notice was issued on 28 September under the council's new Public Spaces Bylaw.

Since then, advocates for the sportsground-dwellers said rubbish had been removed, grass around the stadium had been checked for broken glass, and a portable toilet had been provided by a member of the community.

More than 50 supporters took part in a peaceful protest at the sportsground on 8 October, the original eviction date.

Around 20 people, including four of the Old Boys' residents, took part in a protest march on Thursday from Laurie Hall Park to the council's headquarters on Rust Avenue.

Couper said the council was responsible for essential maintenance at all its reserves and public spaces.

"A number of emerging risks and hazards were making the former Old Boys' site unsafe for normal public use, contractors and maintenance staff. As landowner of that area, council has a requirement to maintain the grounds to help reduce fire and other safety risks, while securing emergency and operational access for events at Semenoff Stadium."

Couper said agencies including the Ministry of Social Development, Mahitahi Hauora PHE, and the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport were working directly with each person remaining at the Old Boys' site to identify housing and support suited to their circumstances.

Local hapū Te Parawhau had also been engaged as part of the response.

"Homelessness is a complex issue facing communities across Aotearoa, and there is no quick or simple solution. We need a coordinated, compassionate approach that supports people into individualised, appropriate pathways while addressing the concerns of the wider community," Couper said.

The mayor said he was grateful to everyone involved for the cooperation and care they had brought to a complex and challenging situation.