Most rough sleepers at disused Whangārei sports ground moving to alternative housing

The Whangārei Council says most of the rough sleepers at an disused sports ground are now moving into alternative housing.

Controversial plans to evict the 10 people staying in tents and makeshift shelters at the Old Boys' Rugby Club were put on hold last month.

Rough sleepers were given an extra six weeks to move, until 20 November.

Since then, the council said agencies had been visiting regularly and helping the people on the site work through their options.

"Our focus has been on engaging directly with whānau, understanding what they need and working through the issues and barriers that can make it difficult to access the right support," Mahitahi Hauora chief executive Jensen Webber said.

"This is a good example of what can be achieved when agencies work together in a cohesive and organised way."

Mayor Ken Couper said he was starting to see some good outcomes from the work.

"Some people who were staying at Old Boys have now moved into alternative housing, which is a positive result," he said.

"For those who remain, the support is still there and I encourage them to take it up."