Number of move-on orders police have issued since controversial new law came into effect released

Move-on orders came into force just over a week ago and police have so far issued 29 orders.

The controversial order came into force on October 25 and meant police had the power to order people to move elsewhere if they were being disorderly begging or rough sleeping.

So far, the majority of move-on orders were issued for reasons police expected, like drunk, disruptive and disorderly behaviour, police's assistant commissioner Tusha Penny said.

"As with any new law, we will continue to monitor the use of these new powers to be sure they are being implemented and used as intended."

Penny said police were taking a "graduated response" to the orders, which meant officers would first speak with the person to understand their intent and identify any risks in their behaviour.

"Then they educate them about move-on orders and explain why the behaviour is causing concern, so the person understands the potential consequences of their behaviour.

"Following that, police encourages them to change their behaviour and comply voluntarily. If these steps aren't successful, then enforcement is considered through issuing a move-on order," Penny said.

The most move-on orders had been issued in Wellington, according to police's data, followed by Auckland and then Canterbury.

Nineteen of the orders were for disorderly, intimidating or threatening behaviour, the data had shown. At this stage no orders had been issued for people who were begging in a way that unreasonably interfered or for rough sleeping.

Anyone disobeying an order would face a fine or possible jail sentence.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith earlier said, said move on orders would "reclaim our streets and town squares for the enjoyment of those who visit, work and live there".

"Only people who refuse those orders will face prosecution. A move-on order is not a criminal charge."

But, Labour's Camilla Belich earlier said the bill targeted the country's most vulnerable people and did not give them the help they needed.

The Greens' Tamatha Paul agreed, labelling the law cruel and disgusting.

"[The government] did not even attempt to address the root factors of why there is record level homelessness in this country," she said.

"If only this House would not be so ignorant, and would listen to the actual people who are working on the front line, and what they have told us will work."