Summarised by Centrist
Business owners say central Auckland feels increasingly unsafe and uninviting. A Heart of the City (HOTC) survey of 102 operators found 91% believe rough sleeping and begging are hurting trade, and 81% think the CBD isn’t fit to attract people or investment.
An unscientific Herald website poll drew 6100+ responses, with 97% describing the area as uninviting and plagued by antisocial behaviour. Owners report frequent incidents of drug use, fights and intimidation.
Some measures are in place including a 24-hour police base on Federal St, council compliance wardens, HOTC security patrols, and $1.3m from the Proceeds of Crime Fund for lighting, CCTV and patrols.
HOTC chief executive Viv Beck says ministers now back a cross-agency approach, but she’s pushing for faster visible results before the City Rail Link and convention centre open in 2026. HOTC wants immediate bylaw enforcement and a stronger response to drugs alongside support for people in need.
Providers working with homeless Aucklanders link street disorder to tighter emergency-housing rules introduced in August 2024, which made entry and retention harder. Applications and approvals have since fallen sharply, with more declines than approvals in Auckland. Ministers recently told officials to use more discretion, but did not formally relax the rules. Advocates say rough sleeping has risen, with reports of people living in cars increasing.
Experts argue long-term housing solutions, not just policing, are needed. Housing First Auckland says placing people in permanent homes with wrap-around services has strong retention rates. The government has announced 300 new social homes via Housing First and extra funding for rough-sleeper services. Critics say the scale is too small and eligibility thresholds mean many currently on the streets won’t qualify.
