Auckland 'sweeps' homeless from streets for RWC

The Green Party has discovered the Auckland Council has budgeted $15,000 for a security company to accompany police and twice daily 'sweep' homeless from Queen St in the lead up to the Rugby World Cup.

Green Party housing spokesperson Gareth Hughes said the council's focus should be on support for the homeless, not just moving them on.

"The Rugby World Cup shouldn't be an excuse to 'hide' our homeless problem.

"Homelessness isn't a choice but a symptom that needs community support.

"If someone is suffering from an alcohol or drug addiction, or a mental illness, they need support, not to be 'moved on' out of sight.

"Everyone deserves a warm safe place to sleep."

The council also budgeted an additional $5000 to go to homeless support services Auckland City Mission and Lifewise to provide assistance to the homeless.

Mr Hughes said the council spending three times more on security to deal with homelessness than on actual services, was a sad indication of its actual intentions.

Mr Hughes was also critical of Government inaction on the issue of homelessness.

"New Zealand is facing a homeless crisis yet the Government refused a select committee inquiry into homelessness and has failed to develop a cross-agency strategy to tackle the problem."

Gareth Hughes and Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei, slept rough on Thursday night in Auckland as part of the Lifewise Big Sleepout which raised almost $100,000.