NZAmbulance callouts to homeless individuals in Auckland have nearly doubled over the past four years, according to Hato Hone St John. In the most recent financial year, there were 459 such callouts compared to 236 in 2022. The increase has raised concerns among officials, with Andrew Everiss, an operations manager at St John, stating the trend reflects a broader rise in ambulance demand. Callouts often involved incidents like assault, collapse, or unconsciousness, though specific details about assaults are not recorded by ambulance services. At a recent stakeholder meeting, Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick expressed concern, linking the issue to policies that criminalize homelessness rather than offering support. She criticized the government's move-on orders as inhumane and argued that pushing homeless individuals out of public view increases their vulnerability. Minister of Justice Paul Goldsmith defended the policy, clarifying that move-on orders are meant to address disorderly behavior and protect both the public and homeless individuals.
Bias read (Progressive): The article presents perspectives from both Chlöe Swarbrick, who criticizes the government's approach to homelessness as inhumane and ineffective, and Paul Goldsmith, who defends the policy. However, the framing emphasizes the negative impacts of current policies on homeless individuals and frames '
