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Paul Goldsmith tried to get rough sleepers & beggars criminalised 18 years ago

The Epsom List MP who authored a biography for ACT Party "Godfather" Alan Gibbs finally succeeded in his senior leadership role in the National Party. Video post

The video above shows that as an Auckland City Councillor, Paul Goldsmith had pushed hard to criminalise rough sleeping and beggars 18 years ago.

There were approximately 100 homeless people in Auckland back then.

He succeeded this year with Auckland business lobby group leader Viv Beck shining brightly by his side.

This week, Auckland City Councillors also revealed National reduced social housing accommodation:

“from 890 places to 39 in one year, and cut emergency housing grants by 70-80% ($20m). Since then, individuals rough sleeping in Auckland increased by 100%”.

Perhaps the situation is best described by those Aucklanders sitting in Aotea Square 18 years ago. When asked about then Councillor Goldsmith’s proposal, they said:

“Unless you’re going to provide a viable alternative for him to stay or to go, it’s absolutely pointless”.

And:

“Probably not a kind response.

If you’re looking to deal with the problem, you’re better off addressing the underlying problem, not just simply trying to shuffle it out of sight.”

How New Zealand has changed.

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