Editorial: Time to look at vagrant bylaw

Retailer Chris Munro has had a few smelly problems with Tauranga vagrants.

I couldn't help but feel sorry for Tauranga retailer Chris Munro.

Imagine turning up to your business in the morning to find vagrants sleeping outside and using it as a toilet.

This is what Mr Munro says he is having to put up with - and he's had enough.

He says his 4th Ave business, Versatile Products, is a favourite haunt for some homeless people. He's had excrement smeared all over his back wall and says he's even been threatened by a homeless man with a beer bottle.

Mr Munro spoke of his frustrations in Monday's edition.

This and other examples given in that article lead me to believe that Tauranga has a homeless problem. There are an estimated 40 men living rough in our city.

I had thought the Tauranga Moana Nightshelter would mostly fix the problem.

But the shelter has been running at capacity since Christmas with all 20 beds filled. About 80 men have spent time there since it opened six months ago.

The shelter, and others that help homeless people, fulfil an important need and deserve credit for helping men who for whatever reason have found themselves in a difficult situation.

But clearly demand is outstripping supply.

There is a strong argument that not all homeless people are the ones making life a misery for the likes of Chris Munro.

Nevertheless, something needs to be done.

Deputy Mayor Kelvin Clout wants a bylaw that gives the city more power in dealing with unruly vagrants who refuse to be helped by social or community agencies.

He doesn't want to persecute them, but does want to "protect the essence of our wonderful city".

I agree with Cr Clout.

I generally have no problem with people who either choose to live on the streets or are there through no fault of their own - provided they obey the laws and don't hassle people.

It is unacceptable anyone should harass pedestrians and business owners.

Sometimes enforcement is the only answer.

Tauranga City Council should carefully consider this proposed bylaw.