Working with the sector through Greenmeadows marae Te Poho o Tangiianui, with partner and marae custodian Naomi, he's helped provide regular meals for the homeless and established data and histories.
Several of those struggling on the streets have found a home at the Auckland Rd marae. Nee Harland says that is particularly appropriate because, when founder Baden Batt established the marae in 1983, among the purposes was to provide a haven in times of crisis, including civil defence emergency.
Police, councils, the Ministry of Social Development and other agencies have joined forces to get to the rough-sleeping community, and on Wednesday police officers, acting Senior Sergeant Andrew Graham and Constable Sue Guy, set out on the next stage of connecting with the sector.
Many have been able to be placed in facilities where they pose as little risk as possible to the public.
Graham said the focus was to limit the risk of community spread, taking a personal approach to connect with members of the community. That varies from people with mental issues and long-standing homelessness issues to those without a regular home amid the housing crisis.
There is a need to treat members as any member of the wider community, but with a higher level of support to ensure the Covid-19 responses and lockdown, are understood, and what may happen if the rules are not followed.
The officers are also looking for a "silver lining" with Graham hopeful that, while some may revert to the lifestyle, "it will get some of them back on their feet".