Call not to give to beggars this Christmas

Research by Retail NZ and the University of Otago showed there were more than 16,900 incidents of begging in the last 12 months, with more than 2100 issues reported to police. Photo: NZ Herald

Shoppers should give to charity not beggars in the lead-up to Christmas, says Retail NZ.

General manager for public affairs Greg Harford said begging could often become quite aggressive and "interferes with retailers and shoppers carrying out their business".

"We absolutely acknowledge that there are people in the community who genuinely need support, but we have a comprehensive social welfare system and a number of charities operating in the community to provide that support," Harford said.

"It's a natural reaction to want to try and help people, but the best way to help those in need is to donate to a charity that supports those who need help."

Research by Retail NZ and the University of Otago showed there were more than 16,900 incidents of begging in the last 12 months, with more than 2100 issues reported to the police.

"There is really no place for begging on the streets of New Zealand, and the best way to discourage it is by supporting charities which can assist those in need".

Major Pam Waugh, national manager of Salvation Army Welfare Services said the organisation appreciated Retail New Zealand's encouragement for people to give to charities this Christmas, "at the same time the choice to give to beggars is a complex and personal one".

It was important to remember that beggars were human beings in need, Waugh said.

"Our concern is for people who are desperate or have ended up in this situation because of difficulties in their lives. New Zealanders are generous people who care and it is a personal choice for them in how they may choose to support these people," she said.

"Giving practical assistance such as food or drink, or giving a small amount of money to someone who is begging is a way to help them in their immediate situation.

"However, it won't help them change their situation for the long-term or address the reasons that have led to them begging.

"For those who want to make a longer-term impact in supporting people who beg we would encourage people to give to a charity such as The Salvation Army or another that works with homeless people."

The Salvation Army had seen an increase in homeless people coming to it for support.

"The reasons people beg are many and varied, not all beggars are homeless, but the majority are desperate or have come to the point of begging because of complicated and serious difficulties in their lives."