Wellington's Mayor is urging residents to "help the beggars, but not with cash".
The council's voted against a ban on begging after a report the city was attracting more than its fair share of beggars.
Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says locals can show sympathy, but giving them cash is not helping solve the problem.
"I would discourage from giving to them directly. For example, the old line asking for a train ticket to Waikanae -- go buy them the ticket, but don't give them $12.50."
Speaking on the Paul Henry programme, Ms Wade-Brown said her advice is to give to charities and organisations working to get people off the streets for good instead.
"I am encouraging the people of wellington to give to the soup kitchen, give to the Downtown Ministry, volunteer your time -- but everybody that gives $20, $50 on a Friday night in Courtenay Pl is just encouraging them to come back."
She also says she and the council are against an all-out ban of begging: "No ban in the world seems to have solved the problem."
A centralised database has been established for Wellington, which will be used to report and control beggars and note disorderly conduct.
Shop owners have voiced concerns begging is bad for retail, and can deter potential customers.
Ms Wade-Brown says that problem has been acknowledged, and she and the council are trying to work alongside all Wellingtonians for the best possible outcome.
"It is a growing concern, it's a concern to retailers for the look and feel of the city, it is a concern for people that know that that is not a good way of life.
"And through our interviews in the most recent report, most beggars would rather be doing something a bit more constructive too."
Newshub.
