Giving machine offers fresh way to donate to those in need

You've heard of a vending machine - but what about a giving machine?

A fresh way to give to those in need has landed in a New Zealand mall for the first time.

Little Franky's hunting for a bargain.

"I got - breakfast for a week, and I got school uniform," they said.

But what they're buying isn't for them, because this isn't a vending machine - it's a giving machine.

Instead of snacks or softdrinks, it's a menu of charities. They're a first for New Zealand - set up and paid for by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Inside there are white cards from different charities asking for donations for different items.

There's everything from meals to school uniforms. Just like you would pick a pack of chips, you punch in the number and just like that you've donated.

"We've raised about $27,000 so far. And we've only been around for around for maybe just over two weeks," said Giving Machines social media manager Sarah Pemberton.

Community leader Dave Letele's Butter Bean Motivation is among the chairities who've signed up with the program.

He says with the cost of living crisis, the giving machine could not have come at a better time.

"It's really tough to raise funds," he said.

"The people with the least are the people that typically give. And if they're doing it even tougher, they don't have much - if anything - to give."

So, as the machines continue to draw in crowds, they're also giving the giving season a new way to provide for those who need it most.