Wellington mayor Celia Wade-Brown wants residents to help beggars but not to give them money.
"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."
Ms Wade-Brown joined Paul Henry, this morning to talk through the issue.
"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."