Wellington councillors have voted against introducing bylaws that would put a ban on begging in the city.
The vote came after a report was released stating that begging in the nation’s capital was on the rise after many homeless had drifted from both Auckland and Christchurch.
Only Mayoral candidate Nicola Young and councillor Simon Marsh supported a ban with twelve councillors voting against the move.
Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown when speaking on the Paul Henry Show claimed that locals can show sympathy, but suggested that giving them cash is not the option.
“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.”
“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 added.
The city plans instead to connect beggars better with social services as well as educating those homeless about acceptable uses of footpaths.