Editorial: Ban on begging needed

Whenever I see a rough and possibly homeless looking character strumming away on a guitar in the city trying to make a few bucks, I always open my wallet and hand over a donation.

But if someone comes up to me on the street asking for some money, they can bugger off. I might even ring the police.

The Auckland Council is looking to ban beggars under a proposed new bylaw. The draft of the new bylaw bans anyone asking for money, food, other items or soliciting donations "in a manner that may intimidate or cause a nuisance to any person".

It's created somewhat of a stir in Auckland, with advocates saying it's long overdue but those against it labelling it fascist and unfair for disadvantaged citizens.

But I think it's a good bylaw and should be looked at in Rotorua.

Although we don't have the same issues as Auckland's central city with homeless people and beggars, we do have our share. I have heard of our homeless approaching female tourists on Tutantekai St in the middle of the day asking for money. These tourists reportedly looked petrified.

As a tourist town, the last thing we need is people haranguing our guests and locals for money. Granted, we don't have a homeless shelter but I believe New Zealand is very generous to its under privileged and there's a good welfare system in place which should provide enough to get by without having to beg or steal.

At least if there is a bylaw in place, a council officer can deem if the person is being a nuisance or not - and of course discretion should be used.

If we have nothing, we are powerless to act.