Begging in city centre

We know that begging is an issue that many people have strong opinions about and we would like to know more about what you think. So, we are about to undertake some research with our members about begging in the city centre and how it is affecting business.

Heart of the City has always taken an active stance to ensure that the city centre is a safe and attractive place for everyone. This includes our contribution to the City Watch programme that supports compliance with the Public Safety and Nuisance bylaw. Now we are doing further work on possible ways to address the impact of begging in public places.

Begging is a complex issue and there are generally multiple reasons why people live and/or beg on the streets. New Zealand and international best practice tells us that the most effective way to effect change and address begging is to address the drivers of begging, rather than simply deal with the effects. This requires strong leadership and a collaborative approach.

Heart of the City is going to undertake some research to understand the nature of the concerns our members hold around begging and the extent of this concern. This will inform our approach. 

Next week we will contact members directly about this survey.