Begging is reportedly on the rise in Auckland City. A community patrol team now deals with more begging complaints than liquor ban breaches, fights or rough sleeping.
Six months ago, 15 instances of begging were reported in one month, but the number jumped to 154 in March this year, when Auckland City Council stepped up community patrols.
The council says begging is usually worse during summer, when there are more tourists around.
It says most complaints come from business.
