Auckland resident Julia Bainbridge says a man dressed as a monk gave her a trinket and bracelet before asking for a donation.
Auckland Council is urging individuals to refrain from engaging with people dressed as monks who are aggressively demanding money as a donation in exchange for trinkets or bracelets.
The warning comes after a rise in reports of people dressed as monks fundraising aggressively in Auckland and other parts of the country.
Lisa Cribbens, acting general manager of licensing and compliance at Auckland Council, urged people not to engage with such individuals and contact police if they encountered behaviour that was intimidating, deceptive or aggressive.
"People who are lawfully undertaking [fundraising] activities are required to hold either a fundraising licence or a street trading permit," Cribbens said.
