Christchurch Police are warning that they are aware that an extended family group of itinerants have been reported to be soliciting donations to a church.
This collection is not sanctioned by the church they say they are representing and they have no authority to collect on their behalf.
Sergeant Graham Duncan says that this group has been spoken to by police.
"We recommend that you check the bona fide nature of anyone asking for donations or collecting money. Do not give unless you are sure that they are authorised representatives," he says.
This particular group has travelled extensively throughout the North Island and has now moved south. In the last week they have been seen in both Nelson and Christchurch.