Auckland City Mission's boss said it's very easy to stereotype the poor when you don't have the full story.

LISTEN: Rachel Smalley talks to City Mission CEO Chris Farrelly about homelessness in Auckland. 

Sir Bob Jones has slammed beggars as "a bloody disgrace" to society.

READ MORE: Sir Bob Jones: Street beggars 'a disgrace'.

City Mission CEO Chris Farrelly told Rachel Smalley it's easy to label those who are on the margins.

"We genuinely do have poverty, we do have homeless on the streets of Auckland. We know these people, we know where they live and where they hang out. The City Mission goes onto the streets every morning at six o'clock and actually physically connects with our homeless."

He said there are some people who go on to the streets who aren't homeless, and it's very hard to distinguish who's who.

"So our advice is don't give money to people on the streets. By all means engage with them, give them a cup of coffee, have a chat. Advise them to go up to a place like the City Mission and get some help."