The Department of Internal Affairs has provided advice on making donations to charities.

It says a wide range of organisations are working to raise funds in the wake of the Christchurch terror attack and it has provided advice to make sure that money raised ends up in the right hands and will help those in need.

It says it is important that the identity of the organisation which will receive the donation is known.

"If you are approached at your home or on the street you are quite within your rights to ask to see identification or ask the collector to explain the work of the charity and how your donation will be used."

The department also warns people to be careful of scams.