A couple travelling New Zealand 'free from money' say they have been the victims of death threats and racism after a story was written about them.
Anna Karg and partner Enoch Orious have been dumpster-diving and relying on others, including the services of soup kitchens, as they journey around the country.
Stuff published an article on them and their unconventional money-saving methods, including their reliance on soup kitchens for food.
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The couple says they are now "facing a lot of negativity" as a result of the story, including "some really nasty comments of people wishing us death or being very nationalistic about Anna being from Germany".
"The lady who wrote the article about us contacted us on Facebook, met us for an interview and after that blocked us on social media," the pair claim.
"We might have been too naïve to trust a lady working for the media, but we truly believe in the good in people and didn't see a shitstorm like this coming.
"Please don't believe everything you read in the internet or the media. They are trying to create a conflict by only telling half the story."
Newshub has approached Stuff for comment.
The comments section of Stuff's Facebook post about the story showed the public was divided on whether the couple were opportunists or scabbers.
In the Stuff article, Wellington city councillor Brian Dawson said he was annoyed that the pair had used soup kitchens as "a way to get around the country on the cheap".
He said social services should be used as a need, not a choice.
On Instagram, the couple explained they've only eaten one meal at a soup kitchen, and that they regularly volunteer.
They also say Mr Orious has lived in New Zealand for 17 years despite being described as "tourists" in the article.
"I'm sorry in your books our action was immoral. Perhaps all the charity and kindness we offer as we travel around NZ will soften your idea," they said.
The couple insist they only use resources that would otherwise be unused - approaching businesses for unwanted food, hitchhiking and raiding rubbish bins.
"We just don't want to be part of the rat race anymore," Mr Orious told Stuff.
"We know we can live without money - we just wanted to see if we can travel without money."
The couple's Instagram details their journey, documenting the people who have helped them along the way.
In their statement, they urged New Zealanders to "open your hearts and show some love" to them and others in need.
They said people are not the issue, and that fault lay instead with "the system", which has made us "puppets in the game" by making us pay taxes.
Newshub.
