NEW ZEALAND -- First it was checks, then automatic payments -- now transaction management system Eftpos and credit cards are the latest alternatives to slipping cash into the church plate on Sunday.

And the modern technology is filling some church coffers, according to The New Zealand Herald.

Several churches said Eftpos Machines had been installed in church foyers within the past 18 months. Worshippers can donate before or after a service, but can still give cash.

Pastors said donations have risen since the easy-pay alternatives were introduced.

The new technology was popular mainly in large Baptist churches, including Otumoetai Baptist Church in Tauranga and Hamilton Central Baptist Church, as well as many Assembly of God congregations.

But representatives from more traditional Catholic, Anglican or Presbyterian congregations said that although parishioners could contribute with checks or automatic payments, they had not brought Eftpos or credit into the church.

Brian Winslade, Senior Pastor at Windsor Park Baptist Church and national leader for the Baptist Church, said his church was one of the first to introduce Eftpos 18 months ago and would bring in credit-card facilities over the next few weeks.

"We would simply say it is a contemporary way for people to make donations to the life of the church."

Eftpos is a favored payment method among the elderly, who don't like carrying around much cash, the Herald reports. Other churches said it was frequently used by young people.