A woman who was branded a "nark" for speaking out against child abuse has been accused of using the charity she founded for personal gain.

But Cherie Kurarangi Sweeney denies the allegations, saying her "haters" have no evidence to support their claims.

Mrs Sweeney became a leader in the fight against child abuse after she spoke to police investigating the death of Ngaruawahia infant Serenity Jay Scott in April last year.

She founded Nark – Nation of Advocates for the Rights of Kids – and generated widespread media coverage.

However, Ngaruawahia residents have questioned her motives, and a Facebook group – Cherie Nark NZ (Show NZ the Money!) – accuses her of misusing Nark donations.

"When I started out with Nark I knew I was going to ruffle a few feathers but I didn't think I'd be attacked personally by people over false crap and accusations," Mrs Sweeney told the Times. "I'm not going to be bullied ... though."

On February 15, she made a plea to her supporters on Facebook for money. She wrote that she suffered severe seizures and epilepsy, had been made redundant, and her driver licence had been suspended. Her husband was off work due to illness.

She said she was $3500 in arrears on her mortgage and Westpac Bank had demanded she pay immediately. She claimed it was "impossible" for her to make the payment and asked for help "before me and my children lose our home".

"I know I have done a lot for the community via my campaign against child abuse," she posted. "But this means nothing to the bank, as it does not pay the bills."

She said that if every friend and supporter donated two dollars her family "would be saved", and she provided a bank account number for deposits.

A document provided by Mrs Sweeney showed $4229.51 was raised on the day she appealed for help, including a one-off donation of $3481. On February 16, she deposited $4181 into a Westpac bank account, which she said was to cover her mortgage, and the plea for money was personal and not associated with Nark.

But her critics are concerned she is benefiting from donations that should be going to the charity.

"I know for a fact that I'm not conning anyone," Mrs Sweeney said. "I've never had any of the Nark money into any personal account of my own."

According to a Nark financial statement, it had received $5370.26. But she said none had yet been spent.

Mrs Sweeney said she used Nark money to pay her personal internet connection, which was agreed to by Nark members. A financial statement showed at least $578 had been spent on her Telecom internet bill.

A former supporter, who asked not to be named, said the public had a right to know where donations were being spent.

Nark is not an official charity, but Mrs Sweeney said she was trying to have it registered with the Charities Commission.

Commission spokeswoman Sandra Bennett could not comment on whether any complaints had been lodged about Nark or Mrs Sweeney.