Prostitutes Manukau City

Street prostitution in Manukau City has been an ongoing issue, causing safety concerns for residents and businesses. The Manukau City Council made several attempts to gain local control over the problem through legislation.

Legislative Attempts: 2005 and 2010 Bills

In 2005, the Council introduced the Manukau City Council (Control of Street Prostitution) Bill to prohibit soliciting in specific areas. It reached select committee hearings but failed to pass. The Council tried again in 2010 with the Manukau City Council (Regulation of Prostitution in Specified Places) Bill to authorize prostitution bans via bylaws. This bill was defeated on 25 February 2015.

Community Impact and Enforcement

Community frustration grew as street prostitution problems continued in areas like Hunters Corner. Residents and business owners felt the area became unsafe. The Council acknowledged enforcement difficulties due to lack of trained staff. Controversial tactics like sending pink letters to clients of sex workers (traced via car registrations) were considered.

National Context and Outcomes

These efforts occurred against New Zealand’s Prostitution Reform Act 2003 which decriminalized sex work nationwide. The Manukau bills sought exceptions for localised control but ultimately failed. Regulating street prostitution through local bylaws proved unsuccessful despite repeated Council efforts.

*TAGS* – Manukau prostitution legislation, Hunters Corner enforcement, Prostitution Reform Act exemptions