Street Prostitution Bylaw Put On Hold

The street prostitution control bylaw which Manukau City Council has been developing has been put on hold following a meeting between mayor Sir Barry Curtis and Police Minister George Hawkins.

The bylaw will be subject to further investigation as it may conflict with the Bill of Rights and the spirit of the Prostitution Reform Act. As a result there may be problems with enforceability. Manukau City Council is the first local authority to attempt to ban street prostitution.

The Council is to examine the possibility of legislation in the form of a local bill which would enable the bylaw to be adopted in future.

Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says street prostitution is a blight on the communities where it has appeared as it drags down the tone of the neighbourhood and is unwelcome. "Local residents are strong in their opposition and they have a right to object.

"Street prostitution attracts undesirable elements which leads to crimes such as violence and drug dealing, while residents have to deal with unhealthy by-products such as condoms and needles left on footpaths and in doorways."

Hunter's Corner in Papatoetoe and Manurewa town centre have been the focus of street prostitution for some time.

At the meeting with Mr Hawkins it was agreed to jointly look at a legislative approach to the problem and to examine how Australian legislation operates. In Queensland, for example, street prostitution is banned.

Sir Barry says his preference would be for legislation similar to the laws which have been effective in clamping down on boy racers nationwide. However a local bill which applied only in Manukau may be the quickest way forward.