Growth in Papakura has not resulted in a comparable growth in demand for all services, writes Maurice Smyth.
Papakura's politicians are glad they won't be trying to ban prostitution in town.
However, a spokewoman for arguably the world's oldest profession isn't bothered, as the town just wasn't big enough to sustain such
an, er, industry.
Even though the district's population is growing impressively by way of new subdivisions, the sex industry is showing no local interest.
Anna Pickering, manager of the Prostitutes' Collective in Auckland, says she doubts that, unlike Pukekohe and Takanini, central Papakura will see a sex parlour.
``It's a close community where those who use sex workers drive to other places, such as Manurewa, Manukau and as far away as K' Rd. There's no way they would want to be recognised close to home.''
She says that while there are prostitutes living in Papakura, they work elsewhere, the closest being Takanini, which has two parlours.
The owner of one, who did not want to be named, says it would be a waste of time opening a parlour in Papakura's CBD.
``We keep an eye on this and people head for the motorway, not into town.''
Deputy Mayor Katrina Piggott says the council was intent on a plan change to make it unlawful for the sex industry to operate in the town.
``We watched in dismay as Auckland and Christchurch City Councils lost in court trying to do the same thing when prostitution became legal.
``We decided not to waste taxpayers' money going down such an expensive and frustrating path.''
