Dominatrix out of meeting with councillors

A former dominatrix with a conviction for kidnapping has withdrawn from a meeting at which Hamilton city councillors will hear sex workers' views on a draft prostitution bylaw.

Gina Davies, who organised the meeting at suburban brothel Toni's to help sex workers, was convicted of kidnapping and demanding with menaces in November 2002.

Private sex workers said Ms Davies' involvement threatened the credibility of other sex workers' arguments, while Hamilton Mayor David Braithwaite said he was concerned about her background.

"At no stage was I trying to represent the prostitutes or speak for them," said Ms Davies.