Christchurch prostitutes were forced into the suburbs by the quakes. Photo / Sarah Ivey
Christchurch is hoping to piggy-back off a proposed new law for Auckland as it tries to deal with street prostitutes who have been pushed into the suburbs by earthquakes and are clashing with frustrated residents.
The bill, if passed, would allow Auckland Council to confine street prostitution to specific areas,
and Christchurch City Council wants it extended so it can exercise the same powers in its territory.
Since the devastating February 2011 quake, prostitutes have moved from damaged central Christchurch into the residential neighbourhood of St Albans, and residents have complained of noise, litter and intimidation.
Melissa Saggers, whose neighbourhood has been "claimed" by prostitutes and their minders since February last year, says it is affecting people's lives.
She has often seen prostitutes sitting on her letterbox and operating from outside her home, and finds used condoms and needles in her garden. Their presence means Miss Saggers no longer has her nephews or nieces staying with her at her home.
