Sex worker ban in the wind

Photo / NZ Herald

Supercity leaders could soon have the powers to ban street prostitutes from Auckland's infamous K Rd.

Manukau City chiefs are trying to get a new law passed enabling them to ban sex workers from specific locations.

If passed, the Regulation of Prostitution in Specific Places Bill would cede on to the new Auckland Council from November 1.

It grants police the power to arrest anyone suspected of being a worker or client of sexual services in that area with a maximum fine of $2000.

Police will also be able to pull over any vehicle suspected of being involved in the trade.

The Manukau City Council wants to ban street prostitutes from notorious red light areas such as Hunters Cnr in Papatoetoe.

But the bill could also be used in any Auckland area.

Supercity candidate John Banks said prostitution, even on Karangahape Rd, offered nothing to Auckland.

He said: "This bill gives the police the power to do something about it. I am looking forward to having the debate around it."

Manukau mayor and Supercity hopeful Len Brown would support the bill.

"It's basically [what] we have advocated for the past five years."

But Prostitutes Collective's Anna Pickering said it would put the workers more at risk.

"They need to work in well lit areas."