Prostitution Law Reform

The Prostitution Reform Act was passed by Parliament in June 2003. Among other things, this Act decriminalises prostitution in New Zealand, and introduces provisions to protect the health and safety of sex workers and their clients. The Act prohibits anyone under 18 years old working as a prostitute.

Under the Prostitution Reform Act every operator of a prostitution business must hold a certificate. Operators can apply for certificates from 28 December 2003, and current operators have until 28 June 2004 to get a certificate.

The Act also removes the requirement for massage parlour operators to be licensed (effective 28 December 2003).

Certificates under the Prostitution Reform Act 2003 are issued by the Registrar of the Auckland District Court.