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Sexuality Research and Social Policy

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12-03-2021

The Dunedin Model: Dunedin Sex Worker Experiences Under Decriminalisation in Aotearoa New Zealand

Author: Peyton Bond

Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy | Issue 4/2021

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Abstract

Background

The Prostitution Reform Act 2003 (PRA) decriminalised sex work in New Zealand and represents a best practice model for sex work legislation (Radačić, 2017, p.2). This article is based on a project that focuses on Dunedin, New Zealand, due to the absence of council bylaws that may contradict the PRA and a lack of post-decriminalisation research.

Methods

The project involved qualitative, semi-structured interviews with seven Dunedin-based sex workers and one brothel manager in 2018 to determine what decriminalisation can look like under the legislation of the PRA. The analysis and methodology are framed by feminist standpoint theory.

Results

This article concludes that the PRA is successful when (a) the operators (managers) adhere fully to the provisions of the PRA and the NZPC guidelines, (b) sex workers are confident and knowledgeable about their rights under the legislation, and (c) councils do not introduce bylaws that contradict the provisions of the PRA. Success is defined as a system that ensures workers’ rights and equitable and fair treatment. I name this success the ‘Dunedin Model’.

Conclusions

Wider implications of this model include (a) the importance of creating situated legislation based on the recommendations of socially situated people, who possess the knowledge necessary to create it; (b) the necessity of full adherence to this legislation by both management and local councils; and (c) the obligation to allow for, create and maintain systems that allow for persons to be aware of their rights.

previous article Changing Minds and Changing Laws: How New Zealand Sex Workers and Their Allies Shaped Decriminalisation in New Zealand

next article Adolescents Adjudicated for Sexual Offending: A Comparison Between Sex-Only and Sex-Plus

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I received ethics approval for this project from the University of Otago. I further sought and received support from the NZPC.

Ōtepoti is the Māori name for Dunedin, like Aotearoa is for ‘New Zealand’.

More information on the bylaws concerning brothels in Christchurch can be found in ‘Brothels Bylaw 2013’ from the Christchurch City Council.

One participant disputed this and thought it might be an understimate. I use the word ‘parlour’ instead of ‘brothel’ since it is the word Dunedin workers were using.

This can be applied outside of the sex industry, too. It mirrored my personal experiences in hospitality, as well as friends of mine in both retail and hospitality.

More information on the NZPC’s work to oppose bylaws can be found in the NZPC-written chapter of ‘Sex Work and the New Zealand Model’, (2020) edited by Lyzni Armstrong and Gillian Abel. Chapter Two, titled “Stepping into the Light of Decriminalisation” discusses issues with local councils, especially between pgs. 49–52.

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Title: The Dunedin Model: Dunedin Sex Worker Experiences Under Decriminalisation in Aotearoa New Zealand
Author: Peyton Bond
Publication date: 12-03-2021
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy / Issue 4/2021
Print ISSN: 1868-9884
Electronic ISSN: 1553-6610
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-021-00551-4

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Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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