This chapter provides a summary of the findings of the Prostitution Law Review Committee and its recommendations to the Minister of Justice. It was written by Paul Fitzharris, who chaired the committee. In the committee's review of the Prostitution Reform Act, two assessments were presented. One was a review conducted in April 2005 that assessed the nature and extent of the sex industry in New Zealand prior to the decriminalisation in 2003. The second review, which was conducted in June 2008, evaluated the operation of the Act. It also assessed the numbers of people working as sex workers,...

This chapter provides a summary of the findings of the Prostitution Law Review Committee and its recommendations to the Minister of Justice. It was written by Paul Fitzharris, who chaired the committee. In the committee's review of the Prostitution Reform Act, two assessments were presented. One was a review conducted in April 2005 that assessed the nature and extent of the sex industry in New Zealand prior to the decriminalisation in 2003. The second review, which was conducted in June 2008, evaluated the operation of the Act. It also assessed the numbers of people working as sex workers, the nature and adequacy of the means to cease working as sex workers, and whether any amendments to the legislation were required. The review was highlighted by the ‘purpose’ of the legislation, which focused on the human rights, health, and welfare and safety of the sex workers, as well as the prohibition of young persons in the sex industry. Apart from providing a summary of the findings of the committee, the chapter also outlines the approach that the committee adopted to complete its work. This included consultation with the government agencies, local authorities, interested organisations, public, and research bodies.