Asenati Lole-Taylor MP
Spokesperson for Social Policy
5 September 2013

Schoolgirls Now Dragged into Seedy Sex Scene

Schoolgirls are now being targeted by pimps, prostitutes and seedy individuals cruising South Auckland streets looking for young women and nothing is being done to protect the teenagers, claims New Zealand First social policy spokesperson Asenati Lole-Taylor.

Mrs Lole-Taylor, who is trying to put an end to street prostitution, says the Government’s preferred option of a “non-legislative approach” is failing the community, councils and police who should be empowered to stop the sex industry’s invasion of residential areas.

“South Auckland and Christchurch are the worst areas affected. One Christchurch councillor has felt the need to take the matter into his own hands by paying for and installing “No Street Worker” signs on Manchester Street.

“In South Auckland prostitutes and their pimps have approached schoolgirls as young as 14 to consider earning some money because they have clients who like girls of their age.

“Some of the girls have been hit on while walking to school and a number of worried parents have approached the New Zealand First office in the area.”

Mrs Lole-Taylor raised the issue in Parliament today and asked the Police Minister if she was prepared to confront the sex workers, their pimps and their clients.

“Residents who have to live with the obscenity of street prostitution want a solution. Local councils and police can’t provide that with the current powers available to them.

”It’s time for tough laws and tough police action to stop the harassment of school children and women who should feel safe on our streets in broad daylight,” says Mrs Lole-Taylor.

ENDS

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