City divided over sex expo

Steve Crow. Photo / NZPA

A sex expo planned for Hamilton has divided the city council, with arguments on whether it should proceed.

Council staff passed the final decision to councillors because of "potential ethical or moral impacts on the community", including the content of promotional billboards.

Pornographer Steve Crow - the man behind the R18 event - and at least one councillor say it should not be up to the city's elected officials to decide whether it can be held in March at Claudelands Events Centre.

But Deputy Mayor Gordon Chesterman said it was "absolutely not the sort of event we want at Claudelands".

"We're a family city and while Claudelands could do with the money, I think there are principles that are much higher than taking money for an expo ... [that in] my best guess Hamilton doesn't want either."

Mr Crow labelled the fuss around the show "bloody stupid" and said it was not the job of politicians to decide which events a city could host.

"At the end of the day it's a public venue and it's losing money," Mr Crow said. "I really resent politicians, whether they be local body authorities or public servants, censoring what adult New Zealanders can and can't see."

Councillor Martin Gallagher said staff could have used their own judgment. "Councillors must be extremely careful not to interfere with the day-to-day management of Claudelands."

Councillor Maria Westphal said staff were right to bring it to the attention of councillors because it was a "straight political decision".

"We currently have no policy in place about what we desire to have at any of our venues ... I think that's something we do need to look at."

Councillors will debate the issue on Tuesday.