Prostitution worries residents

George Hawkins

The verdict on long-serving Manurewa MP - and Police Minister - George Hawkins from residents is mixed.

Those the Herald spoke to yesterday say prostitution was rife, with girls as young as 12 walking the main street of Manurewa at night - not 250m from Mr Hawkins' electorate office on Hill Rd.

One business owner, who asked not to be named, said muggings and cars break-ins happened even during the day. "We haven't called the police lately, but we know nothing happens. They tell the prostitutes to get off the street, but then 10 minutes later, they're back."

Retail assistant Damian Stoneham has lived in Manurewa all his 28 years, but said he wouldn't know Mr Hawkins if he met him.

He said prostitutes are an even bigger problem now than before.

"Now it's blatant, before they used to kinda hide. It kinda brings the whole area down. It never used to be like that."

Retired builder John Edwards said Manurewa has gone downhill.

He said there was, however, a good police presence. "They seem to be on the move, more so than before."

Social services agency director Jill Plant said Mr Hawkins was a good electoral MP.

"He's very effective. He does respond, which is a lot more than a number of the others."

She said the MP had helped find housing for her clients, and acted as an advocate for Child, Youth and Family.