Queenstown, Wanaka brothels 'unacceptable'

The Queenstown Lakes District Council was due to vote today on a draft bylaw to create red-light districts in the Queenstown and Wanaka town centres. Photo / Herald on Sunday

A proposal to change the law to allow brothels in the Central Otago resort towns of Queenstown and Wanaka has been given the thumbs down by the Family First lobby group.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council was due to vote today on a draft bylaw to create red-light districts in the Queenstown and Wanaka town centres.

The move followed a council review of an existing bylaw banning brothels.

Family First NZ said the Queenstown and Wanaka town centres were not the place for brothels.

"The intent of the Prostitution Reform Act was never to allow brothels and prostitution in family and residential areas, yet this has been the tragic outcome of a flawed and badly written law," Family First national director Bob McCoskrie said.

"It is one thing to have the prostitution industry in 'red light' areas that families can choose to avoid, but to allow brothels in family shopping areas, tourist areas frequented by families holidaying, and near sensitive sites such as schools, playgrounds or churches, is unacceptable," he said.

The decriminalisation of prostitution had been a community disaster, harming families, businesses, and the welfare of workers caught in the industry.

Cities throughout the country had been dealing with the "hospital pass" from politicians who passed the law.

"It's time for the government to amend the law in the interests of families," Mr McCoskrie said.

"We would ask the Queenstown Lakes District Council to protect the wellbeing of families and reject the proposed bylaw," he said.

The council review found the ban may contravene the Prostitution Reform Act.

The draft bylaw would allow brothels in the lakefront town centres but with restrictions on signage and location.

The council could either adopt the bylaw today or refer it to a working party for revision and public consultation.

- NZPA