Bizarre Taxpayer Headache: Street Pole Dancing in Aukland, NZ

Since the New Zealand sex trade was decriminalized in 2003, the industry has flourished uncontrollably in some parts of New Zealand's largest city, Aukland. Hunter's Corner, known to many as Hooker's Corner, is one such area. The city council's Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board recently released a report documenting residents' concerns and calling for more control of the industry.

Donna Lee, an elected member of the board, describes the damages to street poles, which has cost taxpayers thousands so far:

"The poles are part of their soliciting equipment and they often snap them. Some of the prostitutes are big, strong people."

Members of the Prostitutes Collective have expressed concern that tighter control could impact the sex workers willingness to carry condoms and that any fines imposed on workers would be difficult to pay, creating a cycle of poverty and sex work.

Thanks to Jessica Brent