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WAG

Country Brief

New Zealand

International gold standard for decriminalisation. Sex work treated like any other labour. Strong worker protections.

Legal model

Fully decriminalised (since 2003)

Risk level

Low

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Languages

English, Maori

Emergency

111 (universal)

AOC / SW min

16 / 18

1-Hour Session Pricing (Indicative)

Budget

NZD 150

Typical

NZD 280–500

Premium

NZD 800+

Key Areas

  • Auckland — Karangahape Road historical; Newton, Eden Terrace brothels
  • Wellington — Manners Street, Vivian Street historical; smaller current scene
  • Christchurch — small, integrated

Top Safety Notes

  • NZ Prostitutes' Collective (NZPC) is the worker advocacy body; trustworthy resource.
  • Fully legal context means provider safety is unusually good.
  • STI testing free at sexual health clinics regardless of nationality.

Essential Phrases

Hello Kia ora KEE-ah OR-ah
Thank you Ngā mihi NGAH MEE-hee
How much? E hia te utu? eh HEE-ah teh OO-too
Too expensive He nui rawa te utu heh NOO-ee RAH-wah teh OO-too
No, please stop Kāo, kāti koa KAH-oh, KAH-tee KOH-ah
Yes / OK Āe AH-eh
Where is...? Kei hea...? kay HEH-ah
Beer please He pia koa heh PEE-ah KOH-ah
Water please He wai koa heh WAI KOH-ah
Excuse me Aroha mai ah-ROH-hah MY

Last verified April 2026. Print to PDF for offline reference. Full country guide: /regions/new-zealand.