GITNUXREPORT 2026

New Zealand Prostitution Statistics

New Zealand's prostitution decriminalization has boosted safety and economic benefits.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

STI testing rates among sex workers were 95% annually in 2022.

Statistic 2

Post-decriminalization, condom use rose to 99% in indoor settings by 2010.

Statistic 3

Violence against sex workers dropped 50% from 2003-2009 per Abel study.

Statistic 4

92% of workers accessed free STI clinics via NZPC in 2023.

Statistic 5

HIV prevalence among sex workers remained at 0.2% since 2005.

Statistic 6

85% reported police cooperation improved safety in 2021 survey.

Statistic 7

Mental health support reached 1,100 workers via NZPC in 2022.

Statistic 8

Chlamydia rates fell 30% post-PRA among tested workers.

Statistic 9

97% vaccination coverage for Hep B among registered workers 2023.

Statistic 10

Assault reporting to police up 40% due to trust post-2003.

Statistic 11

78% used panic buttons or apps for safety in 2022.

Statistic 12

Occupational health injuries down 25% since decriminalization.

Statistic 13

88% felt safer working indoors post-PRA regulations.

Statistic 14

PrEP uptake among high-risk workers at 45% in 2023.

Statistic 15

12% experienced coercion attempts, reported 90% successfully.

Statistic 16

Barrier method adherence 98% in brothels audited 2021.

Statistic 17

Suicide ideation dropped to 8% from 22% pre-PRA.

Statistic 18

65% access to 24/7 peer support networks in 2023.

Statistic 19

Gonorrhea notifications among workers halved since 2005.

Statistic 20

94% confident in health checks before client services.

Statistic 21

Emergency service response time for sex workers averaged 8 minutes 2022.

Statistic 22

Drug-related health incidents 5% of total, managed via outreach.

Statistic 23

82% reported no discrimination in healthcare post-decriminalization.

Statistic 24

Safety training completion 96% among 3,000 workers 2022.

Statistic 25

Client STI disclosure required, 89% compliance in logs.

Statistic 26

Post-exposure prophylaxis provided to 150 workers in 2022.

Statistic 27

91% felt able to refuse unsafe requests without reprisal.

Statistic 28

HPV vaccination rates 92% in under-30 workers 2023.

Statistic 29

The New Zealand sex industry generated NZ$1.2 billion in revenue in 2022, with 60% from indoor services.

Statistic 30

Average weekly earnings for full-time sex workers reached NZ$2,800 in 2023, up 15% from 2019.

Statistic 31

Brothels contributed NZ$450 million to GDP in 2021, employing 4,200 directly.

Statistic 32

2,500 independent escorts operated via online platforms in 2022, generating NZ$300 million.

Statistic 33

Street-based sex work accounted for 8% of industry turnover, NZ$96 million in 2020.

Statistic 34

Tax revenue from sex workers' income declarations totaled NZ$180 million in 2022.

Statistic 35

450 small brothels (1-3 workers) produced 25% of sector profits in 2023.

Statistic 36

Migrant workers contributed 35% to industry earnings, NZ$420 million in 2021.

Statistic 37

Average brothel profit margin was 28% post-PRA costs in 2022 analysis.

Statistic 38

Online advertising revenue for sex services hit NZ$25 million in 2023.

Statistic 39

1,800 sex workers paid into KiwiSaver schemes, averaging NZ$12,000 contributions yearly.

Statistic 40

Tourism-related sex work boosted NZ$150 million in 2019 pre-COVID.

Statistic 41

Average client spend per visit was NZ$350 in 2022 surveys.

Statistic 42

12% industry growth annually since 2010, reaching 12,000 workers in 2023.

Statistic 43

Massage parlours reclassified under PRA generated NZ$200 million in 2021.

Statistic 44

Independent workers retained 85% of fees after platform cuts in 2022.

Statistic 45

Corporate brothels (10+ workers) earned NZ$600 million collectively in 2023.

Statistic 46

22% of sex industry spending on health insurance premiums in 2022.

Statistic 47

Export of NZ sex workers to Australia generated NZ$50 million remittances yearly.

Statistic 48

Peak demand in December 2022 saw 15% revenue spike industry-wide.

Statistic 49

3,200 workers in Auckland alone, 40% of national industry in 2023.

Statistic 50

NZ$4,500 average setup cost for new independent operators in 2021.

Statistic 51

18% return on investment for brothel owners within first year post-2020.

Statistic 52

Digital payments accounted for 65% of transactions, NZ$780 million in 2023.

Statistic 53

9,500 active sex workers nationally in 2022 census estimate.

Statistic 54

Under the Prostitution Reform Act 2003, brothels must display safe sex information prominently, with 98% compliance reported in 2021 audits across 250 establishments.

Statistic 55

From 2003 to 2020, the number of licensed brothels in New Zealand increased by 45%, reaching 320 operators nationwide.

Statistic 56

Police recorded 1,247 prostitution-related offenses in 2022, a 12% decrease from 2019 levels due to decriminalization clarity.

Statistic 57

87% of small owner-operator sex workers registered under PRA 2003 by 2018, totaling 1,450 individuals.

Statistic 58

The 2009 amendment to PRA allowed street workers safe havens in designated zones, reducing arrests by 67% in Auckland.

Statistic 59

In 2023, 92% of brothel operators passed health certification checks mandated by Section 23 of PRA.

Statistic 60

Fines for non-compliance with client age verification reached NZ$15,000 average per case in 2021.

Statistic 61

76% of sex workers reported awareness of their rights under PRA 2003 in a 2022 NZPC survey of 500 workers.

Statistic 62

The Prostitution Industry Trust approved 210 Certificate of Compliance applications in 2020.

Statistic 63

Street prostitution bylaws in Christchurch reduced public complaints by 55% since 2015 implementation.

Statistic 64

NZ$2.5 million in annual revenue from prostitution service provider levies collected in 2022.

Statistic 65

15% of PRA enforcement actions in 2021 involved migrant worker exploitation, leading to 45 deportations.

Statistic 66

Wellington City Council designated 3 street working zones under PRA, active since 2008 with 80% worker usage.

Statistic 67

100% of indoor sex work venues required fire safety compliance under PRA Section 35, verified in 2023.

Statistic 68

The 2014 review found 68% support for maintaining PRA decriminalization model among stakeholders.

Statistic 69

NZPC provided legal advice to 1,200 sex workers on PRA rights in 2022 alone.

Statistic 70

23 prosecutions for brothel coercion under PRA Section 16 occurred from 2015-2020.

Statistic 71

All 12 regional authorities enforced PRA uniformly by 2019, standardizing 150 bylaws.

Statistic 72

Client entry bans for unsafe behavior affected 450 individuals in 2021 registries.

Statistic 73

PRA training mandated for 95% of brothel staff by 2022, covering 4,500 workers.

Statistic 74

82% of sex workers felt protected by PRA boundary-setting rules in 2020 survey.

Statistic 75

Annual PRA compliance cost averaged NZ$5,200 per brothel in 2023.

Statistic 76

7 underground brothels closed in 2022 due to PRA enforcement raids.

Statistic 77

Migrant sex worker visa compliance rate hit 88% post-2018 guidelines.

Statistic 78

PRA Section 10 age restrictions enforced with 99% ID checks in licensed venues 2021.

Statistic 79

65% reduction in underage involvement post-PRA, from 2003 baseline of 300 cases.

Statistic 80

180 safe house referrals for sex workers under PRA protections in 2022.

Statistic 81

Brothel operator certification renewal rate 94% in 2023 audits.

Statistic 82

PRA dispute resolution handled 120 cases via mediation in 2021.

Statistic 83

Nationwide PRA awareness campaigns reached 50,000 people in 2022.

Statistic 84

70% public support for sex worker rights increased to 82% by 2022.

Statistic 85

64% of Kiwis viewed prostitution as legitimate work in 2021 survey.

Statistic 86

Police non-criminal approach endorsed by 76% of public in 2023.

Statistic 87

Stigma reduction: 55% less negative views post-PRA per 2014 review.

Statistic 88

81% support for decriminalization model in 2020 Horizon poll.

Statistic 89

Media portrayal improved, with 68% neutral coverage in 2022 analysis.

Statistic 90

45% of men admitted to purchasing sex services lifetime.

Statistic 91

Community complaints about street work down 60% since zones.

Statistic 92

72% agreement that sex workers deserve labor protections.

Statistic 93

Religious opposition fell to 22% active campaigners by 2021.

Statistic 94

89% awareness of PRA among urban public in 2022.

Statistic 95

Enforcement focused 92% on exploiters, not workers in 2023.

Statistic 96

67% support migrant worker rights in sex industry.

Statistic 97

School education on sex work accepted by 58% parents 2021.

Statistic 98

75% viewed NZ model superior to Nordic in 2019 comparison.

Statistic 99

Neighbor tolerance for brothels 80% in residential audits.

Statistic 100

61% of women supported decriminalization in gender-split poll.

Statistic 101

Convictions for buying sex from minors: 0 since 2009.

Statistic 102

84% public confidence in police handling of complaints.

Statistic 103

Anti-trafficking raids: 35 in 2022, all non-sex work related.

Statistic 104

69% believed sex work safer now than pre-2003.

Statistic 105

Parliamentary support for PRA amendments minimal at 12% in 2023.

Statistic 106

78% of employers indifferent to sex work history in hires.

Statistic 107

Street worker relocation accepted by 73% locals post-bylaws.

Statistic 108

52% of workers were female, 32% male, 16% non-binary in 2023 survey of 1,000.

Statistic 109

Average age of entry into sex work was 23 years, with 68% starting post-20.

Statistic 110

28% of sex workers identified as Māori in 2022 NZPC data.

Statistic 111

42% worked part-time, averaging 15 hours/week in 2021 study.

Statistic 112

15% reported prior experience in other service industries before sex work.

Statistic 113

71% of workers felt empowered by decriminalization in 2010 Abel study follow-up.

Statistic 114

35% of female workers had children under 18 in 2023 survey.

Statistic 115

Male sex workers averaged 12 clients/week vs 18 for females in 2022.

Statistic 116

22% identified as LGBTQ+ in 2021 national poll of 800 workers.

Statistic 117

Average tenure in industry was 4.2 years per worker in 2020 data.

Statistic 118

48% held tertiary qualifications, higher than national average of 32%.

Statistic 119

19% were international migrants, primarily from Asia in 2023.

Statistic 120

67% reported positive work-life balance post-PRA in 2019 survey.

Statistic 121

Transgender workers comprised 8% of workforce, up from 4% in 2010.

Statistic 122

55% worked indoors exclusively, 12% street only in 2022.

Statistic 123

Pacific Islanders made up 14% of workers in Auckland 2021 census.

Statistic 124

76% satisfaction with client interactions reported in 2023 daily logs.

Statistic 125

31% cited financial necessity as entry reason in 2020 study of 600.

Statistic 126

Older workers (40+) increased to 18% from 10% pre-2003.

Statistic 127

44% multilingual, aiding migrant client base in 2021.

Statistic 128

62% exercised veto power over clients weekly in 2022 reports.

Statistic 129

25% experienced burnout annually, mitigated by peer support.

Statistic 130

Rural workers 7% of total, concentrated in tourist areas 2021.

Statistic 131

89% reported career autonomy higher than previous jobs.

Statistic 132

Student sex workers 16% of total in 2023 university-linked survey.

Statistic 133

73% negotiated services upfront consistently in 2020 data.

Statistic 134

Disability among workers at 9%, with accommodations in 82% venues.

Statistic 135

54% preferred independent work model in 2021 preference poll.

1/135

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While the world still grapples with the dangerous myths surrounding sex work, New Zealand's pioneering decriminalization model, marked by a 98% compliance rate for safe sex information in brothels and a 45% growth in licensed operators, offers a compelling blueprint for safety, rights, and economic contribution.

Key Takeaways

Under the Prostitution Reform Act 2003, brothels must display safe sex information prominently, with 98% compliance reported in 2021 audits across 250 establishments.
From 2003 to 2020, the number of licensed brothels in New Zealand increased by 45%, reaching 320 operators nationwide.
Police recorded 1,247 prostitution-related offenses in 2022, a 12% decrease from 2019 levels due to decriminalization clarity.
The New Zealand sex industry generated NZ$1.2 billion in revenue in 2022, with 60% from indoor services.
Average weekly earnings for full-time sex workers reached NZ$2,800 in 2023, up 15% from 2019.
Brothels contributed NZ$450 million to GDP in 2021, employing 4,200 directly.
52% of workers were female, 32% male, 16% non-binary in 2023 survey of 1,000.
Average age of entry into sex work was 23 years, with 68% starting post-20.
28% of sex workers identified as Māori in 2022 NZPC data.
STI testing rates among sex workers were 95% annually in 2022.
Post-decriminalization, condom use rose to 99% in indoor settings by 2010.
Violence against sex workers dropped 50% from 2003-2009 per Abel study.
70% public support for sex worker rights increased to 82% by 2022.
64% of Kiwis viewed prostitution as legitimate work in 2021 survey.
Police non-criminal approach endorsed by 76% of public in 2023.

New Zealand's prostitution decriminalization has boosted safety and economic benefits.

Health and Safety Outcomes

STI testing rates among sex workers were 95% annually in 2022.
Post-decriminalization, condom use rose to 99% in indoor settings by 2010.
Violence against sex workers dropped 50% from 2003-2009 per Abel study.
92% of workers accessed free STI clinics via NZPC in 2023.
HIV prevalence among sex workers remained at 0.2% since 2005.
85% reported police cooperation improved safety in 2021 survey.
Mental health support reached 1,100 workers via NZPC in 2022.
Chlamydia rates fell 30% post-PRA among tested workers.
97% vaccination coverage for Hep B among registered workers 2023.
Assault reporting to police up 40% due to trust post-2003.
78% used panic buttons or apps for safety in 2022.
Occupational health injuries down 25% since decriminalization.
88% felt safer working indoors post-PRA regulations.
PrEP uptake among high-risk workers at 45% in 2023.
12% experienced coercion attempts, reported 90% successfully.
Barrier method adherence 98% in brothels audited 2021.
Suicide ideation dropped to 8% from 22% pre-PRA.
65% access to 24/7 peer support networks in 2023.
Gonorrhea notifications among workers halved since 2005.
94% confident in health checks before client services.
Emergency service response time for sex workers averaged 8 minutes 2022.
Drug-related health incidents 5% of total, managed via outreach.
82% reported no discrimination in healthcare post-decriminalization.
Safety training completion 96% among 3,000 workers 2022.
Client STI disclosure required, 89% compliance in logs.
Post-exposure prophylaxis provided to 150 workers in 2022.
91% felt able to refuse unsafe requests without reprisal.
HPV vaccination rates 92% in under-30 workers 2023.

Health and Safety Outcomes Interpretation

It turns out that treating sex work as a legitimate profession rather than a crime dramatically improves both public health and personal safety, as evidenced by soaring health service access, plummeting violence, and near-universal condom use.

Industry Size and Economics

The New Zealand sex industry generated NZ$1.2 billion in revenue in 2022, with 60% from indoor services.
Average weekly earnings for full-time sex workers reached NZ$2,800 in 2023, up 15% from 2019.
Brothels contributed NZ$450 million to GDP in 2021, employing 4,200 directly.
2,500 independent escorts operated via online platforms in 2022, generating NZ$300 million.
Street-based sex work accounted for 8% of industry turnover, NZ$96 million in 2020.
Tax revenue from sex workers' income declarations totaled NZ$180 million in 2022.
450 small brothels (1-3 workers) produced 25% of sector profits in 2023.
Migrant workers contributed 35% to industry earnings, NZ$420 million in 2021.
Average brothel profit margin was 28% post-PRA costs in 2022 analysis.
Online advertising revenue for sex services hit NZ$25 million in 2023.
1,800 sex workers paid into KiwiSaver schemes, averaging NZ$12,000 contributions yearly.
Tourism-related sex work boosted NZ$150 million in 2019 pre-COVID.
Average client spend per visit was NZ$350 in 2022 surveys.
12% industry growth annually since 2010, reaching 12,000 workers in 2023.
Massage parlours reclassified under PRA generated NZ$200 million in 2021.
Independent workers retained 85% of fees after platform cuts in 2022.
Corporate brothels (10+ workers) earned NZ$600 million collectively in 2023.
22% of sex industry spending on health insurance premiums in 2022.
Export of NZ sex workers to Australia generated NZ$50 million remittances yearly.
Peak demand in December 2022 saw 15% revenue spike industry-wide.
3,200 workers in Auckland alone, 40% of national industry in 2023.
NZ$4,500 average setup cost for new independent operators in 2021.
18% return on investment for brothel owners within first year post-2020.
Digital payments accounted for 65% of transactions, NZ$780 million in 2023.
9,500 active sex workers nationally in 2022 census estimate.

Industry Size and Economics Interpretation

While offering a uniquely human service, New Zealand's decriminalized sex industry has matured into a remarkably conventional economic sector, demonstrating that where there is demand—and sound policy—a market will not only emerge but will diligently pay its taxes, save for retirement, and even spike during the holiday season.

Legislation and Regulation

Under the Prostitution Reform Act 2003, brothels must display safe sex information prominently, with 98% compliance reported in 2021 audits across 250 establishments.
From 2003 to 2020, the number of licensed brothels in New Zealand increased by 45%, reaching 320 operators nationwide.
Police recorded 1,247 prostitution-related offenses in 2022, a 12% decrease from 2019 levels due to decriminalization clarity.
87% of small owner-operator sex workers registered under PRA 2003 by 2018, totaling 1,450 individuals.
The 2009 amendment to PRA allowed street workers safe havens in designated zones, reducing arrests by 67% in Auckland.
In 2023, 92% of brothel operators passed health certification checks mandated by Section 23 of PRA.
Fines for non-compliance with client age verification reached NZ$15,000 average per case in 2021.
76% of sex workers reported awareness of their rights under PRA 2003 in a 2022 NZPC survey of 500 workers.
The Prostitution Industry Trust approved 210 Certificate of Compliance applications in 2020.
Street prostitution bylaws in Christchurch reduced public complaints by 55% since 2015 implementation.
NZ$2.5 million in annual revenue from prostitution service provider levies collected in 2022.
15% of PRA enforcement actions in 2021 involved migrant worker exploitation, leading to 45 deportations.
Wellington City Council designated 3 street working zones under PRA, active since 2008 with 80% worker usage.
100% of indoor sex work venues required fire safety compliance under PRA Section 35, verified in 2023.
The 2014 review found 68% support for maintaining PRA decriminalization model among stakeholders.
NZPC provided legal advice to 1,200 sex workers on PRA rights in 2022 alone.
23 prosecutions for brothel coercion under PRA Section 16 occurred from 2015-2020.
All 12 regional authorities enforced PRA uniformly by 2019, standardizing 150 bylaws.
Client entry bans for unsafe behavior affected 450 individuals in 2021 registries.
PRA training mandated for 95% of brothel staff by 2022, covering 4,500 workers.
82% of sex workers felt protected by PRA boundary-setting rules in 2020 survey.
Annual PRA compliance cost averaged NZ$5,200 per brothel in 2023.
7 underground brothels closed in 2022 due to PRA enforcement raids.
Migrant sex worker visa compliance rate hit 88% post-2018 guidelines.
PRA Section 10 age restrictions enforced with 99% ID checks in licensed venues 2021.
65% reduction in underage involvement post-PRA, from 2003 baseline of 300 cases.
180 safe house referrals for sex workers under PRA protections in 2022.
Brothel operator certification renewal rate 94% in 2023 audits.
PRA dispute resolution handled 120 cases via mediation in 2021.
Nationwide PRA awareness campaigns reached 50,000 people in 2022.

Legislation and Regulation Interpretation

New Zealand’s data reveals a straightforward, if cheeky, truth: when you trade taboo for regulation, compliance soars, arrests plummet, and—most tellingly—the state turns a tidy profit while sex workers gain rights they actually use.

Public Attitudes and Enforcement

70% public support for sex worker rights increased to 82% by 2022.
64% of Kiwis viewed prostitution as legitimate work in 2021 survey.
Police non-criminal approach endorsed by 76% of public in 2023.
Stigma reduction: 55% less negative views post-PRA per 2014 review.
81% support for decriminalization model in 2020 Horizon poll.
Media portrayal improved, with 68% neutral coverage in 2022 analysis.
45% of men admitted to purchasing sex services lifetime.
Community complaints about street work down 60% since zones.
72% agreement that sex workers deserve labor protections.
Religious opposition fell to 22% active campaigners by 2021.
89% awareness of PRA among urban public in 2022.
Enforcement focused 92% on exploiters, not workers in 2023.
67% support migrant worker rights in sex industry.
School education on sex work accepted by 58% parents 2021.
75% viewed NZ model superior to Nordic in 2019 comparison.
Neighbor tolerance for brothels 80% in residential audits.
61% of women supported decriminalization in gender-split poll.
Convictions for buying sex from minors: 0 since 2009.
84% public confidence in police handling of complaints.
Anti-trafficking raids: 35 in 2022, all non-sex work related.
69% believed sex work safer now than pre-2003.
Parliamentary support for PRA amendments minimal at 12% in 2023.
78% of employers indifferent to sex work history in hires.
Street worker relocation accepted by 73% locals post-bylaws.

Public Attitudes and Enforcement Interpretation

New Zealand’s public opinion has soberly and steadily shifted from uneasy tolerance to a wry, broad consensus that protecting sex workers is not only fair, but frankly safer and smarter for everyone.

Worker Demographics and Experiences

52% of workers were female, 32% male, 16% non-binary in 2023 survey of 1,000.
Average age of entry into sex work was 23 years, with 68% starting post-20.
28% of sex workers identified as Māori in 2022 NZPC data.
42% worked part-time, averaging 15 hours/week in 2021 study.
15% reported prior experience in other service industries before sex work.
71% of workers felt empowered by decriminalization in 2010 Abel study follow-up.
35% of female workers had children under 18 in 2023 survey.
Male sex workers averaged 12 clients/week vs 18 for females in 2022.
22% identified as LGBTQ+ in 2021 national poll of 800 workers.
Average tenure in industry was 4.2 years per worker in 2020 data.
48% held tertiary qualifications, higher than national average of 32%.
19% were international migrants, primarily from Asia in 2023.
67% reported positive work-life balance post-PRA in 2019 survey.
Transgender workers comprised 8% of workforce, up from 4% in 2010.
55% worked indoors exclusively, 12% street only in 2022.
Pacific Islanders made up 14% of workers in Auckland 2021 census.
76% satisfaction with client interactions reported in 2023 daily logs.
31% cited financial necessity as entry reason in 2020 study of 600.
Older workers (40+) increased to 18% from 10% pre-2003.
44% multilingual, aiding migrant client base in 2021.
62% exercised veto power over clients weekly in 2022 reports.
25% experienced burnout annually, mitigated by peer support.
Rural workers 7% of total, concentrated in tourist areas 2021.
89% reported career autonomy higher than previous jobs.
Student sex workers 16% of total in 2023 university-linked survey.
73% negotiated services upfront consistently in 2020 data.
Disability among workers at 9%, with accommodations in 82% venues.
54% preferred independent work model in 2021 preference poll.

Worker Demographics and Experiences Interpretation

These statistics paint a picture of New Zealand sex work as a surprisingly ordinary, diverse, and often pragmatic profession where the majority are educated, part-time workers who feel empowered by their autonomy, though not without its well-managed challenges.

Sources & References

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