New Zealand

New Zealand fully decriminalized sex work in 2003 through the Prostitution Reform Act (PRA), passed by a single vote (60-59). It is widely regarded as the gold standard for sex work legislation globally. The law's stated purposes are to safeguard human rights of sex workers, protect them from exploitation, promote occupational health and safety, and prohibit use of persons under 18. Sex workers have full employment rights and can take disputes to the Employment Relations Authority. Brothels require an operator certificate from local councils.

New Zealand is considered the safest environment for sex work in the world. The New Zealand Prostitutes' Collective (NZPC) was instrumental in passing the PRA and continues to provide support, advocacy, and health services. Police are generally supportive and focused on safety. The sex work community is well-organized and politically active. Auckland and Wellington are the largest markets. The law has been reviewed multiple times and consistently found to be working well.

Very low. Strong privacy protections. No border phone searches for this purpose. Advertising is completely legal and open.

Critical limitation: only NZ citizens and permanent residents can legally work in sex work. The PRA specifically restricts sex work to residents. Tourists and temporary visa holders CANNOT legally engage in sex work. This is actively enforced. NZ is a model to reference but NOT viable for touring non-residents.

NZGirls.co.nz (dominant platform), New Zealand Pleasures, local classified sites.

• New Zealand Prostitutes' Collective (NZPC) — nzpc.org.nz
• Auckland Sexual Health Service — confidential STI testing