New Moves To Tackle Prostitution Problem At Hunter’s Corner

Manukau City Council is co-ordinating a renewed community effort to deal with problems linked to prostitution at Hunter’s Corner in Papatoetoe.

A meeting has been held involving the Police, social agencies and community groups, City Manager Colin Dale, Papatoetoe ward councillors, community board members and the Prostitutes’ Collective.

At the meeting it was agreed to try a multi-pronged approach to the problem, involving a variety of community organisations, in addition to practical measures such as extending the use of a security camera in a six-month trial-monitoring programme.

Noel Burnside, Chairman of the Council’s Environmental Management Committee, said “Local people are rightly concerned about this issue, and while it is not the Council’s direct area of responsibility, we are determined to help find a solution for the good of the wider community. We are looking to link up many local organisations to support the Police.

“The situation has got worse recently. In addition to the growth of prostitution, there is also drunken behaviour, noise, and drinking in car parks. That cannot be allowed to continue.

“At the meeting many ideas were raised, such as closing car parks at night, re-routing traffic, improving lighting, bringing in Maori and Pacific Island community representatives, and increasing the presence of security staff. We’ll look at the feasibility of all these suggestions.

“An action plan is now being put together. The problem is complex and I don’t expect a solution overnight. But what local people are facing is completely unacceptable as it is affecting their quality of life. I am certain that the way forward is to work on a variety of measures using the diverse resources of the community”, Mr Burnside said.

District Commander Superintendent Ted Cox said the Police want to work closely with the community to deal with the social problems at Hunter’s Corner, but he’s pleased that progress is already being made.

ENDS

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Email: ghinton@manukau.govt.nz

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