New Zealand Prostitutes Collective

About

New Zealand Prostitutes Collective http://www.nzpc.org.nz/

Story

The New Zealand Prostitutes Collective (NZPC) was formed in 1987 by sex workers as an organisation determined to seek equal rights for sex workers. A year later, NZPC agreed to sign a contract with the Minister of Health to provide a range of services to sex workers with a focus on HIV and AIDS.

NZPC established community bases in New Zealand’s main centres, and worked hard to create opportunities for sex workers to communicate their issues. Since inception, NZPC has advocated for the recognition of sex work as work, and the repeal of those laws that criminalise, and discriminate against, sex workers.

NZPC was established with the ideals of the Ottawa Charter (1986) in mind. The Charter acknowledged the importance of community action. In other words, sex workers were able to take control of their own health promotion programs as much as possible in order to determine the direction those programs should take.

Mission

The New Zealand Prostitutes’ Collective advocates for the human rights, health and well-being of all sex workers. The New Zealand Prostitutes’ Collective is committed to working for the empowerment of sex workers, so that sex workers may have control over all aspects of their work and lives.

Products

Peer support, information about your rights as a sex worker and keeping safe at work. Safer sex products including cheap or free condoms, plus dental dams, water based lubricants and other work supplies. Free sexual health clinics and counseling services for sex workers. Tea, coffee, and a place for sex workers to relax and chat.