Perspectives on reform: a cross-border analysis of sex work policy in New Zealand

Abstract

This practicum report outlines my experience as a graduate social work student at the University of Regina, travelling to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, New Zealand to complete an international practicum placement with Aotearoa/New Zealand Sex Worker’s Collective (NZPC). The goals of my practicum were to advance my graduate level social work knowledge and to engage with an area of social work that would provide me with a deeper understanding of macro social work practice while working alongside those working within sex work in a country where it is decriminalized. This report will include a literature review, exploring the various policies that inform sex work legislation globally, while highlighting the advantages that adopting a full decriminalized approach to sex work has. As highlighted by the New Zealand Model, a comparative analysis will be completed on the current legislative landscape within Canada. Additionally, this report will include personal reflections that occurred throughout my placement, including the connection of direct practice to personal values and ethics. Completing a practicum placement with NZPC has been an invaluable opportunity that has supported me in advancing my social work practice within a variety of areas. Through my work alongside NZPC, I developed an understanding of how the sociopolitical and legal frameworks for sex work in New Zealand and Canada differ, gaining a deeper understanding of policy reform.