“There was this wacky story doing the rounds internationally that the demand for prostitution increases during hard times, but it doesn’t stack up,” she says.

“It is simply not true. Alas, many sex workers would say.”

But in light of the recession, there is a widespread concern for the welfare of sex workers, she says.

Women who may not otherwise consider the work are turning to prostitution, and sex workers are working longer hours, she says.

Elizabeth Bang, president of the National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ), is also worried.

“In the past, recessions seem to have been notorious for women in lower paid jobs. This is when, for their families, women will resort to prostitution,” she says.

She says the organisation is keeping a close eye on the situation, particularly in hot spots such as Christchurch and Manakau.

The council supported the 2003 Prostitution Reform Bill, which legitimised the vocation, because it hoped it would result in increased safety. At the time, they were heavily criticised for its stance.

Two and a half years later, they were starting to query if the legislation has worked, she says.

“The safety of prostitutes is getting worse. It hasn’t helped the people it was meant to.”

Mrs Healy defended women’s right to decide. “It is pretty stigmatized but it is a major decision and women have already put a lot of thought into it before we see them. We don’t patronise them.

“Our job is to inform them about the good and the bad, so they can make informed decisions.”

She also drew attention to the emphasis on health and safety within the industry.

The collective runs a free sexual health clinic which is government-funded.

“Sex workers are very conscientious generally. We know they practise safe sex. That culture is very strong. When times are tough, it is more likely to be the nails and the hair extensions that go first.”