A New Zealand brothel is holding an open day to raise funds for hungry children, but the charity event has divided public opinion.

Shh ... Adult Fun Spot, a legal brothel in Hawera, in the North Island, is inviting interested parties for a tour of the premises, a question-and-answer session with working girls and “light refreshments” – all for a gold coin donation.

The money raised will go to local charity Kai Kitchen, which makes healthy lunches for needy children in the area.

The brothel’s impending open day has caused intense debate on social and mainstream media, with some people expressing distaste at any association between children and the sex industry, and others praising the brothel’s openness and generosity.



Family First New Zealand – a conservative Christian lobby group – labelled the open day “tacky” and said it was an attempt by the brothel to normalise prostitution and promote its business.



Nicky Hughes, owner of New Zealand brothel Shh ... Adult Fun Spot. Hughes is running an open day to raise money for needy children.

The founder of Kai Kitchen, Rochelle Steer, however said she “doesn’t care where the money comes from” as long as it helps her make more school lunches and praised brothel owner Nicky Hughes for the event.

Steer said: “We live in a small town, and if people don’t know your business they will make it up. By Nicky opening the doors to her parlour, it allows everyone to have a squizz around and see what’s happening. And it also means I get money for more lunches, which is what I really care about.”

Hughes, the owner/operator of Shh ..., is a committee member for Kai Kitchen, and a friend of Steer. She said she was sick of her business being misunderstood and gossiped about, particularly since prostitution was legalised in New Zealand in 2003.

“I find it extremely frustrating to not be treated like a real business, when we pay our taxes and we work as hard as anyone else,” she said.

“I know the finances of Kai Kitchen because I am a committee member. And I know any money we raise will feed more kids. Those kids shouldn’t miss out because some adults have issues with us.”

Steer said before she became friends with Hughes, she had prejudices about the sex industry. But after talking to the girls and helping to paint and decorate the parlour, she had overcome her reservations.

“People have asked me, are hookers going to be making the lunches now?” said Steer. “No, they’re not. I am nosy by nature, and I know a lot of other people are too ... if people don’t agree with this, then don’t come, fine. But if they do, more kids are going to eat. To me, that’s all that matters.”