Untold Intimacies: a History of Sex Work in Aotearoa, 1978-2008 w/ Cheryl Ware: 11th July, 2025

Untold Intimacies: a History of Sex Work in Aotearoa, 1978-2008 is a new book written by historian of sex, gender, and health, Cheryl Ware, published by Auckland University Press. 

In June 2003, New Zealand became the first country to decriminalise sex work.

Through the lived experiences of 25 individuals, the book is an account of the stories of sex workers in Aotearoa and the industry’s transformation over this critical 30 year period. 

Drawing on new and archival interviews, Ware tells their stories through an in-depth historical investigation from the regulation of brothels with the Massage Parlours Act of 1978, through the struggle for decriminalisation to the legally mandated national review of the law in 2008.

Sofia had a kōrero with author Cheryl Ware about the importance of this body of research, writing the book, and her reflections now.