Camilla Healy, New Zealand’s Sex‑Work Advocate, Turns into a Dame
New Zealand pushed its honors list into a new era on Monday, awarding Camilla Healy the title of Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her tireless campaign to bring sex workers on the right side of the law.
The Story So Far
- Decriminalisation Trailblazer – Healy has been the heartbeat of the New Zealand Prostitutes Collective since 1989, leading the fight for the 2003 law that finally let brothels and street workers operate legally.
- Health & Safety Pioneer – By securing employment, health and safety coverage for sex workers, she opened doors that were once shut forever.
- Global Respect Icon – The collective she built has become a revered public health provider on the world stage.
“I Never Expected This”
Healy was quoted on Radio New Zealand as saying, “It’s not something I would have expected… I always say I expect to be arrested at dawn, not to have this kind of tremendous honour.” She was visibly touched by the recognition.
The Meaning Behind the Title
She explained, “This honour, and to have it given to me, is about saying, ‘Okay, it’s okay, you can come in from the cold, you and yours.’” In other words, it’s a symbolic nod that sex workers are now a respected part of society.
Other Notable Honorees
Alongside Healy, former Prime Minister Bill English was knighted. The honours are issued twice a year—once at the New Year and once for the Queen’s official birthday in early June.
