Window display too naughty for some
A sex shop next door to an after school tutoring business in New Plymouth has some parents unhappy about a ‘‘straps and buckles’’ display right in front of children.
The shop is next door to the Clever Kids Education Centre, around the corner from a ballet school and across the street from a yoghurt shop.
Nauti NZ has been asked by human trafficking prevention advocate Chere McGregor, from HOPE61, to remove a lingerie-laden mannequin from its window
McGregor said the location meant too many children were at risk of seeing the provocative item, which she considered a ‘‘degradation of women. What is that saying to our kids? How many glances do kids have to take before it sits in the back of their minds and starts to pip away?’’
The mannequin was an ‘‘active enticement’’ for young men who visited the shop, McGregor said. ‘‘When they see that, they learn ‘that’s a great way to treat women, let’s go and sexually abuse her’.’’
As well as speaking with the shop’s management, McGregor made a complaint to police, who referred her to the New Plymouth District Council.
Customer and regulatory services manager Mary-Anne Priest said she had not received any formal complaints but comments had been posted on the council’s Facebook page. A council officer had checked the window display, but it was not in breach of any bylaws.
‘‘We didn’t find it to be offensive. It’s more of a moral debate, I think,’’ she said.
Priest said council would con- tinue to monitor the shop’s window display.
Nauti NZ manager Jessica Lilly said she removed the mannequin as soon as McGregor complained. ‘‘There’s no toys in the window, it’s just lingerie. We keep everything at the back. We’ve frosted the windows and had a wall built to conceal all of the inconsiderate products.
‘‘Most people who come in are couples who have been married for 10 years and want to spice up their love life,’’ she said.