A well-known voice within the New Zealand Prostitutes' Collective is falling quiet.

Anna Reed is the group's regional co-ordinator in Christchurch and has spent the last 28 years advocating for sex workers rights.

The 72-year-old said the role has been her dream job, with New Zealand now having some of the most advanced rights for prostitutes in the world.

"Working in the sex industry, seeing there were things that needed addressing. Some of the governance around it was bad. And giving workers rights has been a privilege."

She said New Zealand has come a long way with working rights for prostitutes, but there's still a way to go.

"I mean we've just had a shocking example of intolerance and hatred, with the murder that we had of Renee [Duckmanton] the week before."

Ms Reed said there also needs to be more education around promoting sexual health and safe practice from both the workers and clients.

She said its now time for some new blood and she's now looking forward to waking up at nine in the morning.