New Zealand must take a vital step to protect vulnerable workers and uphold human rights

This landmark legislation, designed to improve protections for victims and strengthen the country’s global standing, continues to gain political and public support.

However, the Bill still needs the National Party, led by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, to support it to progress.

The legislation would require businesses to report on their efforts to combat modern slavery and trafficking.

The Bill would introduce several critical provisions to ensure effective action against modern slavery and human trafficking. These include:

• Requiring companies with revenues over NZD 50 million and companies otherwise identified as at high-risk of modern slavery, to disclose their efforts to identify, address, and mitigate risks related to modern slavery within their operations and supply chains.
• Amending the Crimes Act 1961, with improved definitions and stronger enforcement provisions to meet international standards.
• Focusing on victim welfare, ensuring that victims were not penalised and formalising a referral system for identification and support.
• Proposing the introduction of a new notification system to enable public authorities to report suspected cases of modern slavery, improving New Zealand’s ability to track and respond to these crimes.
• Initially focusing on reporting requirements and the appointment of an Anti-Slavery Commissioner. After three years, if not already done so, the Minister must recommend appointment of a Commissioner and undertake a review to consider adding more stringent regulations.

“As a country that values human rights and fairness, we encourage New Zealand to take this crucial step to protect vulnerable workers,” Walk Free’s Founding Director Grace Forrest says.

“This would pave the way for businesses to align with international standards and provide the opportunity to introduce due diligence obligations in the future.

“Walk Free has worked with New Zealand businesses, investors, government and civil society partners for several years and we have been struck by the broad support for modern slavery legislation so far.”

The Global Slavery Index estimates that there are 50 million people living in modern slavery globally, with 8,000 people in New Zealand. The number of people in modern slavery is growing, and there has never been a more urgent time for the Government to act.

“Christopher Luxon said modern slavery was an issue he would march in the streets for – well here’s his chance,” Labour’s workplace relations and safety spokesperson Camilla Belich said.

“A bill drafted by team of independent legal experts released today is ready for immediate introduction to Parliament – all it is waiting on is National.

“It is hoped with support from both National and Labour MPs the bill could be introduced in the first sitting of Parliament in 2025, as bills that have support of 61 non-executive members can bypass the ballot process.

“Labour strongly supports legislation that tackles the exploitation of people in our country and abroad. The bill sets out clear steps for New Zealand to take a stand against modern slavery, it’s well overdue.

“Businesses have long called for a clear framework to address modern slavery, both to protect workers and to ensure that New Zealand companies remain competitive in the global market.

“If we do not act, we risk being left behind by other countries that are already putting in place measures to combat modern slavery.”

The Combatting Trafficking in Persons and Modern Day Forms of Slavery Bill was drafted by the Modern Slavery and Trafficking Expert Practitioners Group (MSTEP).

This includes criminal and regulatory barrister Jacob Parry, ANZ’s ESG Lead Rebecca Kingi, and World Vision’s Head of Advocacy and Justice Rebekah Armstrong.

This bill looks to expedite stalled progress on modern slavery legislation. A recent amendment to the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives allows bills with support from 61 non-executive members to go directly to the first reading, bypassing the usual ballot process.