Modern slavery laws needed to align New Zealand with global standards and protect vulnerable workers
Investors urge Aotearoa NZ to prioritise the Combatting Trafficking in Persons and Modern Forms of Slavery Bill. The legislation aims to increase corporate accountability and drive ethical supply chains.
The Aotearoa New Zealand Government is being urged to introduce the Combatting Trafficking in Persons and Modern Forms of Slavery Bill (the Bill) and support its passage without delay.
The country imported $7.9 billion of risky goods associated with child and forced labour. This represents 10% of total imports in 2022, according to World Vision NZ.
The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) and the Investors Against Slavery and Trafficking Asia Pacific (IAST APAC) released a joint statement calling for the introduction of the country’s first modern slavery legislation.
This latest endorsement comes after several years of broad support for modern slavery laws in New Zealand from businesses, investors and civil society.
Previously, the Government’s Modern Slavery Leadership Advisory Group, comprised of New Zealand business leaders, academics and civil society representatives also unanimously supported the introduction of modern slavery legislation.
The statement emphasises New Zealand’s growing misalignment with international standards and key international trade partners, including Australia, UK and EU, which already have modern slavery and broader human rights legislation.
What does the Bill mean for New Zealand’s modern slavery efforts?
The Bill requires public and private organisations with revenue exceeding NZD50 million to report on their actions to address, mitigate and remediate trafficking and modern slavery risks within operations and supply chains.
This reporting requirement is designed to align New Zealand with Australia’s similar reporting framework.
Like Australia, the Bill also establishes an Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner to improve accountability and strengthen protections for victims.
Critically, the Bill paves a practical step forward in requiring businesses to assess and report on modern slavery risks.
If introduced to the House of Representatives, the Bill would go through a full parliamentary process, allowing for consultation with stakeholders before it is debated and voted on by Members of Parliament.
Government action needed to align New Zealand with global modern slavery standards and investor expectations
In his recent State of the Nation address, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasised the need for New Zealand to be an attractive destination for global capital.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the challenges of competing on the global stage to bring that capital into the country.
Investors noted that strengthening modern slavery legislation to ensure New Zealand aligns with its trading partners is crucial to achieve these objectives.
RIAA and IAST APAC urge the Government to act swiftly and recommend leveraging insights from Australia’s recent review of its Modern Slavery Act.
This would ensure the country adopts strong, future-ready legislation that meets global standards.
New Zealand’s opportunity to strengthen worker protection through modern slavery legislation
“Aotearoa New Zealand has the opportunity to take a significant step forward in protecting vulnerable workers,” Walk Free’s Director of Business and Human Rights Serena Grant said.
“The legislation is critical to align New Zealand business practices with global standards, while also providing the groundwork to introduce mandatory due diligence requirements in future.
“Over the years, Walk Free has worked alongside New Zealand’s businesses, investors, and civil society. We have observed a strong and growing commitment to the adoption of modern slavery legislation.
“We urge the government to prioritise the introduction and passing of this Bill. It is a critical next step in driving ethical business practices and protecting workers’ rights.”
Read RIAA and IAST APAC’s full statement to learn more.
