Modern slavery and worker exploitation

New Zealand has legislation and policies in place to address domestic instances of slavey or forced labour. Our legislation includes the Immigration Act and Crimes Act, which have provisions to prevent domestic and transnational people trafficking and slavery. The Government Procurement Supplier Code of Conduct sets an expectation that suppliers monitor and address international human rights standards in their supply chains.

Many businesses are already working to identify and address risks of modern slavery in their domestic and international supply chains. Government guidance is available to support businesses to embed ethical and sustainable work practices, and help develop social practice due diligence systems. Links to government resources and a selection of international guidance is available below.

Background

In April and May 2022 consultation was carried out on proposed legislation to address modern slavery and worker exploitation in supply chains both in New Zealand and internationally. 

Consultation on modern slavery and worker exploitation

The proposal aimed to create new responsibilities across the operations and supply chains of all types of organisations in New Zealand, with more responsibilities for larger organisations:

• All organisations would be required to take action if they become aware of modern slavery or worker exploitation
• Medium and large organisations would be required to disclose the steps they are taking
• Large organisations and those with control over New Zealand employers would be required to undertake due diligence.

In 2023, the previous Government announced its intention to address modern slavery by introducing new legislation that would require organisations and businesses to be transparent about their operations and supply chains through a new public register.

Government prescribes daylight disinfectant to modern slavery(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz

Further reading

Ethical and sustainable work practice due diligence(external link) — Employment New Zealand

Guiding principles on business and human rights [PDF 1.11 MB](external link) — United Nations Human Rights, Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights

New Zealand National Contact Point for responsible business conduct - OECD guidelines for multi-national enterprises