New Zealand introduces legislation against modern slavery, exploitation

New Zealand is proposing a new legislation with the primary objective of reducing "modern slavery" and worker exploitation in the country.

The proposal defines workplace exploitation as non-minor breaches of employment standards, while it says modern slavery is severe exploitation that a person cannot leave due to threats, violence, or deception. It covers forced labour, debt bondage, forced marriage, slavery, and human trafficking.

"While modern slavery and worker exploitation may appear limited in New Zealand, we know the hidden nature of these crimes means vulnerable people are less likely, or able, to seek help or report their experience. That's why we need to ensure we have adequate protections in place," said Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood in a statement.

The proposed legislation seeks to require:

• all organisations to take action if they become aware of modern slavery or worker exploitation
• medium and large organisations to disclose the steps they are taking
• large organisations and those with control over New Zealand employers to undertake due diligence

To support the proposal's primary objective, the government also outlined the following secondary goals:

• enhance New Zealand's international reputation as a country that supports human rights and transparency
• strengthen New Zealand's international brand and make it easier for our businesses to continue to trade with the world
• support consumers to make more informed choices in relation to modern slavery and worker exploitation risks associated with good and services
• drive culture and behaviour changes in entities which lead to more responsible and sustainable practices
• level the playing field for entities which act responsibly across their operations and supply chains

According to Wood, these proposals are expected to "drive meaningful change" in New Zealand.

"Treating people fairly is the New Zealand way and these proposals highlight how we can develop solutions to slavery and worker exploitation, in our domestic and international supply chains. This will support human rights in a transparent and sustainable way," said the minister.

"These proposals also deliver on a 2020 Election Manifesto to explore the implementation of modern slavery legislation in New Zealand to eliminate exploitation in supply chains."

Read more: Employers sentenced over exploitation

With New Zealand's international trading partners already implementing a legislation related to modern slavery, Wood said it needs to join them in showing global leadership on the issues.

"Increasingly international partners expect New Zealand to be taking action on these issues. It is the right thing to do, it is consistent with kiwi values, and it will benefit our trade and international relationships."

"This transformative work has been a high priority for the Government and has wide reaching impact. I feel confident that New Zealand will join our partners in the global solution to this serious issue," added Michael Wood.

The government is now holding consultation on the proposals, which will be open until June 7, 2022.

According to its announcement, the government said it wants to how to "facilitate lasting cultural change and encourage best practice to support freedom, fairness and human dignity across the operations and supply chains of entities."

"We also want to know about the impact of the proposals on victims and survivors, entities of all types, and individuals," it added. "We want to know what you think the benefits of the proposals and options might be, as well as their costs. We also want your ideas about how the proposals and options could be designed and implemented effectively."