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Modern Slavery Legislation

Make a submission today! Let's make sure this Bill becomes the strongest law it can be!

Submit today

Thank you!

Five years of advocacy. Thousands of emails to MPs. Petitions, open letters, meetings, and conversations. Every action added up, and together, Kiwis helped make this moment possible.

To every person who signed, emailed, or kept this issue alive, even when progress felt slow: thank you.

But, we're not finished yet.

Your voice is still needed to ensure New Zealand passes modern slavery legislation.

Your voice is still needed to ensure New Zealand passes modern slavery legislation.

Public submissions for the Modern Slavery Bill are open until the 28th of May. This is our chance as New Zealanders to help shape what the final legislation will look like.

The Bill is a strong foundation. Now let's make it even stronger. We're calling on Parliament to ensure the final legislation delivers real, lasting protection for children and workers in Aotearoa and around the world.
Submit today

Here's what we're asking for

Action on Modern Slavery risks

Action on Modern Slavery risks

Stronger requirements for businesses to take action when they find modern slavery risks in their operations and supply chains.

Target high-risk products and industries

Target high-risk products and industries

A dedicated government function to identify high-risk sectors and provide practical guidance and support to help businesses meet emerging international expectations and standards.

Stronger support for victim-survivors

Stronger support for victim-survivors

A stronger victim-survivor centred approach, with alignment to existing systems for identifying, protecting, referring, and supporting people affected by modern slavery and exploitation in New Zealand.

Here's where the bill stands and what's needed to make it law.


✓

Bill introduced to Parliament Done

National and Labour used the Rule of 61 to fast-track the Modern Slavery Bill — bypassing the ballot entirely.

✓

First reading Done

The bill needs to be scheduled for its first reading before the end of the year. With limited time before the election, Parliament needs to prioritise it now.

3

Select committee Needed now

The bill is opened for public submissions and scrutinised by a select committee.

4

Second reading

The bill returns to Parliament for further debate.

5

Committee of the whole House

MPs debate and vote on any amendments to the bill.

6

Third reading

A final vote on the bill in Parliament.

Cross-party collaboration, political will, and public pressure got us to first reading. Continued pressure will get us to the finish line, with the strongest modern slavery legislation possible.

Overwhelming cross-party support. A common goal: End modern slavery

On 29 April 2026, the Modern Slavery Bill passed its first reading with a majority of 112 votes in favour. This follows a historic first use of the Rule of 61 to fast-track a joint Modern Slavery Bill straight into Parliament.

These milestones reflect unprecedented cross-party collaboration and years of sustained advocacy by thousands of New Zealanders who signed petitions, wrote letters, and spoke up. This achievement belongs to all of us.

That had never happened before. And it did not happen overnight.

5

years of advocacy

Thousands

of Kiwis calling for Modern Slavery Legislation

112

votes in favour of the Modern Slavery Bill at first reading

Why this matters

This legislation means New Zealand is playing its part in helping to end modern slavery for more than 50 million people worldwide, including 8,000 right here in New Zealand. It will help protect the people from exploitation, because everyone deserves to be safe at work, treated with dignity, and rewarded fairly.

A submission is your direct line to those responsible for writing this law. This is one of the most direct ways New Zealanders can influence what this law looks like and ensure it's as strong as possible.

When Parliament receives thousands of submissions from everyday New Zealanders, it sends a strong message: people care about this, and they want it done right. Your voice, alongside thousands of others, can help ensure the final legislation is as strong and effective as possible, for the 50 million people trapped in modern slavery today.

New Zealanders' voices got us to first reading, now let's make sure this Bill becomes the strongest law it can be.
Submit today