New Zealand businesses urge political collaboration to introduce Modern Slavery Legislation
World Vision welcomes moves from a diverse group of investors and businesses, representing more than $215 billion in assets and revenue, who have come together to call for urgent action on modern slavery.
In an open letter released today, they are urging Parliament to seize the opportunity presented by two Modern Slavery Bills in Parliament’s Private Member’s Ballot — one from National and one from Labour —and pass modern slavery laws without delay.
The business leaders, including Westpac Bank, ANZ investments, and Pathfinder, warn that New Zealand’s reputation as a fair and ethical trading nation is at risk.
They say that while countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom already require companies to identify and address modern slavery in their supply chains, New Zealand has yet to implement similar accountability measures.
Businesses say the absence of legislation leaves consumers, companies, and investors exposed, and undermines trust in New Zealand’s reputation internationally. “Aotearoa New Zealand must align with these global standards and expectations to maintain market access,” the letter says.
Globally, 50 million people are living in situation of modern slavery globally, with two-thirds residing in the Asia-Pacific region where New Zealand trades most heavily.
A World Vision report found that in 2022 alone, New Zealand imported $7.9 billion worth of goods associated with forced or child labour, around 10% of all imports. On average, each household spends about $77 a week on products that could be linked to slavery.
The open letter from business leaders calls on Parliament to take immediate steps to introduce modern slavery legislation.
“Modern slavery legislation is a notable gap in our corporate regulatory landscape. Urgent action is required to address this concern, protect our reputation, and better manage the risks modern slavery creates for both people and businesses”.
“As a business community, we welcome the changes envisaged by the Bills and recognise the current bipartisan appetite to improve corporate practices,” they say.
This is not the first time the business community has united to call for action. Over the past four years, New Zealand businesses and investors have consistently pressed successive governments to introduce modern slavery laws:
World Vision, together with Walk Free, support this open letter and stand alongside New Zealand businesses in urging cross-party collaboration to ensure legislation progresses swiftly.
By working together now, our politicians can deliver a law that is good for business, good for New Zealand’s reputation, and, most importantly, good for the people whose lives and futures depend on it.
In an open letter released today, they are urging Parliament to seize the opportunity presented by two Modern Slavery Bills in Parliament’s Private Member’s Ballot — one from National and one from Labour —and pass modern slavery laws without delay.
The business leaders, including Westpac Bank, ANZ investments, and Pathfinder, warn that New Zealand’s reputation as a fair and ethical trading nation is at risk.
They say that while countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom already require companies to identify and address modern slavery in their supply chains, New Zealand has yet to implement similar accountability measures.
Businesses say the absence of legislation leaves consumers, companies, and investors exposed, and undermines trust in New Zealand’s reputation internationally. “Aotearoa New Zealand must align with these global standards and expectations to maintain market access,” the letter says.
Globally, 50 million people are living in situation of modern slavery globally, with two-thirds residing in the Asia-Pacific region where New Zealand trades most heavily.
A World Vision report found that in 2022 alone, New Zealand imported $7.9 billion worth of goods associated with forced or child labour, around 10% of all imports. On average, each household spends about $77 a week on products that could be linked to slavery.
The open letter from business leaders calls on Parliament to take immediate steps to introduce modern slavery legislation.
“Modern slavery legislation is a notable gap in our corporate regulatory landscape. Urgent action is required to address this concern, protect our reputation, and better manage the risks modern slavery creates for both people and businesses”.
“As a business community, we welcome the changes envisaged by the Bills and recognise the current bipartisan appetite to improve corporate practices,” they say.
This is not the first time the business community has united to call for action. Over the past four years, New Zealand businesses and investors have consistently pressed successive governments to introduce modern slavery laws:
- In 2021, over 100 New Zealand businesses signed an open letter calling for modern slavery laws.
- Business New Zealand, representing 76,000 local businesses supported this legislation through the consultation process in 2022. Despite the Government's concerns about adding complexity and bureaucracy for businesses, industry leaders argue that the legislation is precisely what businesses need to ensure fair competition and protect their interests.
- In January 2025, Australian and New Zealand investors with assets exceeding $295 billion asked for this legislation to be implemented.
World Vision, together with Walk Free, support this open letter and stand alongside New Zealand businesses in urging cross-party collaboration to ensure legislation progresses swiftly.
By working together now, our politicians can deliver a law that is good for business, good for New Zealand’s reputation, and, most importantly, good for the people whose lives and futures depend on it.