Modern Slavery legislation | World Vision NZ

Over 2,500 New Zealanders have submitted on the Modern Slavery Bill

Thousands of New Zealanders, including nearly 1,000 children, submitted on the Modern Slavery Bill. The Education and Workforce Committee has now recommended that the Bill be passed, with all proposed amendments agreed unanimously.

The Bill is closer than ever to becoming law, but very little parliamentary time remains. We are making one final push for this Parliament to complete its remaining stages. If that is not possible, we will urge the incoming Parliament to make modern slavery legislation an early priority.

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

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Bill introduced to Parliament Done

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

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First reading Done

The Bill passed its first reading on 29 April 2026, with 112 MPs voting in favour.

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Select committee Done

The Select Committee reported the Bill back on 31 August 2026 and recommended by majority that it be passed. All proposed amendments were agreed unanimously.

Second reading Underway

The bill returns to Parliament for further debate.

Committee of the whole House

MPs debate and vote on any amendments to the bill.

Third reading

A final vote on the bill in Parliament.

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

2,500+

public submissions calling for strong modern slavery legislation

5 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.

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 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. New Zealanders' voices have brought us closer than ever. Now let's get the Modern Slavery Bill over the line.

Email your MP now

Let’s get the Modern Slavery Bill over the line.