Modern Slavery Legislation

Kiwis care about the people who make our products. Together, we’re calling for dignity and fairness for everyone, no matter where they live.


We need modern slavery law now


No matter where they live, people should be safe at work, treated with dignity, and rewarded fairly. Right now, modern slavery stands in the way of those things for 50 million people around the world. And here in New Zealand – we’re connected to the problem. Many of the people stuck in slavery right now are producing products we use every day.

We're supporting the government's consultation to put law in place that ensures we’re doing everything we can to stop slavery from being in our supply chains. Australia, the United Kingdom, and many countries in the EU already have legislation in place that protects people. New Zealand needs to catch up. Together, as we call on our government to make this law a reality, we’re supporting accountability for business and dignity for everyone – no matter who they are or where they live.

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50 million

people are in slavery.

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12.3 million

are children.

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59% live in Asia Pacific

a region that many of our products come from.


What we’ve achieved together so far.

<br>What we’ve achieved together so far.

Last year, over 37,000 Kiwis signed a petition calling for modern slavery legislation. In February, the petitions committee recommended that the Government bring legislation addressing modern slavery before the house as soon as possible.

On the 8th of April, the Ministry of Workplace Relations and Safety announced that the government would be seeking feedback over an eight-week period on a proposed law to address modern slavery and worker exploitation in supply chains and operations. 

More than 5,100 Kiwis made submissions in support of modern slavery law through World Vision, calling for the government to put legislation in place that prioritises fairness and dignity for the people in Kiwi supply chains.


A Case for Modern Slavery Legislation: World Vision’s submission to the Petitions Committee

In June, together with Trade Aid, we handed over a petition signed by more than 37,000 New Zealanders calling on our government to pass a Modern Slavery Act. Now we have given evidence to the Petitions Committee about what kind of law is needed in New Zealand.

Learn more

Why supporting the Government to bring in modern slavery legislation is the best thing New Zealanders can do right now to combat modern slavery.

New Zealand’s Government, businesses and citizens have a vital role to play in ending modern slavery. We have a responsibility too, and with that responsibly comes a more comforting thought; we have immense potential and an exciting opportunity to be a part of upcoming positive change.

Learn more


Modern slavery can be found in almost every sector, region and industry in the world.

On average, in 2019, every adult in New Zealand drank three cups of coffee a week associated with child and forced labour.

No child should have to work instead of going to school. 13-year-old Elijah has been forced to cut coffee plants since he was just 7-years old. For kids like Elijah, the hours are long and the work is dangerous.

Elijah dreams of a brighter future, he hopes to become a teacher one day.

In 2019, New Zealand imported more than $45.5 million, or 700 million cups of coffee that was risky. The top four sources of risky coffee were Brazil (27.9%), Colombia (22.1%), Vietnam (20.9%) and Guatemala (9.9%).






What will a Modern Slavery Act do?

Most people in New Zealand care about the well-being of the people who make the things they use and want to play their part in ending modern slavery. We’re calling for legislation that would help Kiwis to know that the products they’re buying were made by people who are treated with dignity and fairness at work. We’re also calling for legislation that will level the playing field for businesses who are already doing the right thing. Those who cut corners will be held accountable for their actions, and they won’t be able to undercut others who are doing the right thing. Read more about our three key asks of government here.


Billions of dollars of New Zealand imports linked to modern slavery.

<br>Billions of dollars of New Zealand imports linked to modern slavery.

Every household in New Zealand spends on average $34 a week on goods associated with either forced labour or child labour – that’s only slightly less than we spend on electricity a week. 

Right now, there is no requirement for businesses to do basic checks on their supply chains. This ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ approach means that it’s almost impossible for kiwis to have confidence that what we buy and use is slavery-free.

Learn more about the risky goods New Zealand imports.

$348 million

worth of risky shoes imported in 2019.

That's more than 20 million pairs of risky shoes – four pairs for every Kiwi.


Nasrin should’ve been in school, learning and dreaming about her future.

<br>Nasrin should’ve been in school, learning and dreaming about her future.

Nasrin (15), Bangladesh

Instead, Nasrin was working in a garment factory cutting denim for jeans.Nasrin would work 12 hours a day, and had cuts all over her hands from the scissors she used. “My boss uses bad language when I cannot fulfil my duties quick enough. The words can not be repeated,” Nasrin said. “Sometimes I cry when that happens, but I look down, hide my tears with my scarf.”​

She was expected to cut enough denim for 1,500 pairs of denim a day, all to earn the equivalent of $1.80.​

Girls like Nasrin shouldn’t have to work crazy hours in dangerous conditions. The factory she works in should be required to have health and safety standards. The introduction of modern slavery legislation in New Zealand is needed so that changes are made down the supply chain, and the lives of girls like Nasrin are changed for the better.​