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Modern Slavery Legislation

Together, we’re calling for dignity and fairness for everyone, no matter where they live. 

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A modern slavery law for Aotearoa


No matter where we live, everyone 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.

50 million

people are in slavery.

12.3 million

are children.

59% live in Asia Pacific

where many of our products come from.

World Vision urges the Government to prioritise modern slavery legislation

The coalition Government must prioritise advancing legislation to address modern slavery in New Zealand’s operations and supply networks. World Vision has been advocating for this over three years.

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Stay on top of the latest news and learn how you can join us in calling on the Government to urgently progress modern slavery legislation in New Zealand.

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

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

Each week, every household in New Zealand spends $77 on goods associated with child and forced labour.

Right now, there is no requirement for businesses to take action to address and reduce modern slavery in their supply chains. This ‘don’t-ask, don’t-tell’ approach means that it’s almost impossible for New Zealanders to have confidence that what we buy, and use is slavery-free.

Learn more about the risky goods New Zealand imports.

$3.6 Billion

worth of risky electronics imported in 2022.


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


The High Price of Beauty: Child labour in global cosmetics


Child labour should have no place in our makeup bags, but sadly this isn’t the case. Millions of children are losing out on a safe and healthy childhood to work in dangerous or exploitative conditions, farming and mining essential ingredients for common cosmetics including lipstick, mascara, and blush.

Our latest report explores the stories behind the production of six beauty product ingredients that have a high risk of child labour in their sourcing and production: palm oil, cocoa, vanilla, shea, mica and copper.

Read the report to learn more


Most New Zealand businesses are failing to address modern slavery.

Most New Zealand businesses are failing to address modern slavery.

Most New Zealand businesses are purchasing goods at risk of modern slavery and worker exploitation.

Many businesses don’t know their products’ origins and are taking no action to address slavery risks in their supply chains.

Learn more about the modern slavery risk profile of businesses
across various industries in New Zealand.