The NZ government’s delay on modern slavery law impacts us all

Image credits: World Vision New Zealand

Every week, Kiwi households unknowingly spend an average of $77 on products implicated in modern slavery. From our smartphones to our clothes, many of the imported goods we purchase are associated with child and forced labour.

While we enjoy the benefits of a globally connected market, we are often blind to the exploitation that underpins much of our consumption. 

Despite the clear need for a Modern Slavery Act, the New Zealand government's response has been frustratingly slow. There have been discussions, promises, and drafts, but no concrete action.

Bureaucratic sluggishness or a blind eye turned?

In July 2023, the Labour government announced its plan to draft a modern slavery disclosure law, requiring companies to publicly disclose and address the risks of modern slavery within their supply chains. They estimated a six-month period for drafting the modern slavery legislation, aiming for its introduction in Parliament by the end of that month.

However, following Labour's loss in the recent election, and the National-led government's review of its plans, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden indicated to Newsroom that the Cabinet had not yet decided on the proposal. 

This delay is disappointing for several reasons.

For businesses, it means continuing to operate in a market where unfair competition can thrive due to unethical labour practices. Ethical businesses are at a disadvantage as they compete with others who may exploit loopholes in their supply chain when it comes to pricing and production costs.

The absence of a legal framework can also lead to challenges in international trade. As more countries and international bodies emphasise ethical supply chains, New Zealand businesses might find themselves at a disadvantage in global markets if they can't show that they comply with internationally recognised standards against modern slavery.

For Kiwis, this delay hinders our ability to make informed choices. Without these laws, we’re shopping in the dark. We all want to buy things that are made fairly and ethically, but without firm legislation and transparency, it's tough to know for sure what we're supporting with our dollars. This could also affect the competitive pricing of ethical goods, making it less affordable for consumers to do the right thing, despite wanting to shop by their values.

Image credits: Zayn Afuang via Unsplash

Most importantly, this delay affects 50 million children, women and men who make the products that fill our supermarkets, workplaces and homes. 

Without legislation, they have no protection against exploitation and modern slavery, leaving them vulnerable to continued injustices. The decision to delay modern slavery legislation affects everyone, from the bottom of the supply chain to the end consumer, highlighting the urgent need for action in this area.

“It really is deeply saddening for me to know that I’m in a country where the sense of urgency that I believe should be felt around this issue isn’t being reflected in the way that we’re making progress on it legislatively,” stated Tearfund NZ’s head of advocacy Claire Gray.

 Like Gray, we're keeping our fingers crossed that the new administration won't undo the progress made so far. It's honestly quite frustrating that the Labour party has dragged their feet on something so critical. 

Rebekah Armstrong from World Vision NZ expressed her concerns to Newsroom about the New Zealand Government's hesitation to pass a modern slavery law. 

“It’s becoming an embarrassment that we’re lagging behind other OECD countries. A lot of significant work has taken place, there has been cross-party support for this legislation, and we’re not sure what the hold-up is.”

Armstrong also mentioned that New Zealand's free trade agreements often include commitments to tackle modern slavery, and without local laws, we're not keeping up with these international standards.

Turning empty promises into action

The lack of action reflects poorly on our commitment to ethical practices and human rights as a nation. More than our reputation, it's about living up to our own values of fairness and justice.

As Kiwis, we pride ourselves on being a country that cares, a place where everyone gets a fair go. By stalling work on a modern slavery law, aren't we falling short of that ideal?

The proposed legislation must also go further and include due diligence from the start so that New Zealand organisations and businesses are required to take action. Businesses shouldn’t just report on modern slavery, must do everything they can to address and mitigate it. 

Our current Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was quoted during an RNZ interview as saying, “Something I feel very passionate about is modern slavery … that’s something that I think we could do a better job of [including] modern slavery legislation, making sure that we’re holding ourselves up to a standard.”

We’re holding the Prime Minister and National government accountable to this sentiment. The need for legislation is clear. Laws would not only protect workers but also level the playing field for businesses and empower consumers with knowledge.

Contact your local MP for change

The fight against modern slavery isn't just in the hands of our government leaders; it's also in ours. Every voice counts, and your voice can make a difference. 

Take your concerns directly to those who represent us and contact your local MP today to demand action on modern slavery legislation.

Need a helpful guide on meeting or emailing your local MP? World Vision NZ has got you covered!