Modern slavery legislation poised to reshape business reporting in New Zealand

New Zealand is finally moving closer to its first comprehensive modern slavery framework. With rare cross-party backing, MPs are advancing a Modern Slavery Bill that would introduce mandatory reporting for large businesses and strengthen protections. If passed, it will put New Zealand ahead of Australia and the UK legislatively in the fight to protect against modern slavery.  

What the bill would change — and why it matters 

The proposed law aims to make modern slavery risks in New Zealand supply chains more visible. Supporters argue the legislation would fill a glaring gap in New Zealand’s human rights and corporate governance framework by requiring proactive disclosure and accountability. In addition, it would hold companies publicly accountable for their modern slavery record and align New Zealand with international standards on transparency and human rights.  

National MP Greg Fleming a co-sponsored the Modern Slavery Bill stated in Stuff: 

It’s time that New Zealand has a coordinated framework to deal with modern slavery, and this bill does just that, when we signed free trade agreements we said we would act on modern slavery, and through this joint Bill we are keeping that promise. 

Under the proposed bill, companies earning more than NZ$100 million annually would need to publish a modern slavery statement every year. These statements would explain how organizations identify risks, assess impacts, and act to address risks across their operations and supply chains. In addition, all reports would appear on a public register. This would allow investors, consumers, and civil society to scrutinize corporate efforts.  

Meanwhile, penalties could apply to businesses that fail to comply or submit misleading information. Crucially, the legislation goes beyond simple box-ticking. Companies would need to establish systems for risk assessment, due diligence, staff training, and remediation. They would also need to disclose incidents and describe how they responded. 

Progress comes on the long-term back advocacy 

The long-awaited initiative is being cautiously celebrated by civil society, business groups, and human rights organizations. Groups, including Freedom United, that have long called for urgent action to address forced labor, human trafficking, and exploitative work practices in New Zealand supply chains. 

Serena Grant, Director, Business and Human Rights, Walk Free, said:  

This is a pivotal moment and the result of years of advocacy with our partners. The proposed law goes further than the Australian and UK models, with the inclusion of penalties and liability for Directors as well as more robust reporting requirements.  

New Zealand currently does have legislation criminalizing slavery and trafficking offences. However, it lacks standalone modern slavery legislation, which is why the new bill is so important. It also represents a historic shift in parliamentary procedure. Rather than entering the members’ bill ballot (often referred to as the “biscuit tin”), due to its cross-party support, the Modern Slavery Bill has been fast-tracked. 

A Walk Free report stated the cross-party support “shows what can happen when our leaders put politics aside and work together to do what’s right. After years of advocacy and widespread public support, politicians from across the aisles are finally moving to make modern slavery legislation a reality.”  Add your voice to those calling on legislators and world leaders everywhere to put people and planet before profit.