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To: The House of Representatives

Take Action against Modern Slavery

Trade Aid and World Vision respectfully request:

That the House of Representatives, as a matter of urgency, enacts Modern Slavery legislation that requires public and private entities to report on the risks of modern slavery in their operations and supply chains, and on the actions they are taking to address those risks.

Why is this important?

40 million people globally are in modern slavery. Unlike many other countries, New Zealand has no legislation that requires companies to undertake due diligence looking into the risks of modern slavery within their supply chains and taking actions to address those risks.

Modern Slavery legislation is a key way for New Zealand companies to work together to eliminate modern slavery in private and public sector supply chains.

WHAT IS MODERN SLAVERY?

Modern slavery is the severe exploitation of other people for personal or commercial gain. Modern slavery is in the clothes you wear, the coffee you drink and the goods you love.

WHY DO WE NEED A MODERN SLAVERY ACT?

40 million people globally are in modern slavery. There are more people in slavery now than in any other time in history.

The world is small and interconnected. Every time we purchase a product there is a chain reaction felt around the world. No country or industry is unaffected.

Unlike many other countries, New Zealand has no accountability legislation that addresses transparency in supply chains. This means that New Zealand companies could unknowingly be importing products or services by which people are exploited and enslaved.

WHAT WOULD A MODERN SLAVERY ACT DO?

Modern Slavery Acts make it easier for a consumer to expect slavery-free products and services from companies. They help prevent slavery through transparency and accountability. They require businesses to understand the risks of modern slavery in their purchasing, to report on those risks and take action to address them. They give the business community guidance and a level playing field.

For further information, resources and to get involved check out our campaign website - https://www.signforfreedom.nz/

How it will be delivered

Trade Aid & World Vision invites you to Parliament to present our collective petition.

We would love you and your community to join us!

Tuesday 29 June
12.30-1.00pm
Parliament Grounds, Seddon Statue area and front lawn, Wellington.

For those that can’t make it to Wellington, join us on Trade Aid's Facebook page where the event will be live streamed. www.facebook.com/tradeaidnz

Partner

Links

Updates

2022-05-30 15:50:07 +1200

May 2022 - Public Submissions

It’s now time to push for legislation that will have a real impact.

You have the chance to speak up against modern slavery by making a public submission. A submission is your chance to present your opinions, observations, and recommendations on what the government is proposing.

This is a chance for kiwi consumers to have their voices heard, creating change for the people who make our products.

We’ve created a template that makes it easy for you to add your voice and take action with us. Click here to add your voice:
https://www.tradeaid.org.nz/public-submission-against-modern-slavery/

2022-02-18 15:28:51 +1300

In February 2022, the report in response to World Vision and Trade Aid’s submissions to the Select Committee called on the New Zealand Government to bring legislation before the House as soon as possible. Public consultation for modern slavery legislation will take place in 2022. World Vision, Trade Aid and the Human Rights Commission hope many New Zealanders will submit to support this important legislation.

2022-02-18 15:25:22 +1300

On 18 November 2021, World Vision and Trade Aid made an oral submission to the Petitions Committee. The NZ Human Rights Commission and MBIE also provided evidence.

2021-08-16 15:52:59 +1200

On Tuesday 29 June, we took action against modern slavery and presented a 37k strong petition to Parliament! 🎉 Minister Wood has committed to action. We’re on the way towards a Modern Slavery Act in NZ.

This will make a massive difference and we're so proud to have been part of the Trade Aid and World Vision team that made this vital movement happen.

We want to thank everyone who signed, who turned out and helped spread the word across the country. Also, a massive shout out to the many diverse organisations who helped bring their collective voice to this issue and finally to the 112 kiwi businesses who supported an Open Letter. #ModernSlaveryActNZ

2021-06-28 16:58:21 +1200

Come and join us! Our event will continue to go ahead tomorrow with level 2 covid restrictions in place. We encourage those who attend to wear a mask and social distance.

Trade Aid & World Vision invites you to Parliament to present our collective petition that urges the government to take action against modern slavery. We would love you and your community to join us! Tuesday 29 June 12.30-1.00pm Parliament Grounds, Seddon Statue area and front lawn, Wellington.

For those who can’t make it to Wellington, join us on Trade Aid’s Facebook page where the event will be live streamed.

2021-06-27 17:48:32 +1200

20,000 signatures reached

2021-06-10 11:50:09 +1200

We're going to Wellington!

Trade Aid & World Vision invites you to Parliament to present our collective petition that urges the government to take action against modern slavery.

We would love you and your community to join us!

Tuesday 29 June 2021
12.30-1.00pm
Parliament Grounds,
Seddon Statue area and front lawn, Wellington.

RSVP that you can join us at the link below:
https://our.actionstation.org.nz/events/parliament-action-against-modern-slavery

For those that can’t make it to Wellington, join us on Trade Aid's Facebook page where the event will be live streamed.
www.facebook.com/tradeaidnz

2021-05-04 12:50:52 +1200

10,000 signatures reached

2021-04-01 20:36:25 +1300

5,000 signatures reached

2021-03-25 17:26:42 +1300

1,000 signatures reached

2021-03-25 11:50:37 +1300

500 signatures reached

2021-03-17 19:37:24 +1300

100 signatures reached

2021-03-16 20:33:00 +1300

50 signatures reached

2021-03-16 15:52:54 +1300

25 signatures reached

2021-03-12 10:50:07 +1300

10 signatures reached