After over 50 years of fair trade advocacy, New Zealand is finally moving from “talking” to “acting” on modern slavery.
Last week, in a rare and powerful display of cross-party unity, National MP Greg Fleming and Labour MP Camilla Belich joined forces to lodge a co-sponsored Modern Slavery Bill. By securing the support of over 61 non-executive MPs, the Bill was able to bypass the usual “biscuit tin” ballot and head straight to the top of the parliamentary agenda.
For Trade Aid – an organisation that presented its first petition against slave-labour goods to Parliament back in 2007 – this is a landmark moment.
What’s in the Bill?
This legislation is designed to shine a light into the dark corners of global supply chains. Here are the key pillars as it stands today:
Mandatory Reporting: Companies with an annual revenue of over $100 million must publish an annual statement detailing how they identify and address modern slavery risks.
Public Accountability: These statements will be housed in a public register, allowing consumers and investors to see exactly who is taking action and who isn’t.
Real Penalties: Unlike some international models, the NZ Bill has “teeth.” Companies could face fines of up to $200,000 for failing to report or providing false information.
Director Liability: High-level leadership will be held personally accountable for the accuracy of their disclosures.
What Happens Next?
The Bill is scheduled for its first reading on February 10, 2026. From there, it will move to the Select Committee stage.
This is where your voice becomes vital. During the Select Committee process, the public is invited to provide submissions. Both the National and Labour parties have expressed a desire to pass the Bill before the general election in November, making the coming months a sprint for justice.
Where We Want to See it End Up
While we celebrate this massive step forward, we believe this is the floor, not the ceiling. To truly protect the millions of people currently living in modern slavery worldwide, Trade Aid and our partners at World Vision are pushing for even stronger measures:
Mandatory Due Diligence: We want a law that doesn’t just require companies to report on risks, but legally obligates them to take action to prevent and remedy exploitation.
Lower Reporting Thresholds: Currently, the $100 million threshold misses many companies. We believe a lower threshold (closer to $20 million or even $50 million) would ensure more businesses are held to ethical standards.
An Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner: A dedicated, independent office to oversee compliance and provide a voice for victims is essential for long-term success.
This Bill is a victory for every supporter who signed a petition, contacted their local MP or purchased a fair trade product. From our perspective, the work isn’t done until the law ensures every product on a New Zealand shelf is free from exploitation.
How you can help: As the Bill enters the Select Committee stage, we will need you to share your support. Stay tuned for our guide on how to make a submission and ensure this law is as strong as it possibly can be!