Slavery law ‘fantastic start’

• Published date: 12 April 2022
• Author: Gary Hamilton-Irvine
• Publication title: Hawkes Bay Today

However, the advocate says more could be added to the proposed legislation to make it more effective

Matamata was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment in 2020 for slavery and trafficking offences, which related to the unpaid labour and abuse of 13 Samoan victims over about 25 years.

It has gone down as one of the most appalling cases of its kind in New Zealand history.

Workplace Relations Minister Michael Wood announced on Friday a proposal for new legislation to combat future cases of modern slavery and worker exploitation.

Under the proposal, all organisations would have added responsibilities but organisations with higher revenue would have greater responsibilities.

For example, medium and large organisations would be required to declare the steps they actively take to “address” modern slavery and worker exploitation in their operations and supply chains, both here and overseas.

Large businesses would also have to undertake “due diligence” to prevent and mitigate modern slavery and worker exploitation — such as commissioning third-party audits of suppliers’ compliance with human rights.

It follows calls for New Zealand to adopt similar anti-slavery legislation to what is found in Australia and the UK.

AskYourTeam chief executive Chris O’Reilly praised the proposed legislation and said it was “a fantastic start”. AskYourTeam helps businesses provide better support for its employees.

He said he would be submitting on the proposal — currently open for public submission until June 7 — to recommend a further expectation on companies to help make it more effective.

Until now, New Zealand businesses have been reliant on self-assessments or conducting social practice...