"Modern slavery: Petition accepted by Michael Wood as Government convenes group to advise on possible legislation", 29 June 2021

Politicians from across Parliament turned out on Tuesday for the presentation of a petition calling for modern slavery legislation. 

Signed by more than 37,000 Kiwis and organised by Trade Aid and World Vision, the petition asks MPs to introduce legislation requiring public and private entities to report on risks of modern slavery in their supply chains, as well as what they are doing to address such risks. 

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The Government released an action plan in March on the Government's approach to addressing modern forms of slavery. One of the actions is to "consider introducing legislation requiring businesses to report publicly on transparency in supply chains, to help eliminate practices of modern slavery".

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The petition was accompanied by an open letter signed by 110 businesses, including Bunnings, Foodstuffs and the Warehouse Group. 

"Modern slavery goes against our Kiwi values," the letter says. "New Zealand's identity as a nation is built on kindness, fairness, equality, and sustainability."

"As New Zealand continues to trade on these credentials, showing leadership on addressing modern slavery through ensuring its companies and public sector are meeting global labour rights standards, becomes more important."

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