It is estimated that 10% of New Zealand’s imports are likely to be produced utilising modern slavery. This is not a far away issue, but one that affects all of us.

Synteche Collins – Acting Director of ECPAT New Zealand/Child Alert reports on the deeply disheartening news that Aotearoa New Zealand is once again ranked at Tier 2 in the 2024 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report by the U.S. Department of State.

The increasing global tensions in wars and conflicts have seen a flurry of economic sanction orders coming into place which can be an effective non- armed response to bad actors

New Zealand businesses looking to enter, grow or maintain business relationships with the EU will likely need to enact sustainability and modern slavery due diligence as a minimum requirement of doing business. By meeting these standards they will enhance their reputation, foster long-term relationships, and contribute to a more environmentally and socially conscious global trade landscape – as well as satisfying the expectations of their local stakeholders.

Human rights are becoming mainstreamed on the corporate agenda and addressing modern slavery risk is a cost businesses cannot and should not avoid.

A Ministry of Justice survey reflects a sharp increase in fraud and deception crime in NZ. It is clear that personal fraud is not being managed well enough to protect consumers in New Zealand, and that criminals are exploiting the gaps.