Media Release: Rights Aotearoa Welcomes Historic Cross-Party Progress on Modern Slavery Legislation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sunday 1 February 2026

WELLINGTON – RIGHTS AOTEAROA

Rights Aotearoa, New Zealand's leading non-governmental organisation devoted to promoting and defending universal human rights, today welcomes the historic cross-party decision to progress modern slavery legislation to Parliament.

The decision by National MP Greg Fleming and Labour MP Camilla Belich to co-sponsor the bill represents a significant victory for human rights advocacy in Aotearoa. By invoking Standing Order 288 for the first time, the MPs have demonstrated that principled commitment to human dignity can transcend partisan politics.

"This legislation is fundamentally about recognising the inherent dignity and rights of all people," said Paul Thistoll, CEO of Rights Aotearoa. "Modern slavery and trafficking represent some of the most severe violations of human rights occurring today, both in Aotearoa and throughout global supply chains that touch our economy."

The bill will require companies operating in New Zealand with revenue exceeding $100 million annually to report on modern slavery risks within their operations and supply chains. It establishes civil penalties up to $600,000, creates a public register of reports, and provides the Human Rights Commission with a formal oversight role.

Critically, the legislation aligns New Zealand with international human rights standards. With an estimated 8,000 people currently enslaved within New Zealand and significant exposure to forced labour through supply chains, this framework provides long-overdue transparency and accountability mechanisms.

While Rights Aotearoa commends the bipartisan cooperation demonstrated by National and Labour MPs, we note with concern the ACT Party's refusal to support this legislation. Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden's position that modern slavery legislation was "not a priority" represents a troubling abdication of responsibility to protect vulnerable workers and uphold fundamental human rights.

"The suggestion that preventing human trafficking and forced labour should take a back seat to other policy priorities reflects a concerning values hierarchy," Thistoll continued. "Human rights are not negotiable, nor should they be subject to political convenience or ideological preferences around business regulation."

Rights Aotearoa recognises that robust human rights protections—including for those in situations of modern slavery—are interconnected with all other human rights struggles. Vulnerable populations, including transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals, face particular risks of exploitation and trafficking. Comprehensive anti-trafficking frameworks are essential to protecting all people from severe exploitation.

The bill is scheduled for introduction on 10 February, with the goal of passage before the November election. Rights Aotearoa calls on all MPs to support this legislation.

"This is what principled parliamentary cooperation looks like," Thistoll concluded. "When the protection of human rights is at stake, we must be willing to work across political divides. We urge all MPs to stand with victims of exploitation and support this vital legislation."

About Rights Aotearoa

Rights Aotearoa is New Zealand's leading non-governmental organisation devoted to promoting and defending universal human rights with a focus on transgender, non-binary, and intersex rights. We advocate for evidence-based policy, legal reform, and social change grounded in international human rights principles.

Media Contact

Paul Thistoll

Chief Executive Officer

Rights Aotearoa

paul@rightsaotearoa.nz