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Modern Slavery Legislation

Let’s make sure the Modern Slavery Bill becomes the strongest law it can be.

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Over 2,500 New Zealanders have submitted on the Modern Slavery Bill

Thousands of New Zealanders, including nearly 1,000 children, submitted on the Modern Slavery Bill. They showed strong support for the legislation, while calling on Parliament to strengthen it so it delivers real, lasting protection for the 50 million people living in modern slavery.

The Select Committee is now reviewing all submissions before recommending changes. The Bill still has several stages before it becomes law, and together, we'll be there at every one, making sure the final legislation is as strong as it can be.

Here's what we're asking for

Action on Modern Slavery risks

Action on Modern Slavery risks

Stronger requirements for businesses to take action when they find modern slavery risks in their operations and supply chains.

Target high-risk products and industries

Target high-risk products and industries

A dedicated government function to identify high-risk sectors and provide practical guidance and support to help businesses meet emerging international expectations and standards.

Stronger support for victim-survivors

Stronger support for victim-survivors

A stronger victim-survivor centred approach, with alignment to existing systems for identifying, protecting, referring, and supporting people affected by modern slavery and exploitation in New Zealand.

Here's where the bill stands and what's needed to make it law.


✓

Bill introduced to Parliament Done

National and Labour used the Rule of 61 to fast-track the Modern Slavery Bill — bypassing the ballot entirely.

✓

First reading Done

The bill needs to be scheduled for its first reading before the end of the year. With limited time before the election, Parliament needs to prioritise it now.

3

Select committee Underway

The Select Committee is reviewing all submissions received and will recommend changes to the Bill.

4

Second reading

The bill returns to Parliament for further debate.

5

Committee of the whole House

MPs debate and vote on any amendments to the bill.

6

Third reading

A final vote on the bill in Parliament.

Cross-party collaboration, political will, and public pressure got us to first reading. Continued pressure will get us to the finish line, with the strongest modern slavery legislation possible.

Overwhelming cross-party support. A common goal: End modern slavery

On 29 April 2026, the Modern Slavery Bill passed its first reading with a majority of 112 votes in favour. This follows a historic first use of the Rule of 61 to fast-track a joint Modern Slavery Bill straight into Parliament.

These milestones reflect unprecedented cross-party collaboration and years of sustained advocacy by thousands of New Zealanders who signed petitions, wrote letters, and spoke up. This achievement belongs to all of us.

That had never happened before. And it did not happen overnight.

5

years of advocacy

Thousands

of Kiwis calling for Modern Slavery Legislation

112

votes in favour of the Modern Slavery Bill at first reading

2,500+

public submissions calling for strong modern slavery legislation

Thank you!

Five years of advocacy. Thousands of emails to MPs. Petitions, open letters, meetings, and conversations. Every action added up, and together, Kiwis helped make this moment possible.

To every person who signed, emailed, or kept this issue alive, even when progress felt slow: thank you.

This legislation means New Zealand is playing its part in helping to end modern slavery for more than 50 million people worldwide, including 8,000 right here in New Zealand. It will help protect the people from exploitation, because everyone deserves to be safe at work, treated with dignity, and rewarded fairly.

New Zealanders' voices got us to first reading, now let's make sure this Bill becomes the strongest law it can be.
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