In 2009, NewZealand introduced the Plan of Action to Prevent People Trafficking, which focused solely on this issue and set out the whole-of-government approach to addressing people trafficking. At that time, New Zealand legislation only recognised people trafficking which occurred across international borders and it was viewed as an international crime that had not yet managed to gain a foothold in New Zealand.

However, since 2009 the national context of forced labour, people trafficking and slavery has changed. The Crimes Act 1961 has been updated to criminalise domestic as well as transnational people trafficking. In addition, the wider spectrum of exploitation is better understood including slavery and forced labour.

This new Plan of Action reflects those changes to the national context and to our increasing knowledge and understanding. It connects to relevant work being undertaken across government, including under related work programmes such as the implementation of New Zealand’s Transnational Organised Crime Strategy and Action Plan, and the work programme to address family violence and sexual violence.

This Plan of Action also responds to New Zealand’s international obligations, including under the Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention which New Zealand ratified in December 2019. It recognises the interrelationships between forced labour, people trafficking and slavery practices, and their connection with other forms of exploitation. It reaffirms NewZealand’s commitment to prevent and eliminate these forms of modern slavery, and to provide victims with appropriate protection and support.

This Plan of Action was developed in consultation with a range of government agencies and external stakeholders. It included formal public consultation, from which 37 submissions were received. We thank all participants for their engagement and commitment to taking action against modern slavery. (From the Introduction). Record #7054