New Zealand is finally moving closer to its first comprehensive modern slavery framework. With rare cross-party backing, MPs are advancing a Modern Slavery Bill that would introduce mandatory reporting for large businesses and strengthen protections. If passed, it will put New Zealand ahead of Australia and the UK legislatively in the fight to protect against modern slavery.  

What the bill would change — and why it matters 

The proposed law aims to make modern slavery risks in New Zealand supply chains more visible. Supporters argue the legislation would fill a glaring gap in New Zealand’s human rights and corporate governance framework by requiring proactive disclosure and accountability. In addition, it would hold companies publicly accountable for their modern slavery record and align New Zealand with international standards on transparency and human rights.  

National MP Greg Fleming a co-sponsored the Modern Slavery Bill stated in Stuff: 

It’s time that New Zealand has a coordinated framework to deal with modern slavery, and this bill does just that, when we signed free trade agreements we said we would act on modern slavery, and through this joint Bill we are keeping that promise. 

Under the proposed bill, companies earning more than NZ$100 million annually would need to publish a modern slavery statement every year. These statements would explain how organizations identify risks, assess impacts, and act to address risks across their operations and supply chains. In addition, all reports would appear on a public register. This would allow investors, consumers, and civil society to scrutinize corporate efforts.  

Meanwhile, penalties could apply to businesses that fail to comply or submit misleading information. Crucially, the legislation goes beyond simple box-ticking. Companies would need to establish systems for risk assessment, due diligence, staff training, and remediation. They would also need to disclose incidents and describe how they responded. 

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