95bFM Modern slavery bill passes its first reading
19 May, 2026
Interview by Pranuja Tahal, adapted by Chloe Porter
The modern slavery bill recently passed its first reading in Parliament. The bill introduces mandatory reporting for large businesses, requiring them to publish annual statements on modern slavery risks in their operations and supply chains.
World Vision is a registered global children's charity that focuses on lifting children out of harm and poverty. Their National Director of New Zealand, TJ Grant, spoke to 95bFM’s The Wire to explain how the bill protects modern slavery practices from occurring in everyday products.
The modern slavery bill was introduced through the first reading to Parliament on the 29th of April. Grant says this will “strengthen New Zealand's response to slavery and exploitation." It will “require businesses with over 100 million dollars in revenue to produce annual modern slavery statements.” It has businesses look closely at their supply chains and practices to ensure they are operating fairly.
Modern slavery is defined as “forms of exploitation such as forced labour, child labour, sex trafficking, exploitation of people.” Grant reveals there are “more than 50 million people worldwide trapped in modern slavery” and an estimated “8,000 right here in New Zealand.”
This issue has been hidden, which Grants says makes this bill all the more important. “It shines a light, encouraging businesses to make sure they're making sure that where they're getting their goods and supplies from is not participating or perpetuating modern slavery.”
Under this bill, businesses are required to do mandatory reporting, including “preparing and publishing an annual modern slavery statement with details on incidents, risk, due diligence and recommendations.”
The bill would allow consumers to see how their money is being used. Grants explains that “as individuals it’s difficult to know if the goods we buy are coming from a safe place,” making us “unwitting participants” in modern slavery. Knowing that businesses are checking their supply chain “ensures that we can buy things with confidence.”
The overwhelming support highlights the importance of this bill and makes it possible, with “over 80 per cent of the public, overwhelming support from business, [and] 112 MPs.
"Fighting modern slavery wouldn't have been possible without everyday Kiwis, supporters of World Vision and many others advocating to bring it into place”
“We can make a difference, we can improve children's lives, we can raise the moral floor for our society. We can have a positive impact in the world, and this is a really important step in combating modern slavery globally and here in New Zealand.”
