Our partnership approach recognises that prevention, detection and investigation, prosecution and compliance, and victim support and protection are critical elements of a comprehensive approach to addressing all forms of trafficking in persons.

New Zealand’s approach to eliminating people trafficking is summarised in the Plan of Action against Forced Labour, People Trafficking and Slavery.

Plan of Action against Forced Labour, People Trafficking and Slavery — Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

The Plan of Action provides a five-year, all-of-government response to forced labour, people trafficking and slavery in New Zealand and is organised around three internationally recognised ‘pillars’ of prevention, protection and enforcement/prosecution.

Prevention actions seek to address the drivers and vulnerabilities which enable forced labour, people trafficking and slavery.

Protection is focused on enabling victims to be identified and protected, and to ensure that the wide range of support and assistance available to victims remains fit-for purpose.

Enforcement is to ensure that the enforcement tools available to disrupt and prosecute the businesses and individuals who exploit others, or who benefit from the exploitation of others, are effectively used.

The Plan of Action aims to consolidate and enhance the effectiveness of New Zealand’s actions through to 2025.

Penalties and legislation

Trafficking in persons is punishable under Section 98D of the Crimes Act, with imprisonment for up to 20 years, a fine of up to $500,000, or both.

Legislation passed in November 2015 brought the definition of trafficking in line with international law by defining the crime of people trafficking as a crime of exploitation not requiring the transnational movement of the victim.   This means the legislation covers trafficking within New Zealand as well as into and out of the country.

Other crimes associated with people trafficking are covered under their own specific clauses of the Crimes Act or other legislation. For example, section 98 of the Crimes Act covers dealing in slaves, which is defined as including, without limitation, a person subject to debt bondage or serfdom. Section 98AA of the Crimes Act deals with dealing in people under 18 for sexual exploitation, removal of body parts, or engagement in forced labour.