Modern Slavery in New Zealand: A Hidden Crisis Unveiled

A recent report has revealed a stark reality: approximately 8,000 people in New Zealand are estimated to be living in conditions of modern slavery, placing the country at 148th out of 160 nations in the Global Slavery Index. This figure shatters the widely held belief that only around 31 individuals are trafficked annually in the country, highlighting a significant gap in understanding and addressing the issue.

Rebecca Kingi, an anti-trafficking expert, has raised serious concerns about the lack of robust systems in place to collect data and intelligence on trafficking in New Zealand. According to Kingi, police forces currently lack dedicated specialist units or personnel trained specifically in trafficking investigations. She argues that the current approach, which largely treats trafficking as an immigration issue, is fundamentally flawed. Trafficking is, in fact, a transnational crime with strong ties to organized crime, money laundering, and sexual offenses—issues that require a more comprehensive and coordinated response.

Kingi emphasizes that victims of trafficking are unlikely to report their experiences unless frontline officers are adequately trained to recognize the signs of exploitation. In many cases, victims remain silent due to fear, lack of awareness, or mistrust in the system. This underscores the urgent need for better education and training for law enforcement and support services.

Other countries, such as the United Kingdom and Australia, have already implemented police-led trafficking enforcement models, complete with specialized units and victim care protocols. These frameworks have been credited with improving the identification and protection of victims, as well as the prosecution of traffickers.

In New Zealand, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has recommended the establishment of a national referral mechanism (NRM) and a police-led trafficking unit to enhance the response to trafficking and provide better support for victims. However, INZ staff have also highlighted concerns about the current state of victim support services, which they claim are under-resourced and untrained. This situation not only puts victims at risk but also hampers the ability of investigators to effectively address trafficking cases.

The current government, through Associate Immigration Minister Casey Costello, has acknowledged the need for a stronger system response to trafficking and migrant exploitation. A ministerial advisory group on organized crime is expected to deliver a final report soon, which is anticipated to provide critical insights and recommendations for addressing the issue.

The report also notes a significant increase in trafficking complaints since 2018, signaling a growing threat of modern slavery in the country. It underscores the necessity of a police-led, proactive approach to combat this issue effectively. As the scale of the problem becomes more apparent, it is clear that New Zealand must take urgent and decisive action to protect its most vulnerable citizens and ensure that trafficking is treated as the serious crime it is.

Call to Action: It is imperative that New Zealand invests in the development of robust anti-trafficking frameworks, including specialized units, comprehensive training for law enforcement, and enhanced support services for victims. Only through these measures can the country hope to address the crisis of modern slavery and bring justice to those affected.