Modern day slavery has been linked many to the everyday products New Zealanders, or “Kiwis,” buy. While running everyday errands, families may unknowingly fuel the demand for goods produced with forced labor, as many New Zealand companies continue to import products linked to exploitation. In fact, the Risky Goods: Supply Chain Risk Report 2023: Aotearoa New Zealand Imports Linked to Child and Forced Labour claims that the country imported a staggering 7.9 billion dollars’ worth of so-called “risky goods” from 39 countries in 2022, indicating that Kiwis spend an average of $77 a week on products affiliated with some form of forced labor.
What Are Risky Goods?
Risky goods are products associated with any form of abuse or exploitation in their supply chains. In many cases, these products are created using child labor or forced labor. Child labor refers to work that is “is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful to children.” It also refers to work that may limit or prevent children from going to school. A lack of education fuels a vicious cycle of illiteracy and poverty, further trapping children in exploitative labor conditions and limiting their future opportunities. Forced labor refers to situations in which workers are coerced into labor through threats, violence, or other forms of punishment, often with no choice but to comply.
Source: Risky Goods: Supply Chain Risk Report 2023: Aotearoa New Zealand Imports Linked to Child and Forced Labour
Signs of Forced Labor May Be Evident in Individuals Who are:
- Forced to work long hours without breaks
- Restricted from leaving their worksite
- Not in possession of their own passport, birth certificate, or government identification
- Prevented from finding another job
- Paid well below the minimum wage
- Subjected to physical and psychological abuse
New Zealand’s Falling Rank in the Trafficking in Persons Tier System
The U.S. State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office) publishes a report that “grades” countries on their efforts to combat modern day slavery. “Tier 1” is the equivalent to “an A or B grade,” while Tier 2 indicates that the country does not meet the minimum standards, but the country is making an effort to meet the standards. Tier 3 refers to countries that do not comply with the standard against modern slavery at all, which is considered “similar to a failing grade.”
New Zealand was once ranked a Tier 1 but was downgraded to Tier 2 in 2021 for falling behind in the prevention of exploitation. In an effort to address TIP’s concerns, the New Zealand government drafted the Modern Slavery Disclosure Law in 2023 to force companies to publicly address the exploitation of workers in select supply chains. Companies investigated and found guilty of labor exploitation would be legally obligated to publicly report their progress toward protecting these victims. This would help reduce the flow of imported, unethically-made goods.
However, government officials made the decision to halt progress on the Modern Slavery Disclosure Law in 2024, with Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden telling Parliament that this cause was “not a priority.” This decision has raised concern among advocates and organizations pushing for stronger measures to combat modern day slavery, highlighting a gap between the government’s actions and the demands of those fighting for systemic change.
Proactive Measures
Most New Zealanders unknowingly buy products tied to modern day slavery due to a lack of proactive measures in company supply chains. Because the Modern Slavery Disclosure Law was not passed, companies can more easily turn a blind eye to this issue. They can neglect to audit their vast supply chains, ignoring the fact that they may be exploiting workers and contributing to modern day slavery.
Despite governmental shortcomings, New Zealanders can help reduce their reliance on risky goods by following these steps:
- Educate yourself on the types of goods most frequently linked to modern day slavery, such as clothing, electronics, chocolate, coffee, and bananas.
- Shop for fair trade products. A fair trade item, indicated by a special sticker on the product, shows that the company is dedicated to “a more equitable model of trade.”
- Google the product or company before purchasing. Sometimes, a quick search can help you catch if the company has faced allegations of forced labor or child labor.
- Where possible, reduce consumption. By “shopping your wardrobe,” investing in repairs, and repurposing or upcycling items, you can help reduce the demand for unethically-produced products.
Rebekah Wong is a recent graduate of Southern New Hampshire University with a degree in Creative Writing and English. Originally from Calgary, Canada, she moved out of her childhood home at 20 and has been traveling the world ever since. She is now based in New Zealand and has a deep passion for writing and backpacking across countries. Her interest in fighting modern day slavery began at the age of 15 when a teacher first introduced her to the issue, sparking a lifelong interest in raising awareness. Through her work, she hopes to educate, inspire, and advocate for a world free from human trafficking and exploitation.
