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Get ahead of New Zealand’s modern slavery legislation.
The Bill cleared select committee but did not complete its remaining readings before the House rose on 24 September for the general election. It is expected to be taken up again once the new Parliament convenes. The requirements have not gone away — and the preparation window is now longer, not closed. We’re working alongside Norton Rose Fulbright to help organisations understand what the requirements mean in practice.
What New Zealand businesses need to consider now
A quick overview of the proposed obligations, who they are likely to affect, and the practical steps businesses can take to prepare.
Where the Bill stands today
The Bill is through select committee and awaiting its remaining readings. Dates reflect the current position and may change; we update this tracker as developments occur.
The Bill cleared its first reading and was referred to the Education and Workforce Committee.
The committee has recommended the Bill be passed into law. Its amendments are unconfirmed until the reprinted bill is published.
The House rose on 24 September before these stages were completed. The Bill is expected to be taken up again after the election; timing is not yet confirmed.
Once enacted, in-scope entities begin preparing for their first reporting period.
The first reporting deadline is expected at least a year after enactment. Unconfirmed at time of writing.
Around 750 report. Far more will be asked.
The practical reach goes well beyond those in direct scope — reporting entities have to map their supply chains, which means their suppliers get the questions. This is the Australian pattern repeating, and it is where the volume sits.
Entities with NZ$100m or more in consolidated annual revenue, including overseas companies carrying on business in New Zealand. The threshold is measured across the group, not the individual entity.
Around 750 organisations are expected to file statements. Their obligations, however, do not stop at their own operations.
Reporting entities have to map their supply chains. Every supplier to a reporting entity can expect a questionnaire, whether or not it meets the threshold itself.
Fines up to NZ$200,000, High Court pecuniary penalties up to NZ$600,000, personal liability for directors, and exclusion from government procurement on conviction.
Much of this is already expected of you: AML/CFT obligations, government procurement standards, and investor and insurer questionnaires all ask what you know about your supply chain. Legislation sets a deadline for the work; it does not create the need.
Start with the resources ›Latest insights and resources
Practical resources for directors, general counsel and procurement leaders, updated as the Bill progresses and the requirements are confirmed.
Have questions about what this means for your business?
Have a question about scope, supplier data, or how to brief your board? Send it our way. No sales pitch — we’ll point you to what’s useful.