- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -

Worker Exploitation In New Zealand
A Troubling Landscape
Research Report Released

A new report, the first of its kind in New Zealand, shows some worrying trends on worker exploitation in New Zealand. After interviewing over 100 (predominantly) migrant workers in New Zealand, Auckland University researcher, Dr. Christina Stringer, outlines that New Zealand has a troubling landscape regarding the extent of exploitation being experienced in this country.

The Human Trafficking Research Coalition of four organisations, ECPAT NZ, Hagar NZ, Stand Against Slavery, and The Préscha Initiative, have created ten recommendations in response to the evidence-based report and urge Government and Civil Society to address these in order to stamp out worker exploitation and human trafficking in New Zealand.

Some of the workers interviewed for the purposes of this research relayed conditions they were subjected to that amount to modern day slavery in Aotearoa, New Zealand. The research showed that certain industries and demographics in New Zealand have elevated levels of exploitation that need critical attention and monitoring. It also outlined alarming practices taking place in the recruitment of migrants to New Zealand.

In releasing the report to Government Officials last week coalition spokesperson Peter Mihaere, says "finally we can move on from the tiresome rhetoric of anecdotal stories to empirical evidence-based research which gives credibility to the faces of those experiencing exploitation in New Zealand." He went on to say, "Let us be very clear, this research is just the beginning. It explores an issue we have known exists for decades but struggled to quantify and explain. We need to work together, carry out more in-depth research and put in place solutions needed for New Zealand to be exploitation and slavery free."

The production of this research, report and recommendations has been a three year process. Its release is timely given the trial and conviction of New Zealand's first human trafficking case in September 2016.

Access to Full Report with Recommendations please go to:

www.workerexploitation.co.nz/report

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