77.
A 2016 report by the Human Trafficking Research Coalition, published by the
University of Auckland Business School also painted a troubling picture of migrant
worker exploitation in New Zealand.88 The report outlined several forms of
exploitative practices directed at migrant workers, including non-payment or
underpayment of wages (at rates far below the minimum wage); excessive working
hours and non-payment of holiday pay; employers threatening to report workers to
government authorities if they complain; degrading, abusive treatment and
excessive employment recruitment fees (on many instances upwards of $10,000).89
78.
The report made several recommendations, aligned with the three-tier Prevention,
Prosecution and Protection strategy set out under the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress
and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children, supplementing
the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.90 The
recommendations included the establishment of a specialist government human
trafficking office, a refreshed Government Plan of Action to Prevent People
Trafficking, and measures aimed to enhance international co-operation.91
79.
In addition, the Commission notes developments in similar overseas jurisdictions,
notably the enactment in the UK of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, which introduced
supply chain reporting requirements. A similar legislative model is currently being
considered in Australia.92 The Commission recommends that the Government
consider a similar legislative initiative in New Zealand.
Recommendation 15
a. Work in partnership with Māori and Pacific Peoples to set targets to increase the
representation of Māori and Pacific People in corporate governance and senior
management in the public sector over the next reporting period.
b. Strengthen efforts to increase the participation of Māori, Pacific, women, ethnic
minorities and disabled people in the labour market.
c. Strengthen efforts to address NEET rates for Māori, Pacific and disabled youth
particularly in the 20-24-year age group.
d. Implement measurable, reportable diversity targets for public and private sector
organisations larger than 250 people at all levels of the organisation.
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