Modern Slavery is a key risk under the Social pillar of ESG and a rising priority for supply chain assurance. 

New Zealand has recently announced the introduction of a Modern Slavery legislation, which will bring Modern Slavery reporting frameworks in line with current reporting structures in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. 

“Modern Slavery exists in New Zealand and globally. This law change will definitively draw the curtains back on the businesses that are doing the right thing and those that are not”, says Paul Grant, In-House Sustainability Lead. 

What the Bill Includes: 

• Mandatory public reporting for businesses with annual revenue above NZ$100 million
• Offences, monetary penalties and a director’s liability framework will be in place for non-compliance
• Obligations focused on supply chain transparency and responsible sourcing, including reporting on the number of complaints made, whether a modern slavery incident has occurred and measures to address them. 

Why You Should Care: 

• As New Zealand legislation is approaching, preparing your business is essential to maintain competitiveness, strengthen procurement processes, and more 
• Reporting entities will be required to map supply chains, strengthen procurement processes, and publish clear disclosures
• The upcoming framework creates clear expectations and greater consistency across market.

How Snell Can Help: 

• Informed by our stringent and internationally recognised FSSC 22000 certification, we partner only with suppliers who meet the highest standards in market. As a result, our customers can have peace of mind that we are operating in alignment with the expectations of this Bill. Learn more about FSSC 22000, click here 
• Our robust Supplier Code of Conduct has been accepted by more than 95% of our suppliers. The 5% who have not signed our code have their own which is either equivalent or more stringent than our own. This code provides an added layer of protection for our customers, in conjunction with our FSSC 22000 certification.
• For businesses who do not meet the mandatory reporting threshold of NZ$100 million in revenue, you will likely be impacted by this Bill indirectly. If any of your customers exceed this revenue threshold, they will require you to provide your own supply chain data which demonstrates compliance so they can meet their own obligations under the Bill. 

A new whitepaper is underway. In the meantime, click here to learn more.