PRESS RELEASE: JULY 2017

The Anglican Diocese of Wellington
The Embassy of the United States of America
The Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment
THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG
Addressing exploitation and trafficking in persons through Aotearoa New Zealand Conference, 26-27 July, 2017, Wellington. Cathedral of St. Paul, Molesworth Street

Collaboration and partnership across all sectors of society, with a particular emphasis on engaging with business, is a key focus of this two day conference where labour exploitation and people trafficking within New Zealand is examined and discussed.

Key note speakers from the UK, Andrew Wallis CEO and Justine Currell Executive Director of the organisation Unseen, will give significant focus on the need for effective collaboration, putting the victim at the heart of what needs to be done.

Together Andrew and Justine bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of people trafficking, having been deeply involved in the setting up of the UK Modern Slavery Act, as well as their work addressing transparency within supply chains.

The conference has an impressive line-up of speakers covering business, government, academics, NGOs and faith based groups.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) welcomes the involvement of the private sector in the event. “The private sector has a critical role in preventing human trafficking and migrant exploitation. These abusive practices are a grave violation of human rights and we have a collective responsibility to eradicate these crimes,” said Rebecca Miller, Programme Manager for People Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons.

The opening of this conference takes place on 26 July in the Great Hall at Parliament and is hosted by Minister for Immigration the Hon Michael Woodhouse.

The Embassy of the United States of America is proud to provide financial support to this important conference, said U.S. Ambassador Scott Brown: “This is an issue my country and I care deeply about. The United States remains resolute in partnering with New Zealand to combat the horrific practice of human trafficking, and ending it globally is a top priority of the Trump Administration.”

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