CASE STUDY

One voice when the window for change opened

Mobilising collective advocacy for modern slavery legislation.

The challenge

For many across Aotearoa’s anti-trafficking sector, modern slavery legislation has been a long-awaited priority, with some advocating for change for nearly two decades.

Effective legislation can move the response beyond voluntary commitments by establishing clearer expectations for how businesses identify and address exploitation within their operations and supply chains.

When the Modern Slavery Bill entered Parliament in 2026, the opportunity for change had finally arrived. But the window to influence it was short: civil society had just weeks to analyse the Bill, prepare submissions, raise public awareness and make its voice heard.

Mobilising a collective response

OFN responded quickly, convening organisations and advocates interested in working together through the submission process. The group agreed that individual submissions should reflect each organisation’s expertise and priorities, while uniting around one shared ask: mandatory human rights due diligence.

OFN facilitated a working group where members shared research, exchanged ideas and strengthened one another’s submissions. Regional knowledge also strengthened the response: lessons from Australia’s experience and the review of its Modern Slavery Act helped inform recommendations about how Aotearoa could develop more effective legislation.

OFN Director Sarah Scott-Webb submitted detailed written evidence and presented an oral submission to the Select Committee as part of this wider collective effort.

What changed?

Within weeks, organisations that could have responded independently were instead mobilised around a shared advocacy priority. Different voices remained distinct, but collective capability and a common message strengthened the sector’s response.

The legislation continues through the parliamentary process, so the final outcome is still to come. But when a critical opportunity for influence emerged, the sector was equipped to act.