Forced labour, people trafficking and slavery are serious forms of exploitation seen internationally and within New Zealand. Addressing these practices requires a whole-of-society response, undertaken through strong partnerships across government agencies and with civil society, businesses, unions, academia and international partners. The plan of action is comprised of 28 actions organised across three key pillars: Prevention, Protection, and Enforcement. These pillars are underpinned by a partnership approach, with effective partnership being critical to success. 

The plan of action will ensure:

• New Zealand implements measures to meet its international commitments and prevent the conditions that enable forced labour, people trafficking and slavery. This includes meeting our commitments under the Forced Labour Protocol, which came into force for New Zealand in December 2020.
• New Zealand works to proactively identify victims and supports them to safety and recovery by putting their protection and needs at the heart of our responses.
• The enforcement tools available to disrupt exploitation and hold people to account, particularly through prosecution, are effectively used.