Human trafficking is today’s modern day form of slavery, involving gross violation of fundamental human rights. It is the fastest growing criminal activity in the world. The 2021 Traffic in Persons (TIP) Report by the US State Department shows New Zealand has dropped from tier one to tier two, as New Zealand no longer fully meets the TVPA’s minimum standard to stay in tier one, recommending New Zealand to progress with strengthening our approach to human trafficking.

Section 98D of the Crimes Act 1961 contains a penalty of imprisonment for a term not exceeding 20 years, a fine not exceeding $500,000, or both. Through section 98D, New Zealand has never prosecuted a sex trafficking crime. By increasing the penalty in section 98 of the Act, where the seven New Zealand cases of traffickers have been convicted, we have the ability to give a significantly harsher penalty that is consistent with 98D. Changing section 98AA also brings consistency in penalties for those under 18 years.

This achieves a cohesive penalty regime that is a step forward to achieving New Zealand’s hard stance against human trafficking.