FOREWORD

People trafficking is a crime of control and exploitation. It is an act that victimises someone who has not consented to being taken across borders.

The New Zealand Government is committed to taking a proactive approach to prevent and combat people trafficking.  We recognise the transnational nature of people trafficking crime, and are currently working to develop and enhance international and domestic processes for prosecuting people traffickers and assisting the victims of trafficking.

New Zealand enforcement authorities have yet to uncover any evidence or indications of people trafficking despite a number of investigations both by Police and Immigration officials to identify trafficking activity.  While ideally this absence of trafficking will continue, it is important for New Zealand to be prepared to deal with any future cases that may arise effectively and in accordance with international best practice.

The Interagency Working Group on People Trafficking has produced this discussion document to seek input from interested parties on the proposed approach, development and implementation of a plan of action to prevent people trafficking. This is also an opportunity for suggestions about other items that could be included in a plan of action. 

The work to develop a plan of action represents the first cross-government strategy for dealing with people trafficking and demonstrates the Government’s dedication to curbing the global trade in persons, and to assisting vulnerable people who become victims of trafficking. 

I encourage you to participate in the development of further measures to prevent and combat people trafficking by submitting your thoughts on these issues.

Hon Clayton Cosgrove
Minister of Immigration

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