The Plan of Action to Prevent People Trafficking is a whole-of-government response to people trafficking. The development of the Plan of Action represents the combined efforts of government agencies and the advocacy of non-government organisations. The Plan of Action was coordinated by the Department of Labour on behalf of the Inter-agency Working Group on People Trafficking. The Department would like to thank the various government agencies represented on the Inter-agency Working Group for the ongoing and meaningful contributions to the development of the Plan of Action and for their commitment to undertake the action items it identifies.

The approach to the development and implementation of the Plan of Action has been based on the principle of government and non-government working in partnership to achieve the common goal of preventing and combating people trafficking in New Zealand. The Department acknowledges the positive contribution of stakeholders in the non-government sector. The 34 formal submissions received from the non-government sector during the public consultation period in June 2008 helped to shape the Plan of Action. Moreover, the implementation of some the action items, particularly in relation to victim support, will utilise the existing partnerships between government agencies and non-government social service providers.

Inter-agency Working Group members:

• Department of Labour
• Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Ministry of Justice
• Ministry of Health
• Ministry of Social Development
• Ministry of Women's Affairs
• New Zealand Police
• New Zealand Customs Service