Modern Slavery and Global Trade: Risk Management and Governance

Modern slavery is back on the political agenda, with the Crimes (Increased Penalties for Slavery Offences) Amendment Bill before Parliament. Regardless of the outcome, Kiwi businesses can no-longer afford to take a passive stance on human rights in their supply chains. 

Global trade is already shifting. Exporters are facing international due diligence laws and forced labour import bans that can block goods at borders. At the same time, investors, lenders, and insurers are increasingly factoring human rights risks into their decisions.

This exclusive in-person event brings together political leaders, legal advisors, and industry experts to unpack the legislative landscape, assess emerging trade and compliance risks, and provide practical guidance. 

We'll cover:

• How modern slavery risks are increasingly linked to export access, financing, and insurance.
• The impact of emerging international regulations—including from the EU and US—on New Zealand businesses.
• Why ethical sourcing is becoming essential for global competitiveness.
• How leaders can utilise credible tools like ecolabels and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to demonstrate meaningful due diligence and ask the right questions.

Our Speakers: 

Emceed by Stella H Jeon, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Eco Choice Aotearoa, you'll hear from: 

• Hon. Damien O'Connor, Labour List MP. Hon Damien O’Connor is a Labour List MP and Labour spokesperson for trade, land information, and regional development. He was the Minister for Trade and Export Growth, Minister of Agriculture, Minister for Biosecurity, and Minister for Land Information in the 2020 Labour government. Damien’s background in farming and adventure tourism drives his view that we need well-paid, sustainable jobs and industry growth to improve our future. He stands for equality and opportunity, and for the responsibility we owe to each other to maintain these values.
  
  
• Laura Gemmell, CEO of Eco Choice Aotearoa. Before joining Eco Choice Aotearoa in 2022, Laura was Director of Global Public Engagement at World Vision International where she experienced working in emergency contexts throughout Africa and the Middle East; driving award-winning global public engagement campaigns and inspiring meaningful action. In 2023, Laura facilitated the inclusion of modern slavery requirements into several Eco Choice standards, reflecting her commitment to driving awareness and action at the intersection of environmental sustainability and social justice.
  
  
• Alison Rowe, Global CEO at Edge Impact. Alison has over twenty years of experience in the sustainability sector and was a pioneer in the Chief Sustainability Officer role, scaling sustainability consulting internationally. She has expertise across nature, climate change, energy, technology, carbon, and circular economy fields, working across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. As a global leader, Alison excels in strategy, sustainability, people leadership, transformation, and relationship management. A purpose-driven leader, she is motivated by creating collective impact.
  
  
• Gemma Livingston, Special Counsel, Responsible Business, DLA Piper. Gemma Livingston is a Special Counsel and acting New Zealand pro bono manager at DLA Piper. Specialising in modern slavery, Gemma provides advice on compliance with global legislation and due diligence, assisting clients to effectively identify, address, prevent, mitigate, and remedy negative human rights risks. Prior to joining DLA Piper, Gemma managed the human rights pro bono practice at a global law firm in Australia and worked with clients throughout the consultation and implementation of modern slavery legislation in Australia. Most recently, Gemma was Director of business and human rights and social impact at a leading New Zealand consultancy, focusing on the 'S' of ESG.
  
  
• Dr Andrea Edwards, Head of Standards, Eco Choice Aotearoa (facilitator). Dr Andrea holds a PhD in Environmental Science from the University of Auckland and is a dedicated environmental justice researcher. As part of the Working to End Racial Oppression (WERO) programme, she is currently undertaking postdoctoral research exploring the drivers and impacts of environmental injustice on ethnic communities in Tāmaki Makaurau. In addition to her academic work, Andrea is an experienced conflict resolution facilitator with the Peace Foundation, where she teaches secondary students practical skills in communication, mediation, and peaceful problem-solving
  
  
• Featuring an interview with Gareth Marriott, Managing Director at OCS Australia & New Zealand, 1M, and Midcity. Gareth is a motivational leader, with a solid track record in building strong teams, providing strategic leadership and delivering results. He's also a passionate advocate for modern slavery. Gareth has chaired the Sustainable Business Council for several years and was recently appointed a business delegate of the Bali Process Government and Business Forum by international human rights organisation, Walk Free.

Agenda

• 7:30am - Arrival & networking (breakfast is provided).
• 8:00am - Panel discussion
• 9:15am to 9:30am - Event Finishes