Trafficking Unlocked | Tauranga

When: 3rd November, 2022 | 6:15pm

Where: Trinity Wharf Hotel, Tauranga

Mix & Mingle bubbles and canapes; dinner and drinks included.

Dress code: Cocktail - think smart wedding attire.

Tearfund invites you to a charity evening raising funds for our mission to combat human trafficking in South East Asia and the Pacific.

Tearfund has been fighting to turn the tide on the evil trade of trafficking for over 10 years. Our vision is to see individuals around the world transformed by hope, opportunity and dignity, one precious life at a time. We take a holistic approach to tackling the issue of poverty and exploitation at its roots and we work through a framework of 5Ps, Prevention, Prosecution, Protection, Partnership and Policy to bring lasting change in the fight against modern slavery.

At Tearfund, we believe in partnership, because more can be accomplished when we act together. Our flagship event 'Trafficking Unlocked' was borne out of partnership in 2014, and we believe this is best way to create change; to grow a community of committed supporters who lend their voices, creativity and resources to restore freedom, justice and hope.

We warmly invite you to join us at our upcoming events in Auckland and Tauranga, where we will celebrate the progress of our partners working tirelessly in South East Asia and the Pacific, equipped with the generosity and compassion of our New Zealand supporters. On the night, you will have the chance to hear the stories of survivors who have been assisted by our partners' work, and be inspired by existing supporters to join our mission.

Nikko Asset Management, part of one of Asia's largest asset managers, is one such supporter creatively using their resources and networks to shine a light on the darkness of trafficking. The Freedom Fund was launched in 2021 to raise funds for Tearfund's work prosecuting traffickers, with the aim of funding the employment of more lawyers and supporting systemic change to judicial systems in South East Asia. The fund is a first-of-its kind ethical fund that also seeks to raise awareness of the issue of human trafficking in New Zealand and expand Tearfund's reach.

Nikko AM belongs to The Royal New Zealand Ballet's family of sponsors and we are honoured to partner with these two prestigious organisations for this event.

This year's event takes inspiration from the Creative Arts to explore the human experience of modern day slavery, and we are delighted to present a collection of performances drawing from the mediums of art, dance, music, poetry and song.

Our panel of expert speakers will set the stage for presenting Tearfund's future vision to combat poverty and exploitation in Asia and the Pacific, and the case for why we need fresh creativity, advocacy and generosity from new partnerships in order to achieve this ambitious work.

*Note - if you're booking a table of ten and do not have all attendees names, you can leave this section blank and edit your order later.

You can look forward to hearing from:

Our host, Indira Stewart, Journalist, TV Presenter and Tearfund Ambassador. Currently on our morning television screen co-hosting TV One’s Breakfast Show, Tongan Fijian Indira is passionate about seeking out stories that give a platform to those without a voice, to fight back against social injustice and hold those responsible to account. She is rapidly making her mark as a significant journalistic voice in New Zealand’s wide media spectrum with multiple nominations to her name, all while studying law and raising four young children with her husband.

Former Detective for NZ Police and Former Head of the Organised Crime Team for LIFT International, Sean Hatwell has led over 60 investigations into human trafficking and child sexual exploitation cases in Asia and the Pacific. This includes several high profile, complex and successful human trafficking and child sexual exploitation investigations resulting in large numbers of arrests, as well as generating systemic changes to prevent further trafficking.

Member of the NZ Order of Merit for her services to humanitarian advocacy and photography, Nikki Denholm has dedicated her life to documenting and raising awareness of social justice issues including war, famine, FGM and human trafficking in over 40 countries. With over 20 years in-field experience, Nikki has recently founded The Light Project to help New Zealand young people and communities navigate the new online pornography landscape.

Managing Director of Nikko AM, George Carter is the inspiration behind the Freedom Fund, a first of its kind ethical investment fund, generating returns to fund the prosecution of human traffickers. A long-time supporter of Tearfund, George was inspired to use the skills and experience of his team as a vehicle to disrupt the trafficking world and raise awareness of the issue of modern slavery in New Zealand.

GJ Gardner Tauranga franchise owners, Shane and Kirsty McConnell, are passionate, long-term supporters of Tearfund's fight against modern slavery. They have modelled charitable generosity to their three children, encouraging them not to shy away from the diverse reality of childhood experiences across the globe. Their eldest daughter Hope visited the field with Tearfund in 2019, which had a lasting impact on her.

Known for her expressive tone and moving interpretations, Anna's music has been described as captivating and ethereal. Performing on stage across multiple genres since the age of seven, Anna is driven by her desire to uplift people through the power of music, story and connection. With four albums to her name recorded in Poland, London, Israel and New Zealand, Anna has toured New Zealand with her band and as a guest to Welsh tenor Paul Potts. www.annahawkinsmusic.com

*Please note some of the content and promotional material to be shared throughout the evening is of a sensitive nature.

Thank you to our sponsors:

COVID POLICY

We are obligated to work within the policy that is set by the venue. If there are any changes to this, we will advise you as soon as possible.
Trinity Wharf's policy can be found here: Trinity Wharf COVID-19 Policy

For event enquiries, contact us at events@tearfund.org.nz