In Episode 1 of On The Table we share who we are, why we’re having this conversation and the story of 27 Seconds. We then turn our attention to defining and unpacking ‘Modern Slavery’.

While we’ve called this ‘Starting at the Top’ it is more than a 101 on modern slavery. This episode covers off some of the key things we think you need to know, while also acknowledging the complexity of an issue like this.

We found ourselves rethinking too…and hope you enjoy the conversation.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• THE TRUTH ABOUT MODERN SLAVERY – An outstanding book that unpacks modern slavery and, in particular, some of the narratives that sit alongside the issue.
• COBALT RED – a great book that demonstrates the complexity of one part of the supply chain that we increasingly depend on globally.
• THE TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS REPORT – Released annually by the US Department of State, this is a go to in terms of where countries are at in their response, while also highlighting key issues. This is the 2023 report, also see 2022 for more in-depth country by country analysis including New Zealand
• WALK FREE GLOBAL SLAVERY INDEX – An NGO focussed on slavery worldwide, with their annual Index and plenty of other great content

THE RISKY GOODS – From our whānau at World Vision, who looked at NZ supply chains and more recently cosmetics, as well as upcoming legislation (spoiler for future OTT episode!!)

In Episode 2 of On The Table we talk law and explore the journey of legislation around the world and in Aotearoa New Zealand. We are joined by Rebekah Armstrong, Head of Advocacy and Justice at World Vision NZ who takes us through the evolution of legislation and what we can learn.

We also ponder what this means for our organisations, and for us as professionals, including several moments of connecting with the human side of this challenge.

AND: Since we recorded this podcast, we have exciting news!! Government is proceeding with NZ legislation….more details below.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• NZ GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION – Through until 2022, the NZ Government consulted on proposed legislation, which we refer to in this podcast. It received emphatic support. More details are here:
• NZ LEGISLATION – The latest on Modern Slavery and Work Exploitation work by the NZ Government can be found here. 
• THE PRESS RELEASE OUTLINING WORK ON LEGISLATION –found here: 
• NOTE: There have been a lot of different perspectives shared on the proposed legislation, supportive of action finally occurring and critical of the absence of aspects that were consulted on. That is probably a fair summary of sentiment!
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• WORLD VISION NZ – One of the leading advocates in NZ, and of course where Rebekah works! 

CONTACT US: onthetable@woocommerce-364490-1135018.cloudwaysapps.com

CONNECT WITH REBEKAH: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekaharmstrong01/⁠ 

CONNECT WITH WORLD VISION NZ: ⁠https://www.worldvision.org.nz/⁠

In Episode 3 of On The Table, we turn our attention to our organisations, and what Modern Slavery means for the way we do things. We are joined by Gary Shaw who is an independent consultant in modern slavery and sustainability. Gary shares his personal and professional story and his work with corporates. 

We really talking about culture and mindset, and how our organisations need to approach an issue like Modern Slavery. We also let Seán nerd out on the role of procurement (!) and how this fits in organisations.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• INNER DEVELOPMENT GOALS – Gary mentioned this project, which takes the Sustainable Development Goals and brings them back to our individual values.
• A HIDDEN WHOLENESS – Gary refers to this fascinating book by Parker Palmer – A Hidden Wholeness. See summary here. 
• QUOTE – Profit for a company is like oxygen for a person. If you don’t have enough of it, you’re out of the game. But if you think your life is about breathing, you’re really missing something – Peter Drucker. Gary referred to this quote in our interview.

CONTACT US: onthetable@woocommerce-364490-1135018.cloudwaysapps.com

CONNECT WITH GARY: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-shaw-0706671b7/

For Episode 4 of On The Table we are joined by Peter Baynard-Smith (Global Programs Lead, Hagar International) and Giang Thi Thu Thuy (Executive Director, Hagar Vietnam) in an interview that brought together NZ, Australia and Vietnam.

Peter and Thuy shared their background and their work with Hagar, with some powerful stories from Vietnam. For nearly 30 years, Hagar has worked with those affected by the trauma of trafficking, slavery, and abuse.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• THE TRUTH ABOUT MODERN SLAVERY – An outstanding book that unpacks modern slavery and, in particular, some of the narratives that sit alongside the issue.
• COBALT RED – a great book that demonstrates the complexity of one part of the supply chain that we increasingly depend on globally.
• THE TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS REPORT – Released annually by the US Department of State, this is a go to in terms of where countries are at in their response, while also highlighting key issues. This is the 2023 report, also see 2022 for more in-depth country by country analysis including New Zealand
• WALK FREE GLOBAL SLAVERY INDEX – An NGO focussed on slavery worldwide, with their annual Index and plenty of other great content

THE RISKY GOODS – From our whānau at World Vision, who looked at NZ supply chains and more recently cosmetics, as well as upcoming legislation (spoiler for future OTT episode!!)