“Once vessels are flagged to New Zealand the full range of New Zealand law including employment relations and workplace health and safety law will automatically apply and be enforceable.”

Hon NATHAN GUY (Minister for Primary Industries)

14 February 2013

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Over the last decade, the New Zealand fishing industry has been shaken by a series of high profile allegations of the abuse and exploitation of foreign crews working on foreign fishing vessels within New Zealand’s waters.

Specifically, high level reports have highlighted issues of sexual and physical abuse, minimal pay, and debt slavery. Following a series of non-legislative measures, the Government of New Zealand has responded with the Fisheries (Foreign Charter Vessels and Other Matters) Amendment Act, which came into force on 1 May 2016.

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Foreign Charter Vessel

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