Last week our speaker was Katie Knowles, Operations Manager at MBIE, speaking on the topic of "Modern slavery, human trafficking and exploitation in New Zealand".
It mightn’t be easy to associate modern day slavery and human trafficking with New Zealand, but, in fact, both are a reality in New Zealand. Human trafficking is the third largest form of organised crime internationally. And while many will relate human trafficking and slavery to women destined for the sex industry, at least in New Zealand that is not so much the case as it is for men lured to NZ with the promise of work that proves not to live up to expectations.
Katie explained what defines human trafficking and the difference between trafficking and slavery, and also described recent cases that have been brought to the courts on exploitation. So far there has been only one successful case conviction for trafficking in New Zealand, but it's more common than you may think and is prevalent across a wide range of industry groups, including horticultural, construction, and hospitality.
Also this evening we had the honour of welcoming Karyn Meade and husband Kevin Walker, as the newest members of Rotary Tawa. Karyn and Kevin are also currently hosting out RYE Inbound student Olivia and Karyn's daughter is currently in Canada as our Outbound RYE student. So you've probably seen them around at previous meetings, but please make them feel welcome.
Member Mark Carol provided an update on his and New Zealander's passion on sport during his 3-minute talk.
OTHER RECENT EVENTS:
The WCC Tawa Plaza project completion opening event.
Thank you for those who volunteered to help out at the Plaza opening party last Friday. This is what Stacey (Vibrant Tawa) had to say on the event ....
It was a great night with lots of people and fun happening - which seems strange now as the true magnitude of the horror in Christchurch becomes clear. But this is exactly why community is so important... communities that know and understand each other and spend time together are places of love, light, peace and tolerance. Thanks to everyone who came down to make it an amazing event and thanks to the amazing Tawa community - for being one of love, kindness and connection.
