Slavery in our seas banned

Stuff reports:

In its last act before the elections, Parliament today outlawed the practices behind slave-like fishing practices in New Zealand waters.

From May 2016, foreign charter fishing vessels (FCV) – some of which have committed human rights and labour abuses – will have to fly New Zealand flags and obey New Zealand laws.

This is excellent. I’ve written many times on this subject, demanding change. I was delighted when the Government announced they would requite ships catching NZ quota to be flagged in NZ, and it is great to see that decision given legislative force.

The abuses on some FCVs were horrendous – sexual abuse, near indenture, wages with illegal deductions. These may still happen in some areas, but no longer in NZ waters by boats catching NZ quota.