Strengthening collaboration
& building resilient responses
Human trafficking and exploitation thrive where responses are fragmented. Just Mercy Trust strengthens collaboration, capability, and coordinated action across Aotearoa New Zealand while building stronger partnerships throughout Oceania.
THE FACTS
More than 8000 people are estimated to be living in modern slavery in New Zealand.
Human trafficking is happening here in New Zealand and together, we need to build a stronger response. It’s time to act.
Learn about trafficking in New ZealandTHE OPPORTUNITY
The response is at a turning point.
Across Oceania, a growing network of organisations, practitioners, researchers, churches and advocates is responding to human trafficking and exploitation. But lasting change requires connection, collaboration and the infrastructure to work together.
Just Mercy exists to strengthen that foundation by connecting people, building capacity and supporting a coordinated regional response through the Oceania Freedom Network.
70+ network members
building a connected regional response
38 organisations
strengthening action across Oceania
Regional collaboration
through the Oceania Freedom Network, established in 2024
UN exposure
global forums and advocacy, growing Oceanias global voice
COORDINATED RESPONSE
A backbone for coordinated action.
Just Mercy does not provide frontline services. We help connect and equip the people and organisations already working to protect dignity and reduce exploitation.
01
Build collaboration
Connect organisations, practitioners and communities across the region.
02
Strengthen capability
Build skills and systems needed to respond effectively to exploitation.
03
Raise awareness
Help people recognise exploitation and respond wisely.
04
Support advocacy
Amplify voices and create systemic change at policy level.
05
Connect the Pacific
Amplify regional perspectives and partnership across Oceania.
Poverty & exploitation
Economic vulnerability can increase exposure to exploitation, while exploitation can deepen poverty and social exclusion.
Along side our 5 pillars, Just Mercy Trust works to strengthen the systems, relationships and pathways that help prevent exploitation and support people affected by it towards protection, recovery, resilience and restored opportunity. Learn about trafficking in New Zealand
OUR ROLE
Infrastructure, leadership and sustainability for the long term.
Founded in 2025 as a registered charitable trust, Just Mercy supports awareness-building, collaboration, capacity development, advocacy and regional partnership across nonprofit, faith, community, academic and government sectors.
Dignity first
Grounded in the inherent worth of every person.
Sector sensitive
Working across different communities without replacing frontline expertise.
Te Tiriti aware
Committed to respectful partnership and locally grounded responses.