“This doesn’t happen here” are words often spoken about the prevalence of child sexual exploitation in Aotearoa. We know this is not the case. Over the past 18 months, we have been interviewing people who have experienced child sexual exploitation in Aotearoa — both online and offline — to understand exploitation, how systems respond, and what needs to change.

This research, grounded in lived experience, is a powerful new contribution to the sector’s collective understanding of how domestic sex trafficking unfolds and why current responses too often fall short. Crucially, it also points to clear, actionable opportunities for system change.

Join us for a free evening of nibbles, discussion and networking as we launch this important work and look ahead to how we can strengthen our collective response.

Date: Tuesday, 29th July

Time: Doors open at 4:30pm, panel kicks off at 5pm sharp.

Location: ANZ Building, 171 Featherston Street, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

What to expect: Our expert panelists, including key researcher Dr Natalie Thorburn, will be presenting and discussing ECPAT NZ’s research findings. There will be a chance for Q&A and networking after the panel. Light refreshments will be provided before and after the panel.

Natalie is a policy advisor and social worker working in violence against women. She is currently working as Principal Policy Advisor at Women’s Refuge, and is one of Aotearoa’s foremost experts on gender based violence. Her research background includes sexual violence, family violence, and sex trafficking/exploitation, including her PhD focusing on the experiences of young people exploited through forced participation in sex work in Aotearoa.

She is the principal researcher for ECPAT NZ’s report.

Colm is the CEO of the Centre for Missing and Exploited Children in Australia. A seasoned professional in digital safety, child protection, cybercrime investigations, and software development, Colm has over 20 years of law enforcement experience. He has worked in close collaboration with the APAC, US, and EU Financial Coalitions Against Child Sexual Exploitation, and is his expertise spans strategic leadership, research, and governance in sectors focused on protecting people and using technology for social good.

Colm brings a deep understanding of global collaboration and innovation to protect children.

Rebecca is a specialist in human trafficking and broader forms of modern slavery. With a background in commercial litigation, employment law, and dispute resolution, Rebecca transitioned to human rights practice, providing legal representation to survivors of labour exploitation and human trafficking. She has subsequently spent time in senior policy and advocacy roles in the not-for-profit sector and as a senior advisor on human trafficking for the New Zealand government.

In her current role, she leads ANZ NZ’s efforts to combat modern slavery.