Background of modern slavery in telecommunications
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) an estimated 40.3 million people worldwide are subject to modern slavery including 25 million people in forced labour. Of the people trapped in forced labour, 16 million people are exploited in the private sector such as in domestic work, construction or agriculture; 4.8 million are in forced sexual exploitation, and 4 million are in forced labour imposed by state authorities. Forced labour generates approximately US$150 billion in illegal profits yearly.
The telecommunications sector has had significant issues in private exploitation, child labour and poor worker conditions.
New Zealand’s position is outlined by New Zealand’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
This statement is produced to provide interested stakeholders with information about Hi-Tec Aerials Limited and its supply chain for the purpose of understanding the potential exposure to modern slavery risk.
Modern slavery includes situations where coercion, threats or deception is used to exploit victims and undermine their freedom. This includes practices such as:
- Human trafficking
- Slavery
- Servitude
- Forced labour
- Debt bondage
- Forced marriage
- Extreme forms of child labour.
Hi-Tec Aerials applies global best practice to eliminate modern slavery practices. As part of this support, we assess and monitor the risks within our supply chains.
Hi-Tec Aerials and its supply chain
Structure
Hi-Tec Aerials Limited is a privately owned New Zealand company that was founded in Christchurch in 1974 and for a period prior to 2022 was named Hi-Tec Aerials N.Z. Limited.
Its ultimate holding company is solely owned by Directors Elisha John Nuttall and Samuel Dirk Vanderpyl.
The business head office is in Christchurch, New Zealand. It employs approximately 9 staff based at its facility in Woolston.
Operations
Hi-Tec Aerials manufactures antenna systems, parts and accessories for organisations across New Zealand, and internationally. Its customers include Government agencies and department, large corporates, not for profits and individuals.
Material operations include:
- antenna assembly
- antenna design and R&D
- coordination of outsourced works with local subcontractors
- testing of aerial performance
- packaging of customer orders
- coordination of inwards and outwards freight
Supply chain
Hi-Tec Aerials suppliers is primarily a manufacturing company based in Christchurch. All subcontractors for outworks are also local Christchurch companies. Major suppliers are New Zealand metal companies and Tier 1 telecommunications suppliers. International suppliers are leading European radio frequency equipment providers. Other local supplies include: administration software providers, IT product and service providers, legal advisers, consultants, Insurance brokers, banks, and utility providers.
Modern slavery risks in our operations and supply chain
We are confident we have no modern slavery within our business. As a certified Living Wage Employer, all our staff, and indirectly employed workers, receive at least the independently assessed Living wage.
We have assessed the risk of modern slavery within our immediate suppliers as low. Consideration has been given to the sector and industry, products and services, types of investments made, and geographic risks such as the rule of law and governance. Nonetheless, Hi-Tec Aerials is aware of the harm modern slavery presents, and that these risks can exist, knowingly or unknowingly further along the supply chain or within that of its suppliers’ supply chains.
Certifications held
Buy NZ Made – find us at BuyNZ here.
Living Wage Employer New Zealand outlined on our home page here.
