Joseph Matamata
New ZealandcriminalMale2.0Global Dominance: 0.00%Joseph Matamata is a New Zealand national who made headlines in 2020 as the first person in the country to be convicted of both slavery and human trafficking. His case involved the exploitation of multiple victims, some as young as 12 years old, who were forced into labor under harsh conditions. Matamata's actions highlighted the severe issues of human trafficking and modern slavery in New Zealand.
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Recent news mentions
Joseph Matamata was granted parole after serving nearly six years in prison for human trafficking and enslavement.
Hawke’s Bay enslaver and human trafficker Joseph Matamata granted paroleThe New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New Zealand· 2026-06-19
New Zealand· 2026-06-19
Joseph Matamata became the first New Zealander convicted of both slavery and human trafficking.
Slavemaster Moeaia Tuai set to be sentencedThe New Zealand Herald – country’s largest newspaper, est. 1863·New Zealand· 2026-01-11
New Zealand· 2026-01-11
