Will students shop at H&M New Zealand amid unsafe labour claims?

One of the world’s largest retailers opens in New Zealand this weekend. But allegations of controversial labour practices being employed by the chain means students must decide between their wallets and their consciences.

With Swedish fashion chain H&M set to open their first New Zealand store in Auckland tomorrow, cash-starved students are torn over whether to support the budget-friendly store amid reports of child labour and unethical factory conditions.

The second largest clothing retailer in the world has more than 4100 stores around the world, and the brand’s arrival in New Zealand has been eagerly anticipated by fashion fans.

However human rights experts have expressed concerns for the thousands of workers making H&M clothes in Bangladesh, and the practices that allow the clothes to be sold at such low prices.

Te Waha Nui asked AUT students whether reports of unethical labour conditions would influence their decision to shop at the fast fashion chain. Video: Katie Parker and Sam Hewat