An international expert whose organisation has fought human trafficking for more than 20 years will be speaking at a public meeting near Tauranga tonight.

Hagar International CEO Micaela Cronin will share information on what the global organisation is doing to fight human trafficking and abuse at Rataroa Retreat on Old Kaimai Road, from 7.30pm

Based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Hagar primarily helps survivors of human trafficking and other human rights abuses to recover, but also works with local governments and legal systems to prevent trafficking from happening. The organisation also works in Afghanistan, Singapore and Vietnam.

Hagar NZ executive director Don Lord says tonight is an amazing opportunity for Kiwis to not only hear first-hand about the extent of Hagar's work, but be inspired to make a difference in the fight against human trafficking.

'More people are in slavery today than at any other time in history. It's a huge problem in our world and we need to know what we can do about it.”

Prior to her work with Hagar, Micaela was CEO of the Mackillop Family Services, a Catholic community agency that provides services to over 5000 people across three Australian states, and is a recognised leader at state and national level in Australia.

In 2014, in acknowledgement of her significant contribution, Micaela was awarded the Robin Clark Memorial Award for service and leadership in the children, youth and family services sector.

If you would like to attend tonight's public meeting featuring Hagar International CEO Micaela Cronin at Rataroa Retreat on Old Kaimai Road you will need to RSVP at: hagar.org.nz

Following tonight public meeting in Tauranga, Micaela will be speaking in Hamilton on March 5, Auckland on March 6, Wellington on March 7, and Christchurch on March 8.