1. Comply with policies and legislation
I have worked in a number of different sections and built up my knowledge of the Customs policies and legislation relevant to each area. I understand the importance of adhering to and implementing current guidelines and enforcing the Customs & Excise Act correctly to ensure the integrity and standards of the Service remain at a high level.
I hold the position of Health and Safety Officer for my team, which requires a full understanding of the Health and Safety policies. In this role I am responsible for providing H&S orientation to new staff and ensuring all incidents were accurately reported, monitored and remedied in accordance with our policy. I am fully aware of the role these policies play and consistently follow appropriate procedures each time the need arises.
In regard to other subject areas, I have maintained my knowledge of current legislation and policies by attending training and updates whenever available and by monitoring updates on the Longroom.
I am also aware of, and support, the practice of EEO and our ongoing commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi. I have participated in the Maori Language and Tikanga courses organised by Maori network. This has given me some insight into issues of importance for my Maori colleagues and members of the public.
I adhere to the strict application of security policies and comply with these requirements in all facets of my job.
2. Self Developer
I am currently completing the New Zealand Certificate in Border Management and have previously successfully completed correspondence papers via Massey University. I thrive in an environment where I am given the opportunity to learn and develop new skills.
I am committed to ongoing specialist training, whenever possible, to enhance my knowledge and contribute to a higher level of achievement.
I know that if I am successful with this application I will gain many skills that will build on my effectiveness as a Customs Officer. My desire to continue upskilling and improving my work performance reflects in the professionalism and pride I bring to my work
I enjoy challenging situations and am a proactive team member who also works well independently.
4. Strategic Thinker
I am very conscious of the need for all operational activities to be aligned with the strategic aims of the Service as a whole. I have read and understood the Statement of Intent 2003 – 2006, the Risk Management Framework, Strategic Plan, Maori Responsiveness Plan and operational Business Plan for our area. I see the Business Plans as being a means of specifying how the various parts of NZ Customs will contribute towards achieving these aims. I ensure that I am familiar with these plans as they are developed.
I am a forward thinker and consistently use my experience and knowledge to contribute to developing processes, which deliver on our goals and are practical, realistic and achievable.
I have developed a set of guidelines pertaining to our processes to assist staff members with their work and ensure that a consistent approach is undertaken by all.
I am currently involved in mapping the processes of Customs so that our current operations can be assessed, analysed and modified if necessary. It will focus on the processes of all agencies involved and affect such aspects as allocation of resources and staff management. This task involves various stages and levels of planning which also includes the assessment of risk factors and vulnerabilities and how we can best manage them.
In my day to day work I am frequently using tools such as General Query, reading Tactical Intelligence Reports and, as a consequence, have developed strong profiling skills which have resulted in some excellent “finds”. I have also been responsible for instigating operations in conjunction with other officers and have developed a good awareness of the various factors and issues that affect these processes and the Service as a whole.
Outside of work I have been an Auckland representative soccer coach for many years. This role involved a lot of planning, preparation, analysis and provided a host of opportunities to develop strategies to encourage a positive team and a positive result.