Customs organisations worldwide mark International Customs Day (ICD) each year on 26 January. This marks the day of the first official meeting of the Customs Co-operation Council, now known as the World Customs Organization. The New Zealand Customs Service marked International Customs Day 2010 with 'open day' style events in both Wellington and Auckland. ICD was held for the second time in Wellington on Tuesday 26 January at Civic Square. Spectacular weather attracted a constant stream of visitors throughout the event. Victoria University’s tuatara was a big hit with children, as were the half hourly drug detector dog demonstrations. In Auckland, ICD was held as part of the Auckland Anniversary Weekend celebrations down at the Viaduct Harbour. There were a number of displays, a stirring performance from Customs’ Māori Network, and tours of the Hawk IV vessel.Chief Customs Officer Robert shows what Customs sees on the mobile x-ray screen.Cecilia and Meredith talk to some interested people about weapons we have seized at the border.The crowds at Wellington's Civic Square.Tom teaches how to tell a real from a fake.Dog handler Debbie and her dog Dallas during a demonstration.Auckland officers at the Viaduct Basin.The Auckland mobile x-ray team had a busy day but kept smiling.Customs’ Māori Network entertained the crowds throughout the day in Auckland.The Hawk IV vessel was popular among the public. Some even had a lie down out of the sun!Dog handlers Melissa (on the mic) and Maranga with detector dog Zen entertained the public with their demonstrations throughout the day.
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