PARTNERSHIP FOR PROTECTION IN OTAGO

Port Otago Ltd and the New Zealand Customs Service today (Thursday 9 December) formalised their close working relationship with the signing of a FrontLine partnership agreement.

The agreement sees Port Otago and Customs agreeing to work together to combat smuggling and other illegal import and export activities, and to improve facilitation of trade through the port. 

“Through FrontLine, Port Otago is agreeing to provide us with extra eyes and ears as we go about our job of securing trade in and out of the port," says Comptroller of Customs Martyn Dunne.

“Customs staff and port company staff work alongside each other every day, and this agreement can only add to the team effort and good relationships that already exist between our two organisations.” 

FrontLine is an initiative aimed at developing and expanding existing and new relationships with business to facilitate legitimate trade, promote community development through supporting trade, and detect prohibited goods and illegal activity.

The New Zealand Customs Service has recently expanded its presence at Port Chalmers, as it gears up to provide extra security over import and export trade.

There are now 15 customs officers based at the port, with a secure area set aside for cargo examinations.

A mobile cargo non-invasive inspection (x-ray) unit is operating in Dunedin and early next year a container inspection unit, capable of screening an entire shipping container in one go, will be arriving in the port.

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