Minister's Foreword

I am pleased to present the New Zealand Customs Service Statement of Intent 2004 – 2006, which sets out the results Customs wants to deliver on behalf of the people of New Zealand.

Customs has a broad range of responsibilities at the border, while the volume of goods, people and craft entering and leaving New Zealand continues to grow. The challenge for Customs is to balance the two objectives: facilitating legitimate trade and travel while protecting both this country and our trading partners from the risks inherent in the movement of people and cargo across international borders.

Last year Customs received a significant increase in funding to improve its operational capabilities.

As a result of that funding, considerable progress was made on implementing New Zealand’s supply chain security strategy which aims to provide assurance over the security of our exports, minimising the likelihood that our goods will be delayed crossing the borders of our trading partners.

The funding increase also provided for proactive drug investigation in response to the burgeoning hard-drug problem. This too has produced some significant results.

The Government is concerned that we do not leave the door open for New Zealand to be used as a safe haven — a bolt-hole for terrorists or a platform for launching an attack elsewhere. In response, the Government has provided the necessary allocation in the 2004/05 budget to allow Customs to maintain its level of vigilance in the air and marine environments, even as the volume of passengers and trade continues to grow.

Equally important, the New Zealand Customs Service must strive to maintain its reputation for integrity, which relies on the honesty, dedication, and professionalism of its staff.

As Minister, I am confident that Customs will use its increased capabilities to continue to protect the way of life New Zealanders value.


Rick Barker
Minister of Customs