Minister's Forward

I am pleased to present the New Zealand Customs Service Statement of Intent 2006–2007.

Government priorities for the next decade focus on working to progress our economic transformation, providing support and choices for our families, and maintaining the pride of all New Zealanders in our unique national identity.

As reflected in this Statement of Intent, the New Zealand Customs Service is fully committed to working with other government agencies here and overseas, and with relevant industry groups in New Zealand, to further these goals.

The Service recognises the importance of maintaining New Zealand’s competitiveness in international trade and tourism, to our prosperity as a nation. In line with this commitment, work will continue this year, with other border agencies and with New Zealand industry, to maximise efficiency in border clearance, which will benefit all who trade or travel across our borders. The Service will also continue to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Ministry of Economic Development in the negotiation and operation of trade agreements, to ensure that trade is both free and fairly conducted.

The implementation of tighter control systems by New Zealand’s major trading partners to prevent international cargos being used for terrorist purposes, also has an impact on the Service’s work. This will see it continue to work with our exporters and overseas customs organisations on control systems here that reduce the risk of our exports being subject to expensive compliance checks at overseas borders. The Service is well placed through its membership of international customs organisations, to influence the development of standards for the efficient and safe conduct of trade, and will seek to extend that influence this year.

The safety and health of our families, particularly our young people, has been impacted by the availability of methamphetamine and other drugs. The Customs Service is at the front line in the ongoing battle against the importation of methamphetamine and the chemicals used to manufacture the drug in New Zealand. The Service will continue to work closely with the New Zealand Police and the Ministry of Health on strategies to reduce the supply and demand for illegal drugs. The Service will also this year enhance its border intelligence capabilities and strengthen its contacts with overseas customs authorities, to combat the involvement of offshore criminal organisations in the drug trade across our borders.

As New Zealanders, we are justifiably proud of our unique national identity, and while we enjoy the advantages of freer trade and travel, we want to protect our society, environment and economy from risk. The Customs Service provides a range of integrated, intelligencebased services to government in the clearance of goods, people and craft entering or leaving New Zealand. These services enable Customs and other agencies to intercept potential risks at the border – including threats to the environment and public health, to conservation and heritage values, and to national security – while ensuring the facilitation of legitimate trade and travel.

As the Minister responsible for Customs, I confirm that the information contained within this Statement of Intent is consistent with the policies and performance expectations of this Government.

Nanaia Mahuta
Minister of Customs