Strategic Direction
Sectoral Context
Customs is placed within the external sector, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Ministry of Defence, and the New Zealand Defence Force. Agencies within the external sector have a role in advancing the Government’s external policy goal – New Zealand influences the international environment to promote our interests and values and to contribute to a stable, peaceful and prosperous world. Customs contributes to the external policy goal through our customs advice on trade agreements and protection of New Zealand from major external threats.
The border management environment involves a number of agencies that facilitate and control the flow of trade and travel across the border. Customs’ extensive presence, capability and infrastructure support at the border means we are a significant contributor to border management, and the border sector*, comprised of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Labour, Ministry of Transport, and Customs.
* - The “border” in the context of the border sector is “the point at which people, craft, or goods, and Maori taonga and other treasured items” are given final approval to enter or depart New Zealand.
Customs and other border sector agencies aim to improve coordination and collaboration between them to enhance the efficiencies and effectiveness in border management, where their interests and those of their stakeholders intersect at the border. The border sector agencies have agreed a shared vision, objectives, and outcomes of Protection, Facilitation, and Partnership and Responsibility for the sector.
Customs Contribution to Government and the State SectorCustoms OutcomesCustoms Strategic FrameworkDevelopment Goals for the State Services