Comptroller's introduction
The global environment is changing and New Zealand needs to meet the challenge. We are faced with unprecedented turmoil in the global economy, the effects of which may be felt for some years to come. We also have to respond to longer-term drivers of change, as nations seek more integrated trade and travel supply chains, and government and industry seek to be more efficient and effective through higher levels of systems integration, simpler business processes, and less bureaucracy.
The downturn in the global economy means Customs will face fluctuating trade and travel volumes and increasing risks that will need to be met with fewer resources. It is therefore imperative that we take the opportunity to ensure we are efficient, agile, and effective. Over the next three years, we will continue to explore innovative ways to achieve better services at the border – both within our own domain and in partnership with other border sector agencies. This includes doing more to adopt new technologies, automate and simplify business processes, and develop our partnerships with New Zealand industry.
Major threats, such as terrorism, continue to pose a risk to national security for New Zealand as for other nations. However, the spread of organised criminal syndicates around the globe – particularly in lucrative areas such as illicit drug trafficking and smuggling – increasingly challenge law enforcement agencies. In New Zealand, Customs expects to manage these challenges alongside rising non-compliance with border and revenue laws as businesses and individuals come under increasing financial pressure.
In moving forward, Customs will focus on three main priorities agreed with Ministers – the first having the highest priority:
› Advance integration of trans-Tasman border clearance
› Develop and implement the Joint Border Management System and Trade Single Window
› Increase in interceptions of illicit drugs and precursor materials entering New Zealand.
These priorities directly align to the Government’s driving goal for all New Zealanders and more specific goals to grow the economy, make communities safer, clamp down on criminal gangs and the ‘P’ trade, and step up infrastructure.
Over the term of this Statement of Intent, we have a focus on increasing Customs’ agility in three ways. We seek more efficient and responsive processes based on enhanced information technology. This includes advancing the border management system (CusMod) replacement, with the Joint Border Management System and Trade Single Window – in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. We will explore, and where appropriate, invest in new technologies to achieve more efficient and effective operations. We also seek to increase our workforce flexibility through training and deployment options that enable Customs to respond more effectively to changing risks and workloads.
Customs’ focus on the three main priorities means we will be well placed to meet changing requirements, both overseas and within New Zealand, to ensure our continued support for New Zealand to remain competitive as a nation. This Statement of Intent sets out the positive contribution we expect to make over the next three years.
Comptroller's Statement of Responsibility
In signing this statement, I acknowledge that I am responsible for the information contained in the New Zealand Customs Service Statement of Intent 2009 – 2012. This information has been prepared in accordance with the Public Finance Act 1989. It is also consistent with the proposed appropriations set out in the Appropriations (2009/10 Estimates) Bill, as presented to the House of Representatives in accordance with section 13 of the Public Finance Act 1989, and with existing appropriations and financial authorities.
Martyn Dunne, CNZM
Comptroller of Customs
Counter-signed by
John Kyne
Chief Financial Officer