Preface - Welcome to the New Zealand Customs Service

The New Zealand Customs Service is the oldest government agency in New Zealand, having been founded on 5 January 1840. This briefing about the New Zealand Customs portfolio describes our modern role and business activities, the strategic challenges we face, and how we intend to achieve the best outcomes from working at the border alongside other agencies.

I would like to meet you at the earliest opportunity to discuss this briefing, outline our current strategic direction, together with major policy issues, and hear your expectations for Customs.

The material presented in this document will be supplemented by further information and briefings as you may require.

When convenient, I would be pleased to help your Office to make arrangements for you to visit selected Customs locations and services and to meet our staff and observe our various operations. As effective stakeholder relationships are central to our success there will also be a range of opportunities for you to meet with key stakeholders.

There is no requirement to make this briefing publicly available and it is your decision whether or not to release it. Its contents are, however, subject to the request provisions of the Official Information Act.
 
Martyn Dunne
Chief Executive and Comptroller of Customs