Celebrating International Women's Day

Shani – challenging assumptions, accepting opportunities, and leading with capability

Driven by a strong interest in international relations and grounded in a clear sense of self, Shani joined Customs in 2020 after completing degrees in law and arts. She began her career as a Policy Analyst in the International Team, and by 2025 was representing Customs as a Counsellor in Tokyo. 

Customs operates both nationally and internationally to facilitate legitimate trade and disrupt transnational, serious and organised crime. Through this work, Shani represented New Zealand at international forums, while also supporting the negotiation of bilateral agreements on border protection and trade facilitation with international partners.

In 2025, Shani accepted a six-month secondment as Customs Counsellor in Tokyo. Based at the New Zealand Embassy, she represented New Zealand Customs North Asia, while also supporting regional cooperation through Asia-Pacific forums. The role expanded her leadership responsibilities and influence and placed her at the centre of high-level engagement across the region.

During the posting, Shani worked closely with senior officials and international counterparts, building trusted relationships and sharing information that supported operational outcomes. She represented New Zealand Customs at regional meetings and contributed to discussions on border security, trade facilitation and combatting transnational, serious, and organised crime.

Working internationally also meant navigating assumptions about who belongs in leadership roles. Shani approached these moments with preparation and confidence. “What matters most is how I show up,” she says. “I focus on being informed, clear and professional, and I let my capability speak for itself.”

Shani credits the trust and support that she received from colleagues and partners as key to her success. “When people are given the opportunity to excel, the return is much bigger than one individual. It strengthens teams, organisations and outcomes.”

“It was a privilege to represent New Zealand overseas and to help strengthen partnerships that directly support our border and national interests.”

To others considering a role at Customs or in the international policy space, her message is clear. “There is no single mould to fit. Recognise the strengths, skills, and perspectives you bring, and focus on the areas where you can have the greatest impact. Stay true to who you are and let your character and merit demonstrate your capability.”

Brittany – Leading with intent: giving time, building trust, strengthening our border

Customs Central and Southern Airports Manager, Brittany, is responsible for four operational teams across the North and South Island. She describes her role one that removes barriers, and ensures her teams have the support, capability and clarity they need to make decisions. 

At the border, Customs is required to address transnational, serious and organised crime while also facilitating legitimate trade and travel. These responsibilities rely on teams working collaboratively, sharing information clearly, and coordinating decisions across locations. 

Brittany places emphasis on creating space for open discussion and two-way feedback, including feedback directed upward. She notes that encouraging different viewpoints reduces the risk of decisions being shaped by a single perspective and supports more consistent outcomes.

With teams operating across two islands, maintaining connection is a practical consideration. Time is built into meetings to allow for discussion beyond immediate tasks, helping teams remain aligned and informed despite distance. 

Brittany says that being present, communicating clearly, and setting expectations while trusting teams to deliver are important leadership practices. “Being present shows support. It creates space for the conversations that don’t always happen over the phone but are often where people gain clarity and confidence.”

She is equally intentional about creating an environment where people feel supported to step forward. She believes this is especially important those may be prepared before they realise it.

In practical leadership, Brittany explains that “Give to Gain” is about investing time instead of making occasional gestures. It involves being genuine and receptive, encouraging feedback, welcoming new ideas, clearly communicating goals, and trusting others to achieve results - even if their methods differ from your own.

Megan – Protecting borders, not being limited by them

Throughout her 20+ year career, Megan managed the responsibilities of motherhood while contributing to the development of Customs’ maritime capacity and playing an important role in maintaining its ability to address changing threats across New Zealand and the Pacific.

Megan’s interest in law enforcement led her to apply for a Customs role in 2004. She moved to New Plymouth, which would become her long-term home. While working in a smaller location meant fewer progression opportunities, Megan chose to focus on gaining experience rather than seeing this as a limitation.

For 12 years, Megan sought out project work, acting roles and gaining experience across different ports and business areas. “I’ve always been motivated to work hard and succeed in everything I put my hand to, even though confidence did not always come easily.”

In 2016, Megan was appointed Port Manager. She credits her progress to the support of others. “I’ve been lucky to have had mentors, colleagues and managers who supported and encouraged me and gave me opportunities. That support helped me build confidence in my own ability.”

The COVID period marked a turning point. During that period, Megan stepped into senior advisory and management roles while working remotely. Delivering in a fast moving and high-pressure environment demonstrated her ability to operate at a senior strategic level and helped position her for future roles.

A proud achievement for Megan was being awarded the Public Service Commissioner’s Commendation for Excellence for her work throughout COVID and Operation Takutai.

Today, Megan works as Senior Advisor to the Group Manager Maritime, providing strategic advice and supporting operational teams. Her work has helped enable new capability across Customs, including developing strong business cases, strengthening partnerships and improving how the organisation responds to risk. 

Alongside her professional achievements, Megan has balanced motherhood and career progression with the support of her family and Customs. With her son Ashton now nearly 20, she reflects that determination, opportunity and a solid support network made what once felt out of reach entirely achievable.

Megan says “with confidence, support and opportunity, it is possible to build a career and balance life beyond work. Diversity and representation matter because when women are empowered to step forward, the organisation is stronger for it.”