New Zealand Customs Service

Christmas is just around the corner, it can be the most festive - and frantic - time of year! While you're out decking the halls and filling stockings, our four-legged border experts are super busy sniffing out mischief at the border. Want to help us, help you? Here are a couple of tips from Detector Dog Zola who has been scrutinising some Christmas packages before delivery: - Declare your goodies – honesty keeps you on the nice list! 🎁 - Don't even try - our snouts always sniff out the bad list! 🐶 You can find a list of all prohibited and restricted goods here: https://lnkd.in/gNncRMAx

More than 58% of Kiwi air travellers have used the digital New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) in the past month, removing the need to complete a paper declaration on their flight home. Customs and its border partners are urging other travellers to do the same. Deputy Chief Executive Operations, Jamie Bamford, says with many families now heading overseas for the summer holidays, it’s a chance to discover the digital option, which is convenient and helps with an easier arrival process when returning home. “As we come into our busiest time of year, doing these declarations digitally will help border agencies ease the flow of passengers as efficiently as possible.” If you’re not on board yet, it’s time to give it a try, and to spread the word to friends and family heading to our shores. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gXJKTM88

Fakamālō atu and congratulations to the 17 Ministry of Revenue & Customs Tonga Pacific Leadership Programme (PLP) participants🎉 Last week, they undertook their final challenge of the ten-month programme. They had a talanoa setting to outline their leadership journeys to a panel which consisted of the CEO of Tonga Ministry of Revenue and Customs Michael Cokanasiga, New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner to Tonga Leitu Sa, and New Zealand Customs’ Deputy Chief Executive International and Governance Joe Cannon, who all provided feedback on each participant's leadership story 👏 The PLP is part of a long running partnership between New Zealand Customs and our Pacific counterparts, which aims to build leadership capability in Pacific border agencies. It is funded and supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade.

Preparing to welcome friends and whānau for the Kiwi summer? Please help us spread the word! 🌞 Everyone travelling to our shores, including New Zealanders returning from holiday, must complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. Instead of filling out a paper declaration onboard the flight, a digital declaration can be completed at a time that's convenient, up to 24 hours before boarding the flight to New Zealand ✈️ To do this, download the free NZTD app or head to https://lnkd.in/gbd6AuMv to find out more.

Customs has seized an estimated 28.5 kilograms of methamphetamine after it was found in two abandoned bags at Auckland International Airport over the weekend 👏 This amount of methamphetamine would have had a street value of up to NZ$10.7 million and caused up to NZ$29.9 million of social harm and cost to New Zealanders. Customs Manager Auckland Airport, Paul Williams, says thanks to the vigilance and determination of frontline Customs officers, this seizure has stopped a significant quantity of harmful drugs from getting into our communities. “Customs is accustomed to the tactics organised crime syndicates used during the busy travel season. In addition to doing our best to facilitate law-abiding holidaymakers, our airport teams are always on alert for suspicious behaviour or baggage.” Everyone can help play a role in protecting New Zealand’s border and communities. If you see suspicious activity, you can call 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) in confidence or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gr45x7az

Heading out to the coast for some sun? You can help us protect our communities from potential drug smugglers. Here are some things to look out for while you’re out on the water this summer: ⚠️ Vessels attempting to land in remote or unusual locations ⚠️ Vessels operating at night without a light ⚠️ Sea-worthy vessels that appear abandoned. If it doesn’t seem right, report it. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/gRTMpdeH

It’s not much of a secret that people who work at Customs tend to stay with Customs, and one of the reasons is our commitment to growth through our leadership programmes Pictured (left of photo) are two of the graduates from this year’s Leading Teams Programme, who yesterday celebrated and reflected on their learning journey alongside their colleagues from the course. This programme is designed to enhance people leadership skills and capabilities, helping build excellence into our culture and ensuring our leaders create a great place to work. Congratulations to all graduates of the 2024 programme! Thanks for going the extra mile for your workplace and your teams 👏

Are you a seasoned traveller who enjoys dashing through arrivals at the airport? Well, here is a must do...🎅 Everyone needs to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration every time they arrive in New Zealand. You’ll be pleased to know you can save your details such as your name, date of birth, passport number and home address on the app. This will make it easier to complete your declaration the next time you return to our shores. Download the NZTD app from the Apple and Google Play app stores today or go to https://lnkd.in/g_yD6yUX

Ho Ho No! A drug courier trying to smuggle methamphetamine through Auckland Airport wrapped as Christmas presents has just made Santa’s naughty list. 📝 The Canadian national was arrested and is facing drug importation and possession charges after Customs officers found an estimated 10.2 kilograms of methamphetamine in her carry-on duffle bag. The woman arrived in Auckland on a flight from Vancouver last Sunday and was questioned by Customs officers who then found the methamphetamine wrapped as presents. Auckland Airport Manager Paul Williams says this is a classic attempt by transnational organised criminal groups at trying to exploit the busy travel season. “But a busy airport does not mean Customs is not focussed on or paying attention to anyone who may pose a drug risk. We take a layered approach to protecting the border and every single passenger is risk assessed even before they arrive in New Zealand.” Anyone with suspicions about possible smuggling should contact Customs confidentially on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. To learn more, see: https://lnkd.in/gtvrsKFm

Not too far to go till Christmas, avoid unforeseen delays! Remember, if Santa’s special delivery is more than $1000, you will need to pay duty and/or GST when it arrives in New Zealand. Duty and tax apply to tobacco and alcohol products, irrespective of value 🎄 To learn more, or to estimate costs, head to: https://lnkd.in/gT-6FUMV