Imagine stowing away on a ship in 1840. You arrive in New Zealand one month before the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. That’s when the New Zealand Customs Service was formed. Customs is the oldest government department in New Zealand.
The New Zealand Customs Service, or Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa in Māori, plays a vital role. It protects New Zealand from risks arising from international trade and travel. Customs also collects duties and taxes on imports. These collections are a major source of revenue for the country. Customs also controls the movement of people and the distribution of alcohol and tobacco.
Let’s talk about the responsibilities of Customs here in Auckland. Customs is a law enforcement agency. It intercepts contraband. Customs officers check international travelers, baggage, cargo, and mail. They look for banned or prohibited items. Many believe Customs handles biosecurity items like food. That’s actually the responsibility of the Ministry for Primary Industries. Customs collects duties, excise taxes, and GST on imports. They protect New Zealand businesses against illegal trade. They control restricted imports and exports. This includes objectionable material, drugs, firearms, and hazardous waste. Customs also collects import and export data.
Since 1999, all documentation to Customs has been electronic. In 2006 and 2007 Customs processed 47 million imports and 33 million exports. Customs works with other border agencies. These are the Ministry for Primary Industries, Aviation Security Service, and Immigration New Zealand. They also collaborate with the New Zealand Police. They work with the Organised and Financial Crime Agency. These joint operations target drug importation. Customs also partners with the Department of Conservation. They manage items subject to CITES like whalebone carvings and ivory.
Did you know Customs established the Trade Single Window in 2013? It provides a single place to lodge import and export documents. This streamlines the process for businesses. Some Customs officers can carry handcuffs and make arrests. This relates to offenses involving drugs and prohibited goods. Customs also manages excise tax on tobacco and alcohol.
Here in Auckland, you might encounter Customs officers at the airport. They ensure travelers declare goods. Every passenger carrying NZ$10,000 or more in cash must notify a Customs Officer. Detector dogs might sniff your bags. Your bags may be X-rayed or searched. Remember to declare any fruit, vegetables, or plant items.
Customs has several offices throughout New Zealand. The headquarters is in Wellington. Customs also has officers in Bangkok, Beijing, Brussels, Canberra, and other overseas locations.
Joining Customs involves a rigorous process. Recruiting begins with nationwide advertising. Applicants attend open days. They participate in group problem-solving scenarios. Assessors judge interaction, initiative, and leadership. Suitable candidates undergo interviews, police checks, and medical tests.
Training includes a three-week classroom-based course. New recruits gain knowledge of Customs. They learn about processing passports. They study relevant legislation and questioning techniques. They receive officer safety and tactics training. Recruits take multiple examinations. Passing earns them their “stripes” in the form of epaulettes. Following the classroom course, there is on-the-job training. A graduation ceremony awards certificates to the new officers.
So next time you pass through Customs in Auckland, remember its long history. It began before New Zealand was even a fully formed nation. Consider its vital role in protecting New Zealand. Customs ensures the smooth flow of trade and travel.