contraband
NEW ZEALAND CUSTOMS SERVICE
APRIL 2011 ISSUE 117
INTERNAL DRUG
CONCEALMENTS
APRIL 2011
PUBLISHER
New Zealand Customs Service,
The Customhouse,
1 Hinemoa St, Wellington 6011,
PO Box 2218, Wellington 6140
Ph: 04 901 4500, Fax: 04 901 4555
ISSN 0113-3292
EDITOR
Aaron Hailwood
PAGE 8
SMUGGLERS SWALLOWING ON THE INCREASE
A woman carrying 40 pellets of crystal methamphetamine (‘P’) inside
her body in an attempt to smuggle it through Auckland Airport, is
now in custody after New Zealand Customs stopped and searched her.
CONTRIBUTORS
Lou Gardiner, Nicky Elliott, Lauren Wethey,
Clare Helliwell, Joanne Hacking.
PAGE 10
DISCLAIMER
While every effort has been made to ensure
that the information in Contraband is correct,
readers must refer to the relevant statutory
publications for confirmation. Opinions
expressed in this magazine are those of
the contributors and are not necessarily
the official views of New Zealand
Customs Service.
At 12:51pm on Tuesday, 22 February, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake
struck Christchurch wreaking utter destruction on the garden city.
COPYRIGHT
All material published in Contraband is
copyright and may only be reproduced with
the permission of the Editor.
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IMAGES
Names of individual artists are available on
request by contacting the Editor.
New Zealand Customs Service is the government
organisation that protects the community from
potential risks arising from international trade and
travel, while facilitating the legitimate movement
of people and goods across the border.
As New Zealand’s gatekeepers, our role includes:
intercepting contraband (such as illegal drugs);
checking travellers and their baggage, cargo and
mail; protecting businesses against illegal trade;
and assessing and collecting Customs duties,
excise taxes, and goods and services tax on
imports. We use intelligence and risk assessment
to target physical checks of containers, vessels,
and travellers. As a law enforcement agency we
conduct investigations and audits and prosecute
offenders.
Customs works closely with the other border
agencies, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Biosecurity New Zealand, and the Department of
Labour Immigration Services.
2
Contraband April 2011
CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKE
PAGE 14
CRIMESTOPPERS
The independent charity Crimestoppers is having a positive impact
on the community as it strives to fulfil its ambitious mission to
assist the Police and other law enforcement agencies, including
the New Zealand Customs Service.
3
The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal
4
Message from The Minister
5
Farewell from The Comptroller
12 International Customs Day
16 Blessing of the new Sea Cargo Inspection Facility
17 Shipping industry helps prevent importation of objectionable
material
18 Peters protecting the borders
18 Appointment of new Customs Counsellor in Canberra
20 No change to De Minimis
21 6,300 images of child objectionable material lead to arrest
22 Customs in court
On 22 February 2011, Christchurch and the surrounding area were struck by an
earthquake that caused severe damage and tragic casualties.
The New Zealand Government has launched an appeal to help the people of
Christchurch and the Canterbury region during this time of great need. You can
help make a difference by donating to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.
Ways to donate
Online
Credit card donations can be made instantly at:
www.christchurchearthquakeappeal.govt.nz
Internet Banking
Donations can be made with internet banking:
Account name: Christchurch Earthquake Appeal
Account number: 03 0251 0039807 00
At any bank branch
Donations can be made at any New Zealand bank branch.
TXT donations
If you are in New Zealand, free txt ‘chch’ to 933 to donate $3 to the
Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. This option is only available in New Zealand.
You will not be charged the cost of sending the text.
By international telegraphic transfer
Westpac will waive the international service fee usually charged for any
donations made overseas by telegraphic transfer. These fees will be waived
both for donations made in New Zealand currency or foreign currency. If you’re
making a donation from overseas, you may still be charged by your local bank.
Please ask your bank to send payment by telegraphic transfer to:
Westpac Banking Corporation, Wellington, New Zealand
SWIFT Code: WPACNZ2W
For credit to account: 03 0251 0039807 00
Beneficiary: Christchurch Earthquake Appeal
If you wish to receive a donation receipt for donations of more than $5, please
request one from the Department of Internal Affairs.
Protecting New Zealand’s Border
3
MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER
It is with a touch of sadness I write my column for this issue of Contraband.
As you are aware, Martyn Dunne will
be leaving his role as Comptroller
of Customs to become High
Commissioner in Australia.
Martyn will leave Customs with a
lasting legacy, and his departure is
a huge loss to the New Zealand
Customs Service. I know he will be
hard to replace.
I have had the pleasure of working
with Martyn since becoming Customs
Minister after the November 2008
election. In that two-plus years, I
have found him to be a professional,
diligent, and strong leader.
Under Martyn’s leadership,
Custom’s strategic
leadership and operational
policy have flourished,
giving the service a world
wide reputation for
excellence it truly deserves.
I know Martyn will serve
his country with the same
excellent standard.
I have repeatedly seen first hand the
level of respect and appreciation the
Customs team have for Martyn.
One time was during an end-of-year
staff morning tea in December last
year.
After formal speeches by officials and
performances by the Ma-ori Network,
Deputy Comptroller of Customs,
John Secker, stepped forward and
presented Martyn with a pounamu
mere, specially blessed by Kaumatua
the Reverend Bill Tangohau.
The mere was engraved in Ma-ori with
the words: “He mihi whakawhetai
tenei kia koe e te Rangatira e Martyn.
Kua tutuki nga wawata kua eke ki
te taumata” which translates as “To
Martyn, in appreciation of your
leadership and achievement of your
initial goals for the New Zealand
Customs Service.”
4
Contraband April 2011
I remember Martyn accepting the
award with modesty while at the same
time making the staff laugh by gently
and firmly reminding them “I don’t
like surprises.”
Surprise or not, it was well deserved
given his six years of dedication.
Martyn’s achievements include creating
a ‘Whole of Customs – One Service’
culture and initiating the New Zealand
Customs Service Medal.
Martyn also created a rewarding
culture for staff through his creation
of the Comptroller’s Commendations
and developing Customs as a career
with structured career paths, a
technical training framework, and a
smart uniform reflecting excellence in
border management.
Under Martyn’s leadership, Customs’
strategic leadership and operational
policy have flourished, giving the
service a world wide reputation for
excellence it truly deserves. I know
Martyn will serve his country with the
same excellent standard.
Hon Maurice Williamson,
Minister of Customs
FAREWELL FROM THE COMPTROLLER
This will be my final column for Contraband during my tenure as Comptroller of
Customs — a position I have been privileged to hold for six and a half years.
Much has changed in recent times
in the border sector and within
Customs. As we look back at our
achievements in recent years I am
mindful that Customs’ reputation
has endured for 171 years and I am
immensely proud of this heritage and
grateful for having the opportunity to
contribute to its continuance.
There have been many highlights in
my tenure as Comptroller. Some of
the goals in particular that have been
achieved by all at Customs were:
1 Creating a ‘Whole of Customs –
One Service’ culture.
2 Building Customs’ strategic,
leadership, operational, and
policy capability to enhance our
professional competence and
reputation.
3 Encouraging and implementing
greater awareness and utilisation of
technology.
4 Greater coordination of risk
management across the border
sector through the establishment
of the Integrated Targeting and
Operations Centre (ITOC).
I’m proud of these goals we have either achieved or have
underway. However, none have been more rewarding
than seeing those Customs staff who contributed beyond
their professional commitment to the well-being of the
Customs family — whether it be through social committees,
sports tournaments, or taking time to care for new officers
and their families.
5 Developing Customs as a career
with structured career paths and
a technical training framework
that reflects excellence in border
management
6 Initiating the New Zealand
Customs Service Medal and
recognition for Customs staff
through the Queen’s Honours List
7 Recognition of excellence through
the Comptroller’s Commendations
and Award.
8 Improving the work facilities
for Customs including the
new national headquarters
Customhouse in Wellington.
9 International engagement,
including support to the World
Customs Organization (WCO)
and key business stakeholders
domestically and internationally.
I’m proud of these goals we have
either achieved or have underway.
However, none have been more
rewarding than seeing those Customs
staff who contributed beyond their
professional commitment to the
well-being of the Customs family
— whether it be through social
committees, sports tournaments, or
taking time to care for new officers
and their families.
This has been especially critical
and evident following the two
recent devastating earthquakes in
Christchurch. I am grateful for
all who stood their ground and
performed their duties during this
Protecting New Zealand’s Border
5
FAREWELL FROM THE COMPTROLLER
national calamity and for those who
provided ongoing assistance. Staff
from all over New Zealand joined
together in supporting and helping
their colleagues in Christchurch – a
very visual example of the ‘One
Service’ ethos.
A personal career highlight was
being elected to the role of Chair
of the WCO. In this role, I was
able to observe many customs
administrations and am proud that
the New Zealand Customs Service
was often singled out as an exemplar
of border security and sound
practices.
Another significant achievement
beyond New Zealand Customs has
been the founding of the Border
Sector Governance Group —
involving six key Border agencies —
6
Contraband April 2011
Customs, Ministry of Agriculture and
Forestry, Immigration NZ, Ministry
of Transport, Internal Affairs, and
the NZ Food Safety Authority.
While I have chaired the Governance
Group, I have appreciated the strong
support from my CEO colleagues and
am immensely proud of the varied
work we have achieved in developing
a more integrated approach to border
management. The development
of the Joint Border Management
System (JBMS) and Trade Single
Window (TSW) and the continuing
streamlining of trans-Tasman travel
are examples of better joint border
initiatives that will benefit travellers
and traders.
Delivering on Government priorities
has been an integral part of my duties
as Comptroller. The implementation
of SmartGate has been successful
with arrival gates now at Auckland,
Wellington, and Christchurch Airports.
SmartGate is operational for departures
at Auckland Airport and shortly this
will be rolled out for departures in
Wellington and Christchurch. A trial
of the integrated SmartGate process
with Australia will be trialled before
the Rugby World Cup.
Another government priority for
Customs has been in the interception
of methamphetamine and its
precursors. In both of the last two
years, Customs has seized more than a
tonne of methamphetamine precursor.
Leadership lies with all in positions
of responsibility but equally it relies
on each Customs officer contributing
to and demonstrating the values and
work ethos of the New Zealand
Customs Service.
Earning a reputation for
professionalism and trust depends on
adhering to our values of integrity,
respect, commitment, and agility.
Preserving this reputation relies on
each and every member of the New
Zealand Customs Service accepting
individual responsibility for their
performance, bearing, and conduct.
I hope this will long continue.
As recently as Thursday, 10 March
2011, when our new cohort trainees
visited Parliament, our Minister, the
Honourable Maurice Williamson,
in a point of order as question
time was about to begin in the
Parliamentary Chamber, indicated
to the Speaker that the Customs
trainees were in the gallery of the
House of Representatives. This was
acknowledged by a standing ovation
from members of Parliament present
in the Chamber. This generous
gesture was recognition of the work
that the New Zealand Customs
Service does in protecting the border.
Finally, I would like to thank all our
partners in industry, and in particular
those partners in the Secure Exports
Scheme, who help the New Zealand
Customs Service ensure that our
border remains protected.
Above left: Martyn (right) at the opening
of the new Wellington Customhouse with
(from left) Deputy Comptroller People,
Policy and Resources, John Secker; Minister
of Customs, Hon Maurice Williamson; Prime
Minister Rt Hon John Key; and Deputy
Comptroller Operations, Robert Lake.
Above: Martyn in the field working
alongside Customs staff in Wellington.
‘Serve proudly, lead wisely.’
Martyn Dunne, CNZM
Comptroller of Customs
New Zealand Customs Service
September 2004 – 29 April 2011
Protecting New Zealand’s Border
7
8
Contraband April 2011
SMUGGLERS
SWALLOWING
ON THE INCREASE
A woman carrying 40 pellets of crystal methamphetamine (‘P’) inside
her body in an attempt to smuggle it through Auckland Airport, is now
in custody after New Zealand Customs stopped and searched her.
The woman, a South African national, arrived in
Auckland and was targeted as a potential drug
smuggler by Customs officers. She was detained
and subsequent scans showed her to be carrying
a large number of latex pellets internally — with
a total amount of 570 grams of ‘P’ in 40 pellets
— each weighing approximately five grams.
The woman’s detention led to a joint operation
between Customs and the New Zealand Police.
Two men were also arrested, and charged
with conspiracy to import ‘P’ after the Police
identified their connection to the woman.
The risk of ‘swallowing’ is
highlighted by the recent death in
Thailand of an Iranian-born New
Zealand passport holder who
was attempting to smuggle ‘P’
internally out of Thailand. His body
was returned to New Zealand in
January.
The two men — a Nigerian and a South African
— believed to be travelling on false passports,
were identified when they visited the woman.
Both men appeared in court and have been
remanded on bail.
Since September last year, New Zealand
Customs has caught seven ‘swallowers’ carrying
drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine,
and opium internally. The dramatic increase in
this method of transportation appears to be
driven by the activities of several transnational
criminal networks.
In New Zealand, methamphetamine sells for
between $540 and $1,500 per gram, making this
amount of ‘P’ have a value of between $300,000
and $600,000.
The Minister of Customs, Hon Maurice
Williamson, said he was shocked at the alarming
trend but was proud of the work Customs
officers have demonstrated in stopping these
people get into our country.
“Our people will continue to be vigilant and
alert at New Zealand’s border and our Customs
officers will persist in stopping these scoundrels
bring this menace into our society.”
The risk of ‘swallowing’ is highlighted by
the recent death in Thailand of an Iranianborn New Zealand passport holder who was
attempting to smuggle ‘P’ internally
out of Thailand. His body was returned
to New Zealand in January.
Customs Comptroller, Martyn Dunne, said this
is a concerning and potentially life threatening
trend due to the risks involved in carrying drugs
internally.
“Our officers are very well equipped to deal
to these people and this method is a senseless
attempt that will be foiled.”
Protecting New Zealand’s Border
9
CHRISTCHURCH
EARTHQUAKE
At 12:51pm on Tuesday, 22 February, a magnitude
6.3 earthquake struck Christchurch wreaking utter
destruction on the garden city. It was the second major
earthquake to hit the city in less than six months, and
tragically, this one resulted in a significant loss of life.
We at the New Zealand Customs
Service were lucky. Our facilities
sustained no major structural damage,
and most importantly no staff
members reported any serious injuries.
However, a number of staff sustained
major damage to their properties, with
some becoming uninhabitable.
As in September, a coordinated
incident management centre was set
up at the Christchurch Customhouse
to look after all of the needs of
Customs and our staff in recovering
from the earthquake, as well as
ensuring that staff received updates
on the situation.
Immediately following the quake,
seven Customs officers volunteered
to assist the Police in Central
Christchurch to assist with resourcing
the cordon. Following that, eight
Customs officers later assisted
the Police in the Missing Persons
Reconciliation Team.
10 Contraband April 2011
Far left: The Department of Internal
Affairs’ Bevan Jones, Team Leader
Customer Service and Customs’ Ray
Harper, Chief Customs Officer, shake
hands in front of the Internal Affairs
team who will be based out of the
Christchurch Inspections Base for the
foreseeable future.
Centre: Cleaning up in our Lyttleton
office.
Right Intelligence Analyst Allan
McLelland (middle) and Trade Assurance
officer Mark Silcock help SCO Bruce
Cameron move his belongings to the
Inspections Base for storage.
With a number of staff member’s
homes being uninhabitable, Customs
made use of our facilities to try and
help staff through this difficult time.
The water supply at the Customhouse
was unaffected and so staff and
families were able to come in and
fill up water bottles and also have
showers. We also brought in extra
washing machines and dryers for staff
who had no power or water to use.
Storage of furniture became an issue,
so Customs set aside an area in our
Inspections Base where staff could
store their personal effects if they
had to move out. A small truck was
also hired so people could move their
gear there.
The port in Lyttelton was located
very close to the epicentre and
sustained a large amount of damage.
Our office in Lyttelton is located
in Shadbolt House, and while the
building has been green-stickered
meaning it’s structurally sound, the
mess inside was immense, remedial
work is ongoing to allow us to occupy
the building again.
While Customs’ facilities survived
well, some of our sister border
agencies weren’t so lucky.
MAF Biosecurity’s port building
was red-stickered, so they will
move in with us at Shadbolt House.
MAF Biosecurity currently share
Our facilities sustained no major structural damage,
and most importantly no staff members reported any
serious injuries. However, a number of staff sustained
major damage to their properties, with some becoming
uninhabitable.
office space with us in a number
of centres, including Opua and
Nelson. The Lyttelton Police are also
considering an option of sharing our
accommodation as they are currently
working out of a garage.
Another of our sister agencies at the
border, the Department of Internal
Affairs, was also forced to move
as the five buildings they occupy
in Christchurch remain within the
cordon. The department is running
three teams – customer services,
passports, and citizenship – from
the Customs Inspection Base near
the airport. Weddings are also taking
place there, with at least one booked
every day for the next few weeks.
“It’s extremely important for us to
have a customer services counter
in Christchurch. We very much
appreciate Customs making this space
available to us,” says General Manager
Passports, David Philp.
Protecting New Zealand’s Border 11
INTERNATIONAL
CUSTOMS DAY
Customs organisations worldwide mark International Customs
Day (ICD) each year on 26 January. This marks the day of
the first official meeting of the Customs Co-operation Council,
now known as the World Customs Organization.
ICD 2011 was celebrated very successfully in New Zealand with ‘open day’ style events in both
Wellington and Auckland.
ICD was held for the third time in Wellington’s Civic Square on Wednesday, 26 January. For the third
year running, the Capital turned on a spectacular day of sunshine and attracted a constant stream of
visitors throughout the event. Three SmartGate kiosks were on display, as well as a range of wildlife
enforcement, counterfeit, and prohibited goods, and yet again the half hourly drug-detector dog
demonstrations by Jerry were the biggest hit.
In Auckland, we were invited to be part of the Seafood Festival down at the Viaduct Harbour.
Seafood Festival’s principal benefactor is the Stellar Trust whose aim is to get people off
methamphetamine — an excellent fit with one of our biggest aims. We had wildlife enforcement
products, counterfeit goods, and seized drug paraphernalia on display, detector dog displays
featuring Rowdy and Anzac, as well as tours of the Hawk IV vessel.
A big thank you to all staff involved in making this, yet again, such a successful day for the
New Zealand Customs Service.
12 Contraband April 2011
Children posing with a mannequin in Customs
dive gear in Auckland.
Can you spot the counterfeit t-shirts?
Prohibited weapons attracted a lot of interest.
Jerry’s detector dog displays were popular in Wellington.
Protecting New Zealand’s Border 13
GUEST COLUMN
CRIMESTOPPERS
IS HAVING AN IMPACT
Lou Gardiner is the CEO of Crimestoppers
New Zealand
The independent charity
Crimestoppers is having
a positive impact on the
community as it strives to
fulfil its ambitious mission
to assist the Police and
other law enforcement
agencies, including the
New Zealand Customs
Service, to catch criminals
and solve crime in order
to have safer communities
and create a better
business environment.
WHAT IS CRIMESTOPPERS?
Crimestoppers was established in
New Zealand in July 2009 and began
operations in October. Crimestoppers
is in 23 other countries around the
world, and has been operating in the
United Kingdom for approximately
22 years.
It was the generous reward offer
from Lord Ashcroft, Trustee of
Crimestoppers UK, for the return
of the stolen Victoria Crosses that
provided the opportunity for him to
meet Police Commissioner, Howard
Broad, and discuss the opportunity
for Crimestoppers to be established in
New Zealand.
It was decided to establish
Crimestoppers in New Zealand as
an independent charity with the full
endorsement of the Commissioner of
Police and his senior team. Ironically,
the catalyst for the establishment was
a crime — the stealing of the Victoria
Crosses and other medals from the
Army Museum in Waiouru.
HOW DOES CRIMESTOPPERS
WORK?
Crimestoppers uses an anonymous
phone line (0800 555 111) that people
can call and provide information
about criminals and criminal activities.
Calls received or messages received
on Crimestoppers’ encrypted online
14 Contraband April 2011
With Crimestoppers, the information can be provided
anonymously, empowering people to do something before
these crimes take place.
message form are recorded by a call
centre in London. Crimestoppers
believes that the UK-located call
centre gives greater protection to the
callers’ anonymity.
The information provided by the
caller is then sent to the Police
Crime Reporting Line in Auckland,
or to a nominated point of contact
in Customs. For the Police, the
information feeds into the intelligence
and operations areas for analysis. For
Customs, the information provided
enters into the intelligence area for
analysis to ascertain whether it is new
information or whether it builds on
information Customs already has.
Crimestoppers works because the
anonymity guaranteed to those
providing information empowers
individuals to do something about
crime which affects their communities.
RESULTS
The results to date have been very
encouraging. Call rates through
Crimestoppers’ first 16 months have
continued to trend upwards with
January 2011 producing the highest
call rate of just under 1,000 calls for
the month. This was a 20 percent
increase from the previous high of
October 2010, and 250 percent up on
January 2010.
In the 16 months that Crimestoppers
has been operating, 10,362 calls
have been taken with 3,741 being
categorised as actionable. The
main crime type that information is
received about is the manufacture/
growing, supply, and distribution of
drugs with 65 percent of calls about
drugs. Dishonesty crimes represent
12 percent of calls, with information
about wanted persons and illegally
held weapons following.
crime, other individuals may have
information that can help stop it.
Many people find it easier to ignore
crime because they don’t want to get
involved, especially if intimidation is
being applied with the likelihood of
violence ensuring. In some cases, such
as those where organised crime may
be a factor, this approach is very likely.
With Crimestoppers, the information
can be provided anonymously,
empowering people to do something
before these crimes take place. This
greatly assists Customs and the Police
in stopping offenders.
For more information, head to
www.crimestoppers-nz.org
HOW DOES CRIMESTOPPERS
BENEFIT CUSTOMS?
Customs is a law enforcement agency
with a major role to play in border
security, whether that be intercepting
the importation into New Zealand
of banned substances and materials,
smuggling protected flora and fauna,
intellectual property violations, or
attempting to avoid paying duty on
imports.
It would be unusual that a criminal
would work alone in attempting
to breech border security and
although not directly involved in the
Protecting New Zealand’s Border 15
BLESSING OF THE
NEW SEA CARGO
INSPECTION FACILITY
Shortly before 7am,
on Tuesday, 8 March,
Customs’ Kaumatua
Bobby Newson blessed
Customs’ new Sea Cargo
Inspection Facility within
the Port of Auckland.
Iti Paenga, Principal Advisor Ma-ori
Responsiveness, says “The blessing
symbolises the beginning of a new
life of the building and the work to
be done in it and through it. From
a spiritual viewpoint the blessing
symbolises protection for those who
work within in and those transiting
the buildings.”
In attendance were Customs
Comptroller Martyn Dunne, key
Customs managers and staff, various
stakeholders, and Ports of Auckland
Chief Executive Tony Gibson, with
Customs’ Ma-ori Network giving a
stirring performance.
Clockwise from top left: Kaumatua Bobby Newson blessing the new facility | Staff were gathered very early in the morning for the
ceremony | Customs’ Ma-ori Network performing a waiata | Paul Campbell, Group Manager Trade & Marine, and Kaumatua Bobby
Newson.
April 2011
2011
16 Contraband March
SHIPPING INDUSTRY HELPS
PREVENT IMPORTATION OF
OBJECTIONABLE MATERIAL
The New Zealand Customs Service works closely with domestic
and international partners to deter, detect, and disrupt the trade in
objectionable material and the abuse of children and other victims of
sexual offences that underlies its production.
In December, Customs met with
the New Zealand Association of
Shipowners and Agents in Tauranga
on the subject of importation of
objectionable material by crew
members.
The importation of objectionable
material into New Zealand is a serious
offence, and individuals who knowingly
import objectionable material can
face sentences of up to five years’
imprisonment or fines of up to $5,000.
otherwise deals with matters such as
sex, horror, crime, cruelty or violence
in such a manner that the availability
of the publication is likely to be
injurious to the public good.”
The definition of ‘publication’ is
broad and not restricted to films,
books, magazines, and photographs.
It also includes material stored on
mobile phones, laptops, external
drives, thumb drives, cameras, and
optical discs.
In the maritime environment, the
number of prosecutions in relation
to the import of objectionable
material is increasing. Although most
of these offenders only import a small
quantity of objectionable material and
are fined rather than imprisoned, the
detection of objectionable material
on a ship could cause significant
disruption to the operation and
schedule of that ship.
A number of things were identified
in the meeting that shipowners
and agents found helpful, such as
the reminder that vessels could be
detained as a result of the detection
of objectionable material, and details
about the definition of ‘importation’.
The shipping industry and Customs
have worked closely to put together
a briefing that has also been
translated into various languages
for the crew to use.
In many cases, objectionable material
is shared amongst the crew, increasing
the harm, multiplying the potential
disruption to a ship’s operation, and,
by association, placing the company’s
reputation at risk. Objectionable
material and other prohibited goods are
considered imported even if secured in
the bond store or not taken ashore.
The briefing has provided important
information for circulation
amongst the member companies of
shipowners and agents, and their
branch offices. The industry has
been urged to send out the advice
to ships’ masters and advance notice
documentation to all vessels coming
into New Zealand.
In New Zealand, ‘objectionable
material’ is defined under the Films,
Videos and Publications Classification
Act 1993 as “a publication...(that)
describes, depicts or expresses, or
One agency said, “We have
an excellent relationship with
New Zealand Customs and would
not hesitate to contact an office is
we had any information or concerns”.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
» Take a proactive approach
» Make sure that crew members
understand the risks associated
with objectionable material
» Undertake regular briefings
to staff explaining the harm
caused in the manufacture of
objectionable material
» Encourage an ‘if in doubt delete
or destroy’ policy amongst crew
» Encourage crew to report the
suspicious behaviour of others
» Provide avenues of assistance
for those that may be viewing
objectionable material
If you would like more information
or a briefing on the same topic or
another subject of interest please
send you request to
[email protected] or
phone the National Call Centre on
0800 4 CUSTOMS (0800 428 786).
Protecting New Zealand’s Border 17
PETERS PROTECTING THE BORDER
Over the next three months, seven officers, who together have more than 300 years’
service protecting the border, are retiring from the New Zealand Customs Service.
We caught up with two of them, Peter Nash and Peter Pearson, to share a couple of
their highlights during their long service.
And last year when the new
Customhouse (Peter’s third in
Wellington) opened, Peter ended up
back on the waterfront just a few
hundred metres north of where he
started out.
Peter Nash, District Port Manager (front), outside the new Customhouse on Waterloo Quay
with Sam Andrews, Customs Officer.
PETER NASH
1963 — the Beatles release their
first album, Martin Luther King
delivers his ‘I have a Dream’
speech, Harvey Ball invents
the smiley face icon, United
States President John Kennedy
is assassinated, and Brad Pitt is
born.
It was a big year, and for Wellington
District Port Manager Peter Nash,
the beginning of his career with the
New Zealand Customs Service.
18 Contraband April 2011
Back in 1963, when he started as a
cadet, the 15-year-old from Mana
College worked in several areas
including the wharf office, import
control, shipping office, longroom, and
parcel post.
In his probation report in 1965 it was
noted that Peter’s only drawback was
his “youthfulness and his consequent
lack of maturity”.
In 1972, Peter took a year of leave to
travel, then worked in examinations,
Wellington Airport, intelligence,
internal audit, and was seconded to
work on a project to review and update
the goods management policies and
procedures.
Working in the National Drug
Intelligence Bureau in the late 1970s
and early 1980s was a highlight for
Peter. As Supervising Customs Officer
he worked on the Mr Asia Syndicate
investigation (immortalised in the
TV series Underbelly), including
when Terry Clark was arrested for
the murder of Marty Johnstone (Mr
Asia). The syndicate imported heroin
into New Zealand, Australia, and the
United Kingdom.
Peter also enjoyed his times working
at the post office where he has worked
four different times, coming back at
different levels. This was interesting
work where everyday he found
something different, from drugs to
objectionable material, right across the
spectrum.
Peter retires this year after 47 years
of dedicated service. Congratulations
Peter, all the best for a youthful
retirement!
APPOINTMENT OF
NEW CUSTOMS
COUNSELLOR
IN CANBERRA
Peter Pearson, Acting Chief Customs Officer Queenstown Airport keeping an eye on
Queenstown Airport in December 2010.
PETER PEARSON
21-year-old Peter Pearson
joined the New Zealand
Customs Service as a cadet
in Christchurch in 1974. The
saying, “it’s not what you know
but who you know”, proved to
be true for Peter after his then
girlfriend’s father, who worked
for Customs, knew of a vacancy
and brought him in for a chat
with the Chief Clerk, leading to
his 36-year career at Customs.
Peter worked around several areas
including import control, airfreight,
passenger processing, and airport
duties before being made a Senior
Customs Officer working in various
positions including training.
Staff training in the1980s is
something Peter looks back on
fondly. He trained staff for the
southern region when they would
move up to Christchurch for six
weeks as part of their programme.
Seeing where those officers are now
is of Peter’s continuing interest.
Peter has also enjoyed his 12 years in
Customs Intelligence seeing it grow
and develop into a respected member
of the New Zealand Intelligence
community.
Now, as the acting Chief Customs
Officer in charge of Queenstown
Airport on secondment from
Intelligence, Planning, and
Coordination, Peter has worked in
most areas of the organisation.
After a successful career in our
southern ports Peter moves to
Auckland this month to manage
Settlers Life Style Village in Albany.
We wish Peter the very best for his
next challenge.
JOHN WECH
CUSTOMS COUNSELLOR
John Wech started his role as
Customs Counsellor based in
Canberra, Australia, on 28
February.
John was previously the
Programme Manager JBMS
Policy – Customs. He replaces
Paul Smith in Canberra.
We congratulate John on
achieving this significant
milestone in his Customs
career and wish him
a successful posting to
Canberra.
Protecting New Zealand’s Border 19
NO CHANGE TO DE MINIMIS
On Friday, 18 March, Customs
Minister Maurice Williamson
announced that the de minimis
level — the minimum amount
before Customs duty is collected
— will remain at $60 or less for
the immediate future.
This means that if duty on imported
goods, including GST, is less than $60,
Customs will not collect it.
Given the current capabilities of
Customs’ cargo reporting and revenue
collection systems:
» a higher de minimis is not justified
by the costs of revenue collection
and would reduce Crown revenue.
» there would be negative impacts
on wider risk management (for
example illicit drugs) if the present
cargo reporting system for low
value imports were extended
to support a higher level of de
minimis.
20 Contraband April 2011
» a lower de minimis would increase
compliance costs to importers and
not produce worthwhile gains in
Crown revenue.
The de minimis will be reviewed
when the revised data standards and
cargo reporting requirements for
low value items for the Joint Border
Management System (the new border
computer system being developed for
Customs and MAF Biosecurity) have
been decided and the flow-on impacts
on revenue collection and costs are
identified.
6,300 IMAGES OF CHILD
OBJECTIONABLE MATERIAL LEAD
TO ARREST
Last month, a man who
downloaded thousands
of objectionable images
of children was arrested
and charged with
importation after a
New Zealand Customs
Service investigation.
The man, a 52-year-old New Zealand
resident, was investigated after
information from the Department
of Internal Affairs showed that a
New Zealand-based IP address had
been used to access and download
material from an overseas based
website containing child abuse
images. He faces a maximum
sentence of five years in prison.
Search warrants were executed by
Customs at two Auckland addresses
where several thousand further
child abuse images were located on
computers and other media.
The investigation involved close
liaison with New Zealand Police and
Child, Youth and Family.
This is the third arrest in 18 months
by New Zealand Customs in relation
to the importation of child abuse
material.
Our officers are experienced
in looking out for these
offenders and although
they may think they are
conducting this activity in
their own home, it is illegal
and will not be tolerated.
Customs Comptroller, Martyn
Dunne, said this is a concerning
find but Customs will continue to
investigate these types of people and
their behaviour.
“Our officers are experienced in
looking out for these offenders and
although they may think they are
conducting this activity in their own
home, it is illegal and will not be
tolerated.”
“Our communities need to be
educated that the online movement
and trading of child sexual abuse
material is regularly happening
throughout all corners of our society.
The worrying aspect of this activity
is that it is not a victimless crime,
it is increasing in volume, numbers
of offenders, and seriousness of
content”, he said.
Customs, New Zealand Police
(OCEANZ), and the Department of
Internal Affairs work in a task force
capacity to investigate instances of the
importation, exportation, possession,
and trading of online child sexual
abuse material with the ultimate goal
of identifying and protecting children
from contact offending.
Protecting New Zealand’s Border 21
COURT REPORT
CUSTOMS IN COURT
OBJECTIONABLE MATERIAL, PROHIBITED GOODS,
UNAUTHORISED DELIVERIES, DRUG IMPORTATION,
AND ASSAULT ON A CUSTOMS OFFICER
Since the last edition, there has been a wide variety of charges determined in the courts. A few of those
charges and their conclusions are set out below.
OBJECTIONABLE MATERIAL
On 17 November 2010, a man
appeared in the Christchurch
District Court where he pleaded guilty
to the charge of knowingly importing
objectionable images. On 4 December
2009, the man had brought seven
DVDs, found to contain objectionable
material, into Christchurch
International Airport. Due to a
prompt guilty plea and favourable presentence report the sentence was set
at four months’ home detention.
PROHIBITED GOODS
On 11 November 2010, a
man pleaded guilty to three
charges relating to the importation
of knives concealed to look like belt
buckles, knives bearing a false trade
description, and water pipes. A total
fine of $4,547.34 was imposed by the
Court.
On 1 December 2010, a man
appeared in the Auckland
District Court where a guilty plea
was entered to a charge of knowingly
exporting prohibited goods, namely
a firearm including a silencer,
magazines, and 600 rounds of
ammunition.
22 Contraband April 2011
The man attempted to export the
items to Tonga by hiding them in
the door panel of a motor vehicle
he was also exporting. The Judge
acknowledged the dangerous nature
of the prohibited goods and the
importance of controlling the
shipping of firearms and imposed a
fine of $1,000 plus costs.
ASSAULT ON A CUSTOMS
OFFICER
UNAUTHORISED DELIVERIES
The man was convicted and sentenced
to pay a fine of $300. The fine took
into account a $200 donation recently
made to the Coastguard. The Judge
stressed the seriousness of an assault
on a Customs officer in a confined
place onboard ship.
On 6 December 2010, guilty
pleas were entered on behalf of
a company in respect of four charges
of making an unauthorised delivery.
The Judge imposed fines of $1,000
per charge and ordered the company
to pay costs of $132.89.
Previous fines imposed on the
company for similar offending have
been considerably higher, up to $8,000
per charge. The judge refused to class
the company as a recidivist offender
despite the company having more
than 100 previous convictions for this
type of offence.
DRUG IMPORTATION
On 7 December 2010, a man
was sentenced at the Auckland
High Court. The defendant had
earlier pleaded guilty to importing
pseudoephedrine. He was sentenced
to 8 months’ home detention.
On 2 February 2011, a man
appeared in the Whangarei
District Court for sentencing relating
to charges under s176(1)(a) of the
Customs & Excise Act 1996 for
assaulting a Customs officer in the
execution of his office.
SmartGate
SmartGate departures are now open at Auckland Airport
Holders of New Zealand and Australian
ePassports have the option of using
SmartGate when arriving at Auckland,
Christchurch, and Wellington Airports.
Passports with the international ePassport
symbol* are called ePassports. If you have this
symbol on your passport you will be able to use
SmartGate.
Now you can also use SmartGate when
departing at Auckland Airport. Christchurch
and Wellington will follow by June 2011.
*All New Zealand passports issued after November 2005 and all
Australian passports issued after October 2005 are ePassports.
SmartGate offers you a simple and efficient
way to self-process through passport control
with an easy two-step process.
While New Zealand Customs is pleased to
offer you this option, you can still have your
ePassport manually checked if you prefer.
ePassport symbol
For more information visit www.customs.govt.nz
Using SmartGate to depart from Auckland Airport
1 STEP ONE
• Look for the SmartGate kiosk –
signs will help guide you.
• Place your ePassport into the
reader by simply following
the instructions on the screen.
• Answer the standard declaration
questions using the touch screen.
• The kiosk will issue you with a
SmartGate ticket, which you
will need for Step 2.
2 STEP TWO
• Proceed to the gate and insert
your SmartGate ticket.
• Look at the camera ahead of
you while your face is compared
to your ePassport photo.
• Retrieve your ticket and
proceed through the gate.
• Hand in your SmartGate
ticket and departure card, and
proceed through the Aviation
Security Service screening
point.
Protecting New Zealand’s Border 23
24 Contraband April 2011