MEDIACOM-RELEASE-NZ-CUSTOMS-SERVICE
A senior Customs Officer says thousands of visitors attending the National Fieldays at Mystery Creek will discover some
of Customs best kept secrets, while learning more about the role Customs plays as a key border control and law
enforcement agency.
Ian Perkins, Customs Client Liaison Team Leader, says the Fieldays will provide Customs Officers with an excellent
opportunity to talk face to face, with the business and farming community, some of whom are not always familiar with the
wide range of Customs activities.
A unique selection of Customs videos, publications and information, will be on public view.
"Customs role is two fold. border control, and facilitating legitimate movement of goods across the border for business,
and to assist them with efficiency and opportunities. Customs Officers ensure everyone is treated fairly and everyone
gets the same treatment, - regardless of who they are," Mr Perkins said.
"Customs contributes to over 40 Government outcomes associated with the movement of goods, craft and people across our
border, the collection of excise, and the management of associated risks. It works co-operatively with over 20 other
agencies in such areas as revenue collection, the interception of contraband, threatened and endangered species, customs
issues, and community protection."
"At an international level the New Zealand Customs Service is ranked highly in terms of integrity, lack of corruption
and efficiency. The public are not always aware of the wide range of issues involving Customs. Being at events such as
the Fieldays helps to remove any mystique about Customs that may exist in the community," he said.
"This week is therefore a great opportunity for the public at large, to identify Customs issues affecting them, and get
a better understanding of the wide variety of work carried out by Customs Officers. It is a real chance for both the
business and wider community to meet the human face of Customs. We're always ready to help, in a myriad of ways," said
Mr Perkins.
Customs will be at Site 13 Exhibition Building at Mystery Creek.
[If you cannot make it to the Fieldays, then the Customs Service National Call Centre on 0800 428 786 can assist you
with any Customs related business or travel requirements]
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