9181 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Customs

9181 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Customs: Can the Minister confirm that the New Zealand Customs Service’s proposal to disestablish roles in the Detector Dog Unit in response to the Government’s directive to reduce expenditure in the public service won’t result in an increase in drug trafficking into New Zealand, and can she confirm that unit’s work won’t now be assumed by existing NZ Police resources?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised that the New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) is ensuring, through its organisational changes to meet required cost savings and future cost pressures, that it will retain its ability to deliver frontline border services and critical supporting functions as well as delivering on government priorities. Further, I am advised that there are no plans for Customs’ Detector Dog Unit responsibilities to be carried out by other canine units across government agencies.