24338 (2026). Hon Damien O'Connor to the Minister of Customs

24338 (2026). Hon Damien O'Connor to the Minister of Customs: How much funding in Budget 2026, if any, supports Customs' border activities that protect the flow of trade, including the Border Security – Responding to Increased Smuggling and Protecting the Flow of Trade initiative, and what trade-facilitation outcomes are forecast?

Hon Casey Costello: The “Border Security – Responding to Increased Smuggling and Protecting the Flow of Trade” and “Border Security – Expanding Overseas Disruption of Criminal Networks” initiatives both support Customs’ border activities to protect the flow of trade. While these initiatives are primarily focused on combatting and disrupting transnational, serious and organised crime, they also include a trade component. By reducing the ability of transnational, serious and organised crime groups to move illicit goods across the border, strengthening supply chain integrity against corruption, and minimising potential disruptions to legitimate trade, these initiatives will help to ensure that exporters do not face increased barriers or costs when accessing overseas markets. This work also reinforces New Zealand’s reputation as a secure trading partner and trusted ally. I refer the Member to the Vote Customs Estimates of Appropriations 2026/27 for details of the funding received, which can be accessed through the following link: https://budget.govt.nz/budget/pdfs/estimates/v3/est26-v3-cust.pdf