28810 (2025). Hon Jenny Salesa to the Minister of Customs

28810 (2025). Hon Jenny Salesa to the Minister of Customs: How many roles in intelligence, investigation, border operations, and maritime oversight have been disestablished since November 2023, and what analysis was undertaken to assess the operational risk these cuts would have if any?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised that 33 roles, 13 of which were vacant, within the New Zealand Customs Service’s (Customs) intelligence, investigation, border operations, and maritime oversight units, have been disestablished since November 2023, and seven new roles were established within Customs’ intelligence, investigation, border operations, and maritime oversight units as part of the Customs 2024 Organisational Change Process. During the 2024 Organisational Change Process, each area within Customs conducted its own risk assessment of the effect on day-to-day operations and business continuity, as a result of the changes being proposed. The objectives of the change process were to operate as efficiently as possible, while also ensuring that Customs continues to deliver on its priorities without impacting its ability to deliver frontline services and critical support functions.