Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 results.

The second largest methamphetamine border seizure in New Zealand’s history means a very large quantity of harmful drugs will not make it to New Zealand streets these holidays, says Customs Minister Nicky Wagner.

On 5 December, Customs intercepted approximately 22.6 kilograms of methamphetamine, worth over $22 million. The drugs were hidden in the cargo of an international flight that arrived in Auckland from Taiwan. A joint Customs and Police operation codenamed Operation Georgie was launched.

  • Nicky Wagner
  • Customs

The release of the Annual Report on implementation of the New Zealand Disability Strategy highlights several significant achievements and gains for the disability community in 2014, says Minister for Disability Issues Nicky Wagner.

Achievements in the Report include:

  • Nicky Wagner
  • Disability Issues

Minister for Disability Issues Nicky Wagner welcomed the release of the ‘Disability and the labour market’ report from Statistics New Zealand, which showed that more disabled people are working, but there is room for improvement.

“Disabled people want to have a job to support themselves and their families, just like all New Zealanders,” Ms Wagner said.

  • Nicky Wagner
  • Disability Issues

The more than 800kg of tobacco and cigarettes left at the border since 1 November is a further step towards reducing the damage caused by smoking, say Customs Minister Nicky Wagner and Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga.

  • Nicky Wagner
  • Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
  • Health
  • Customs

Minister for Disability Issues Nicky Wagner says the Christchurch and Waikato demonstrations of Enabling Good Lives mean more disabled people and their families have greater choice and control over the support they receive.

The early evaluation of the Christchurch demonstration has been released and high level design of the Waikato demonstration, to be launched in 2015, has been approved.

  • Nicky Wagner
  • Disability Issues

Customs Minister Nicky Wagner announced today that SmartGate is now open to Canadian ePassport holders.

“This automated passenger processing technology has gone from strength to strength since it was introduced in 2009 and it’s great to now open it to Canadian visitors,” Ms Wagner said.

“About 75,000 passengers are now using the technology on arrival and departure each week, and Customs welcomed the ten millionth SmartGate user at Auckland International Airport in September.

  • Nicky Wagner
  • Customs

Customs Minister Nicky Wagner today congratulated the Customs Service for their role in the interception of a shipment of liquid methamphetamine.

Approximately 3.5 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine with a street value of around $1 million was intercepted and two people arrested following a joint Police and Customs operation, codenamed Operation Gravity.

  • Nicky Wagner
  • Customs

Visible rebuild progress in Christchurch is helping to boost people’s quality of life, says Associate Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Nicky Wagner.

The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority’s fifth Wellbeing Survey has found overall quality of life in Greater Christchurch continues to improve, and for some, tangible signs of progress and access to new and repaired recreational facilities is a part of this.

  • Nicky Wagner
  • Canterbury Earthquake Recovery

Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga and Minister for Disability Issues Nicky Wagner today congratulated the winners of the Attitude Awards, being held on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Mr Lotu-Iiga will present the Attitude ACC Supreme Award at the ceremony in Auckland tonight.

The Attitude Awards recognise the huge number of New Zealanders who live with disabilities, including those with intellectual, physical and mental health disabilities.

  • Nicky Wagner
  • Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
  • Health
  • Disability Issues

Minister for Disability Issues Nicky Wagner says the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an opportunity to celebrate New Zealand’s work with disabled people and look forward to what we can achieve in the future.

“The International Day is an opportunity to reflect on issues that affect surprisingly many New Zealanders. Almost one in four – or 1.1 million – New Zealanders live with some form of disability,” Ms Wagner said.

  • Nicky Wagner
  • Disability Issues

Customs Minister Nicky Wagner says the warmer months bring international yachts to New Zealand shores, and Customs is prepared for a big season ahead.

“The yacht arrival season has started and it’s wonderful that every year more than 600 yachts from around the world arrive here to make the most of our beautiful country and Kiwi hospitality,” Ms Wagner said.

“As the first port of call, Customs takes great pride in welcoming visitors to our shores and ensuring their first impression of New Zealand is a friendly one.

  • Nicky Wagner
  • Customs

Customs Minister Nicky Wagner congratulates the twenty seven new Customs officers who are graduating in Auckland today, in time to boost border security at Auckland Airport for the busy summer season.

“These Customs officers will start their career at the busiest time of the year in the busiest place at the border. Their role is a unique and crucial one – both protecting and promoting New Zealand,” Ms Wagner said.

  • Nicky Wagner
  • Customs

Customs Minister Nicky Wagner says from early next year traders will be able to register directly with the Joint Border Management System (JBMS) to manage their own information online in real time.

“The Trade Single Window component of JBMS allows traders to submit shipment details electronically to a single point of contact, instead of dealing with multiple government agencies,” Ms Wagner said.

  • Nicky Wagner
  • Customs

Christchurch has taken the first steps towards a modern central city transport network that works for all kinds of travel.

Christchurch City Council today gave its approval for designs for the first two Central City transport projects under the umbrella of An Accessible City – the transport chapter of the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan.

  • Nicky Wagner
  • Canterbury Earthquake Recovery

Customs officers at the border will be enforcing new duty free limits for tobacco products from today.
 
Travellers will now have to pay GST and duty if they bring in more than 50 cigarettes, down from 200, or 50 grams of cigars or roll your own tobacco.  The gift concession for tobacco has also been removed.
 

  • Nicky Wagner
  • Customs