World Customs Organisation Honours New Zealanders

MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE NEW ZEALAND CUSTOMS SERVICE

THURSDAY OCTOBER 24 2002

World Customs Organisation Honours New Zealanders

Four New Zealanders are today receiving Medals of Honour from the World Customs Organisation in acknowledgement of their contribution to international activities.

The World Customs Organisation (WCO) is an independent, intergovernmental, worldwide body competent in Customs matters and has a mission to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations. It has over 160 members world wide and marks its 50th anniversary this year.

WCO Deputy Director Bob Mall is in New Zealand for the Asia-Pacific Regional Customs meeting and is presenting the medals.

“New Zealand’s Customs administration is highly respected internationally and at the forefront of the design and implementation of best practices in the global customs environment,” says Mr Mall.

“These medals are an opportunity to thank four individuals who have made a particular contribution, but all staff in the New Zealand Customs Service can be proud of their organisation.”

The medals are being presented at a dinner in Auckland this evening (Thursday October 24). The recipients are:

- Denise Hing (Manager, Chief Executive’s Office, Wellington). For contributions to both the WCO and global issues impacting on the New Zealand Customs Service over a considerable number of years.

- Paul Campbell (Manager, Air Terminal, Auckland). For consistent high quality input into New Zealand’s contribution to building the Customs Service in East Timor. This included the co-ordination and management of the teams sent to East Timor.

- David Negri (Senior Enforcement Advisor, Enforcement/Protection, Wellington). For consistent high quality input across a range of WCO issues impacting on the New Zealand Customs Service, including integrity, mutual assistance, drug investigation and prevention, trans-national organised crime and counter-terrorism.

- Graham Sampson (Principal Advisor, International Trade, Auckland). For high quality input and work in the areas of international trade and valuation over many years.

ENDS

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