THE INTRODUCTION of three new ROVs (remotely-operated vehicle) has substantially advanced NZ Customs’ ability to undertake underwater inspections of vessels in the nation’s ports, the service says.
Minister of Customs Casey Costello formally commissioned the new capability alongside Customs officials and its Maritime team, in Auckland on Friday [22 May].
Customs Group Manager Maritime, Paul Campbell, says the ROVs were procured following a technology trial supported by the Australian Border Force.
“This enhanced search capability means faster targeted inspections and smarter deployment of specialist divers. With ROVs conducting below waterline checks, specialist dive teams can focus on recovery operations rather than routine inspection,” Mr Campbell said.
The procurement comes from the Government’s Budget 2023 maritime supply chain funding as part of a broader program to strengthen maritime border security.
“Transnational criminal groups are increasingly exploiting the scale and complexity of the maritime environment to move illicit drugs into New Zealand and across the Pacific,” he said.
“Customs has, in recent years, invested in a range of maritime capabilities, including uncrewed surface vessels, at-sea boarding capability, specialist detection tools, and now remotely operated vehicles. Each of these tools adds to Customs’ layered defence and plays a distinct role in detecting and disrupting criminal activity.
“Our response brings together intelligence, partnerships, technology, and frontline expertise to target, identify, and respond to border risks earlier – in collaboration with our partners in New Zealand and overseas as needed.
“By using the same ROV technology as the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Australian Border Force, Customs is also strengthening interoperability with our partners – supporting coordinated operations and a more effective response to maritime risks.
“Ultimately, this investment supports our role in protecting New Zealand and contributing to security across the Pacific,” Mr Campbell said.
In the 2026 Budget, brought down last week, the Government provided funding to support two key initiatives, one focused on strengthening the domestic border and the other on improving NZ’s offshore capacity and relationships.
To protect NZ’s border and respond to increased smuggling, NZ$70.7 million over four years is being invested in:
• Upgraded and additional cargo X-ray equipment
• Strengthening the security of Customs facilities and Customs Controlled Areas in ports and airports
• New defensive equipment and enhanced training for staff
• Increased capacity to store and manage seized illicit goods.
The second initiative expands Customs’ ability to disrupt criminal networks overseas by establishing four new international posts in the Pacific, South America, Middle East and Europe, and supporting these with additional intelligence and analytics support.
“NZ Customs’ international liaison posts are key conduits for establishing and strengthening relationships that provide valuable intelligence and coordination for border security and trade facilitation,” Ms Costello said.
“Customs work is always about supporting our exports and trade and protecting our border. The new international posts will enhance that work and are being established in locations that have key strategic value.
“Their establishment will be phased in over the four years with officers stationed first in the Pacific and South America, in response to a significant increase in drug-smuggling through those regions.”