Six new recruits have joined the Cook Islands Customs Service’s airport team to bolster its border management service.

The new recruits graduated at a ceremony held at Takuvaine Meeting House a month ago on December 14, 2023.

In a statement, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) said the graduation ceremony marked the successful completion of a four-week Customs training course that is completed by all employees.

The recruits, their families and Customs colleagues attended the graduation ceremony which was blessed with an opening prayer and inspiring message from Reverend Une of the Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church.

This was followed by encouraging words from the acting Comptroller of Customs Alan Richardson and Chief of Customs Maria Matua-Ioane.

MFEM said: “The Customs recruits are a mature and experienced group. They will provide Customs with additional knowledge in security, intelligence and investigation matters. Their training covered operational policies and procedures, theoretical and practical exercises relating to the detection of high risk people and goods and the importance of intelligence-led, risk based border management.”

“At Customs we expect a high level of professional standards based on integrity, honesty and respect to ensure that public confidence in Customs and the work we do is maintained.”

The training was led by the Customs compliance team with the support from other senior customs officers.

Cook Islands Customs Service is grateful for training contributions provided by the Cook Islands Police Service, Immigration and Financial Intelligence Unit. “Customs would like to thank the New Zealand Customs Service for their ongoing in-country training support and presentation on narcotic identification and methods of concealment.

“Customs are also grateful for the New Zealand Transnational Crime Unit’s presentation on gang related issues. 

“Our new recruits are well trained, confident and motivated to commence their duties at the Rarotonga International Airport.”