15 July 2010

Protecting the border for 55 years

Come Friday, Auckland Customs officer Brian Redfern will be celebrated as New Zealand’s longest-serving Customs officer.

He came to Customs from Mt Albert Grammar in 1954 and quickly earned a reputation for knowing everything there was to know about the Tariff – that’s the rules and regulations on excise and duty.

Mr Redfern and his colleagues will be presented with their medals by Customs Minister Hon Maurice Williamson at a special function held in Auckland tomorrow.

"It’s an honour to present these medals to these officers who have given years of hard-work and dedication to the Customs service," Mr Williamson said.

The medal recognises 14 years of service, professional conduct, and contribution as a frontline Customs officer. Clasps to the medal are awarded for each subsequent seven years of service. Long service awards are presented to all Customs personnel who have completed specified periods of service.

Comptroller of Customs Martyn Dunne paid tribute to the recipients’ record of service. “It’s a credit to New Zealand Customs that it has retained so many long-serving officers. It reflects the mutual commitment that the Service and its staff make to each other. “

This year Customs celebrates its 170th anniversary of protecting New Zealand’s border.

ENDS

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