Customs celebrates four new detector dog teams!
10.00am 13 October 2023 | Social Media
Four of our newest detector dog teams were recognised yesterday in a graduation ceremony at the New Zealand Police Dog Training Centre at Trentham (12 October).
Our teams celebrated their success alongside four of their patrol dog counterparts from New Zealand Police.
To reach this milestone, each of our detector dog teams completed a comprehensive training course in preparation for operational deployment earlier in the year, with all four teams being successfully validated.
Manager Operations Support Simon say “Congratulations to our four Auckland detector dog teams graduating today who contribute to keeping NZ’s borders safe, providing an essential tool to combat transnational organised crime. I would like to acknowledge the work by the DDU leadership team in building the teams, promoting success as they deploy operationally across Aotearoa New Zealand. It is also important to recognise the longstanding co-operation between NZ Police, Australian Border Force and NZ Customs, where our agencies work closely together to establish, maintain, and support detector dog capabilities.
Meet the teams:
SCO Jodie and Detector Dog Tāne
Senior Customs Officer Jodie graduated with her second detector dog. Tāne takes over duties from detector dog Anika after six years’ service. “He is very different from Anika to say the least. With his big personality he brings some challenges, but he shows great potential and I’m excited to see what this next chapter with DD Tāne brings.”
CO Cheryl and Detector Dog Kiwa
Customs Officer Cheryl graduated with her second Detector Dog Kiwa. Cheryl says “Kiwa is a young dog with loads of energy and hunt drive. I’m really proud of how well he is working at this early stage.”
CO Taylor and Detector Dog Kahu
Customs Officer Taylor graduated with her first Detector Dog Kahu. Taylor says “I'm lucky enough to have great friends and an amazing family supporting me and Kahu. We can't wait to see what the future has in store for us.”
CO Justin and Detector Dog Koha
Customs Officer Justin graduated with his first detector dog Koha. Justin says “It is a real privilege to be graduating with Koha. There has been quite literally, blood, sweat and tears shed which created the team we are. To be recognised for the perseverance and hard work in front of family and colleagues, makes graduation a memorable moment.”