Strengthening Regional Partnerships: FRCS Welcomes New Zealand Minister of Customs

FRCS was honoured to host the New Zealand Minister of Customs, Hon. Casey Costello, during her courtesy visit to our headquarters in Suva.

In welcoming Hon. Costello and her delegation, FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Udit Singh, reaffirmed the enduring and collaborative relationship between FRCS and the New Zealand Customs Service.

Mr. Singh expressed sincere appreciation to the Government of New Zealand and the New Zealand Customs Service for their continued support of key initiatives that have significantly enhanced FRCS’s operational capabilities, most notably, the establishment and development of the Fiji Detector Dog Unit, which has played a vital role in strengthening border protection and security.

During her visit, Hon. Costello engaged with FRCS Executive Leaders and received a comprehensive briefing on Fiji’s customs operations from Director Border and Customs, Ms. Shelini Kumar.

FRCS also acknowledged the New Zealand Customs Service’s long-standing commitment to capacity building through the Pacific Leadership Program (PLP), which has been delivered to FRCS Executives and Senior Managers since 2012.

 The PLP equips leaders with practical tools to navigate everyday challenges and drive strategic outcomes. Hon. Costello met with several PLP alumni, including Director Taxation, Ms. Momina Beg, and Director Compliance, Ms. Kelerayani Dawai, who expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the New Zealand Government and New Zealand Customs Service for the transformative impact of the program. They also conveyed their hope for its continued implementation.

The visit concluded with a tour of the Fiji Detector Dog Unit, where Hon. Costello witnessed firsthand the success of this collaborative initiative.

FRCS extends its deepest thanks to Hon. Casey Costello, the New Zealand Government, and the New Zealand Customs Service for their unwavering support and partnership in advancing customs and border security in Fiji.

Last Updated - February 4, 2026