19/05/2026
New Zealand’s Minister of Customs, Hon. Casey Costello has concluded a successful visit to Samoa from 17–19 May 2026, reaffirming the deep and enduring partnership between Samoa and New Zealand in strengthening regional security and protecting Pacific communities.
Her visit built on the visit by the PM of New Zealand in March where he witnessed the signing of the Customs Arrangement between Samoa and NZ that has seen a step up in our customs cooperation.
During her visit, Minister Costello met with Samoa’s Minister of Customs, Masinalupe Makesi Masinapule, where both Ministers discussed the importance of close cooperation in addressing the growing threat of illicit drugs and transnational organised crime entering the Pacific.
Minister Costello emphasised that Samoa and New Zealand “share one border”, highlighting the importance of working together collaboratively to ensure strong and secure borders that protect both countries and the wider Pacific region. She noted that border security is increasingly critical as Pacific nations continue to face growing challenges linked to drug trafficking and organised criminal networks.
Hon. Masinalupe echoed these sentiments during bilateral discussions, acknowledging the valuable partnership between Samoa Customs and New Zealand Customs, particularly New Zealand’s ongoing support through training opportunities, operational cooperation, knowledge exchange, and information sharing. Both Ministers reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration and regional partnerships to strengthen customs capability and frontline responses across the Pacific.
The visit programme included a tour of the Samoa Detector Dog Unit, where Minister Costello observed a live demonstration showcasing frontline narcotics detection capabilities and met with officers and handlers working to combat the inflow of illicit substances into Samoa and the region. She also visited the Apia Port to receive briefings on Samoa’s customs operations and border management efforts.
She also toured the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre (PTCCC), where she met with regional partners working collectively to combat transnational organised crime through intelligence sharing and coordinated Pacific-wide responses.
A former Detective Sergeant and Vice-President of the Police Association, Minister Costello entered the New Zealand Parliament in 2023 and currently serves as Minister of Customs, Minister for Seniors, Associate Minister of Health, Associate Minister of Immigration, and Associate Minister of Police. Her extensive frontline policing experience continues to inform New Zealand’s commitment to supporting safer and more secure Pacific communities.
New Zealand remains committed to working alongside Samoa through trusted partnerships, practical cooperation, and shared regional priorities to help build a safer, stronger, and more resilient Pacific for future generations.
New Zealand Customs Pacific Connections - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Auckland Samoa Police, Prisons & Corrections Services
