NZ Customs Minister Casey Costello urges tighter regional ties to fight organised crime during her first official visit to Tonga.
Minister Costello stressed the importance of a united front with Australia to counter growing threats such as human trafficking, money laundering, and scamming.
“This is our backyard, this is our neighbourhood,” she told PMN, emphasising the need for collective coordination across the Pacific.
Costello met with the Minister of Police, Hon Paula Piukala and Minister of Revenue and Customs, Hon. Mateni Tapueluelu affirming New Zealand’s support for strengthening legislation to better respond to modern crime.
“It’s not just border control, but also facilitating trade, and ensuring government revenue is protected through excise and tax collection,” she said.
Costello also praised Tonga’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), launched last year, for making “strong progress” despite limited resources.
“They’re trying to make that connection… and get those discussions moving forward,” she said, calling for clarity on what constitutes corruption.
New enforcement measures, including the deployment of detector dogs, were highlighted as examples of cooperation between the two nations.
Costello’s regional tour will continue with stops in Fiji and Sāmoa. She said the effort is part of a broader push to “build resilience across our Pacific neighbours.”
Further updates are expected following the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum.
