Cash, Crime And Canny Canines
Press Release – New Zealand Police
As part of that training, the Reserve Bank lends Police thousands of dollars of fresh bank notes that are used to imprint the odour of the currency on the dogs.
Detector dogs are one of our not-so-secret weapons when it comes to targeting proceeds of crime, helping Police and New Zealand Customs recover millions of dollars in cash every year.
Since the first cash detector dogs were trialled at Auckland International Airport from 2012 to 2013 – one for Police and one for Customs – the Reserve Bank New Zealand (RBNZ) has played an important role in enabling their continued success.
Following the trial, all Police narcotic detector dogs have also been trained on cash. Today, Police and Customs detector dogs are routinely trained to detect drugs, cash and firearms. One dog can detect all three odours.
As part of that training, the Reserve Bank lends Police thousands of dollars of fresh bank notes that are used to imprint the odour of the currency on the dogs.
They also provide bags of shredded cash (pictured, right, with the fresh bank notes) that are regularly rotated to make sure the dogs are familiar with the latest odours.
'The shredded currency is great and we use it to maintain capability,' says Dave Huff, Chief Customs Officer for the Pacific Detector Dog Programme (PDDP).
Established in 2018, the PDDP is jointly managed by the New Zealand Police and New Zealand Customs Service and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
'Cash has a strong odour, and in the border environment especially,' says Dave.
'Having detector dogs in New Zealand and throughout the Pacific region that are trained to detect drugs, cash and firearms enables us to have coordinated operations.
'The relationship with the Reserve Bank has been critical in that and we've had that since the day we started.'
Ian Woolford, Director of Money and Cash at RBNZ, says the Reserve Bank is happy to assist Police in our work targeting the proceeds of crime
'Cash is an important part of people's lives even if they don't use it every day,' he says. 'One of the reasons is that people have trust and confidence in cash. And it always works when you need it.
'In fact, 15 percent of New Zealanders prefer to use cash to pay for everyday things, and around eight percent rely on cash daily. So, we'll provide cash for as long as people want to use it.'
When cash detector dogs were first introduced to New Zealand, Detection Dog Trainer Sergeant Michael Robinson says, they were so successful that word started to spread in some countries advising people to be careful about coming here with large quantities of currency.
'Drugs, cash and firearms go hand-in-hand with organised crime,' he says.
'When we take drugs from a drug dealer, they'll likely get more the next day. Take their cash and that's what hurts them.
'If we didn't have that partnership with the Reserve Bank, we wouldn't be able to do it.
'New Zealand Customs and Police are truly thankful for that relationship and the role they play in delivering that result across the Pacific.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
2 hours ago
- RNZ News
One dead following Dargaville crash
Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon Police say one person has died, after a serious crash Saturday evening in Dargaville. About 5.20pm, police said they were notified of a single-vehicle crash on Jervois Street. Despite best efforts from emergency services, one person died at the scene. A scene examination is finished and the road has re-opened. While enquiries into the crash are ongoing, initial indications suggested this was a suspected medical event and the death would be referred to the coroner. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
8 hours ago
- Scoop
Kiwibank's Latest 2025 Outlook: Tariff Turmoil Stalls Growth – Are Rate Cuts The Remedy?
Per capita, economic activity remains subdued more so than during the global financial crisis. As a result, Kiwibank Economists have revised the 2025 growth forecast to 0.9% from 1.4%. Signs of Recovery: Green shoots are emerging, albeit slower than initially anticipated. Kiwibank Economists now forecast economic growth of just 0.9% for 2025, signalling recovery is underway. Tariff Turmoil: Global trade disruptions – driven by tariff changes – pose the biggest threat to recovery, stalling global growth. Rates to the Rescue: Monetary policy remains central to the recovery. The Reserve Bank has already cut rates by 225 basis points, with a further 75 basis points of easing expected by year-end to support confidence and stimulate growth. After emerging from last year's recession, Kiwibank's latest Economic Outlook reflects a recovery that has begun – but is softer than previously forecast. While early signs of stabilisation were visible earlier last year, such as expansion in PMIs and solid rural export volumes. However, global instability is dampening momentum. Mary Jo Vergara, Senior Economist at Kiwibank, says 'The early signs of recovery – as fragile as they are – have been driven mainly by the external sector, the sector most vulnerable to ongoing global uncertainty. A slowdown in global growth now looks certain. Both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have cut their forecasts – just as we're starting to recover.' 'We've climbed out of the deep hole we fell into last year. But it's been a tough time for many businesses and households. What's needed now is policy support and sustained confidence to build momentum.' Per capita, economic activity remains subdued – more so than during the global financial crisis. As a result, Kiwibank Economists have revised the 2025 growth forecast to 0.9% from 1.4%. The labour market remains tight, though some softening is expected before a gradual improvement into 2026. Tariffs and trade tensions weigh on growth Since the last Kiwibank Economists Outlook, global growth forecasts have been lowered. The IMF now expects 2.8% growth in 2025 – down from 3.3%. The US – New Zealand's second largest export market – has seen growth cut by more than a full percentage point. Growth in China, our largest trading partner, is projected to hover around 4%. Tariff changes and broader trade tensions are unsettling markets. While inflation risks remain, it is weaker global demand that now poses the greater concern, dampening investment and spending globally. 'The global economic landscape is shifting rapidly, and while uncertainty remains high, it's crucial that businesses stay alert to these changes. Flexibility and informed decision-making will be key to weathering this period of slower growth. New Zealand's connection to the global market means we're not immune to these challenges. But by understanding the risks and adapting early, we can position ourselves so we can harness the turning of the tide,' says Vergara. Rate Relief Still Needed The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has cut interest rates by 225bps since August 2024, with further easing expected. 'We forecast another 75 basis points of cuts, taking the OCR to 2.5% by year-end,' Vergara says. 'Wholesale markets have just one more 25bp cut to 3% priced. That's not enough, in our view. We're likely to need another 50bps beyond that, to provide the necessary support.' The RBNZ may pause in July at 3.25%, but we expect the data to evolve in a way that demands more rate relief. Falling deposit rates and improving credit availability are expected to stimulate more borrowing and spending through the second half of the year. 'If momentum continues and global headwinds ease, we expect a stronger 2026,' Vergara concluded.
Scoop
11 hours ago
- Scoop
Kiwibank's Latest 2025 Outlook: Tariff Turmoil Stalls Growth - Are Rate Cuts The Remedy?
Signs of Recovery: Green shoots are emerging, albeit slower than initially anticipated. Kiwibank Economists now forecast economic growth of just 0.9% for 2025, signalling recovery is underway. Tariff Turmoil: Global trade disruptions – driven by tariff changes - pose the biggest threat to recovery, stalling global growth. Rates to the Rescue: Monetary policy remains central to the recovery. The Reserve Bank has already cut rates by 225 basis points, with a further 75 basis points of easing expected by year-end to support confidence and stimulate growth. After emerging from last year's recession, Kiwibank's latest Economic Outlook reflects a recovery that has begun – but is softer than previously forecast. While early signs of stabilisation were visible earlier last year, such as expansion in PMIs and solid rural export volumes. However, global instability is dampening momentum. Mary Jo Vergara, Senior Economist at Kiwibank, says 'The early signs of recovery - as fragile as they are - have been driven mainly by the external sector, the sector most vulnerable to ongoing global uncertainty. A slowdown in global growth now looks certain. Both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have cut their forecasts - just as we're starting to recover.' Advertisement - scroll to continue reading 'We've climbed out of the deep hole we fell into last year. But it's been a tough time for many businesses and households. What's needed now is policy support and sustained confidence to build momentum.' Per capita, economic activity remains subdued – more so than during the global financial crisis. As a result, Kiwibank Economists have revised the 2025 growth forecast to 0.9% from 1.4%. The labour market remains tight, though some softening is expected before a gradual improvement into 2026. Tariffs and trade tensions weigh on growth Since the last Kiwibank Economists Outlook, global growth forecasts have been lowered. The IMF now expects 2.8% growth in 2025 - down from 3.3%. The US - New Zealand's second largest export market - has seen growth cut by more than a full percentage point. Growth in China, our largest trading partner, is projected to hover around 4%. Tariff changes and broader trade tensions are unsettling markets. While inflation risks remain, it is weaker global demand that now poses the greater concern, dampening investment and spending globally. 'The global economic landscape is shifting rapidly, and while uncertainty remains high, it's crucial that businesses stay alert to these changes. Flexibility and informed decision-making will be key to weathering this period of slower growth. New Zealand's connection to the global market means we're not immune to these challenges. But by understanding the risks and adapting early, we can position ourselves so we can harness the turning of the tide,' says Vergara. Rate Relief Still Needed The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has cut interest rates by 225bps since August 2024, with further easing expected. 'We forecast another 75 basis points of cuts, taking the OCR to 2.5% by year-end,' Vergara says. 'Wholesale markets have just one more 25bp cut to 3% priced. That's not enough, in our view. We're likely to need another 50bps beyond that, to provide the necessary support.' The RBNZ may pause in July at 3.25%, but we expect the data to evolve in a way that demands more rate relief. Falling deposit rates and improving credit availability are expected to stimulate more borrowing and spending through the second half of the year. 'If momentum continues and global headwinds ease, we expect a stronger 2026,' Vergara concluded.
