Willie van Heusden

 

My journey into customs, freight, logistics, and supply chain wasn’t accidental, but I entered the industry at a very different time. Leaving school with a 6th form certificate, I attended Auckland Technical Institute, enrolling in the New Zealand Certificate in Commerce. The program had three electives—customs, travel, or bookkeeping—and covered practical subjects like accounting, world geography, political affiliations, GATT, and CER, providing a strong foundation for my career.

 

I started as a runner at Pains Customs Agency, when agencies like JW Grieve, Colebrook Bros, and WA Henderson were prominent. At Pains, I progressed to an authorised clerk and then a licensed customs agent. The Customs Department then focused on “protecting the revenue” in a regulated import/export environment, supporting large manufacturing and assembly industries with tariffs, import licensing, sales tax, and classification scrutiny. Shipping lines like Blueport, Seabridge, P&O, and Mitsui OSK played crucial roles in trade.

 

The 1980s brought deregulation, new trade lanes, and free trade agreements. The Customs Service shifted to border protection, while multinationals, courier services, and freight forwarding gained prominence. Trading partners changed, shifting to Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and later China, India, and Vietnam. Many domestic assembly plants closed as businesses competed globally.

 

These changes created opportunities but also challenges. Deregulation commoditised customs clearance, eroding critical skills. While regulation may not be necessary, I believe customs brokers should have competency management. With a potentially protectionist 2025 ahead, duty mitigation will be crucial.

 

Today’s supply chains are complex, governed by numerous regulations, and face resilience challenges. While electronic connectivity adds value, technology has also removed the human element from many transactions. Dealing with shipping companies or tracking e-commerce shipments highlights these inefficiencies.

 

Throughout my career, I’ve met incredible people, formed lifelong friendships, and managed fantastic teams while enjoying the journey. My proudest achievements are mentoring and supporting individuals who now hold senior management positions.

 

This dynamic, fast-paced industry offers exciting challenges and rewarding careers—I wouldn’t have it any other way.