[quote="freetoair2007"
I've read on the other posts about my neighbours, the Australians, getting their lock picks confiscated by customs even though it's not illegal to own lock picks in Australia. NZ laws regarding lock picks don't differ that much from Australia's (i think). So am concerned about wasting money and buying a set of lock picks online that i will never receive.[/quote]
Lock picks are not a banned item for Australian customs so customs shouldn't be taking them, as to the question of " possession with intent " intent is a plan to do something that you may or may not have done already, for instance if you plan to import picks so you can go housebreaking then yes this a crime, because the plan is to use them for crimes. The law in Qld Australia states
425 Possession of things used in connection with unlawful
entry
(1) Any person who is found under any of the circumstances
following, that is to say—
(a) being armed with any dangerous or offensive weapon or
instrument, or a noxious substance, and being so armed
with intent to break or enter a dwelling or premises, and
to commit an indictable offence therein;
(b) having in his or her possession anything intended for use
in or in connection with the commission of an offence
defined in section 419 or 421;
(c) having in the person’s possession by night without
lawful excuse, the proof of which lies on the person, any
instrument of housebreaking;
(d) having in the person’s possession by day any such
instrument with intent to commit an indictable offence;
(e) having his or her face masked or blackened or being
otherwise disguised, with intent to commit an indictable
offence;
is guilty of a crime, and is liable to imprisonment for 3 years.
or you can read it here
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGIS ... inCode.pdfI believe the same would roughly apply right across Australia. I think the relevent points are b,c,d. But I am not a lawyer.
Hope this helps
Gozzo