New Zealand Import held by customs

[DairyNZ]

Got interested in lock picking after loosing the keys to a padlock, which sat on my desk begging to be thrown into the rubbish. After a few YouTube videos and making some picks out of hacksaw blades; then click it opened. So I decided 3 weeks ago to invest in some quality tools and dedicate some time learning the art.

So I went online red up on the rules and regulations in NZ, all good I thought and so purchased some quality tools from America and waited in anticipation on there arrival.

A couple of weeks went by and nothing, so I went online to USPS and put the code in. The parcel has been sitting in customs for the past 5 days. "Your item is being processed by customs in NEW ZEALAND". Not to worry I thought, It'll turn up. Then this afternoon I get a knock on the door and it's our local police officer with a piece of paper from customs wanting to know what I'm doing importing lock picking tools. At the end of our conversation he said it was up to customs what they do with my parcel and they may destroy it.

It should be noted I've never been in trouble with the police before and I'm also a licensed firearms holder, which would be difficult to obtain if there was any question as to my good character.

As far as I can work out they have confiscated it under one of two points of legislation.

Goods that are designed, manufactured,
or adapted with intent to facilitate the
commission of a crime involving dishonesty
(as defi ned in section 2(1) of the Crimes
Act 1961).

Or

Goods that, having regard to all relevant
circumstances, it would be reasonable to
believe:
(a) are part of, or involved in, an attempt,
to which section 72 of the Crimes
Act 1961 applies, to commit a crime
involving dishonesty (as defi ned in
section 2(1) of that Act; or
(b) relate to a conspiracy, to which section
310 of the Crimes Act 1961 applies, to
commit a crime involving dishonesty (as
defi ned in section 2(1) of that Act).

Both these rely on intent and reasonable suspicion, neither of which could apply by merely purchasing such tools.

Any ideas on what I should do next? I don't like the idea of loosing something I just spent hard earned money on, for no good reason.

[Squelchtone]

Just how much gear did you buy and I would tell customs you are studying to be a locksmith / security consultant and need this kit. How do real locksmiths in NZ get their picks and tools of the trade?

good luck man,
Squelchtone

[raimundo]

sorry about your loss, but you have already started making DIY picks and this is the road to having better picks than you can buy,
hang around and read about making picks, your product will improve.

[raimundo]

back to the old analogy, possession of a penis is not proof of intent to rape.

[DairyNZ]

What I ordered was:

MPXS-20 Pick Set,
BPG-10 Pick Gun
Credit Card Pick Set
Economy Opener Kit AK75
2 Pc. Automotive Tension Wrench Set
SJG-10 Automotive Jiggler Set

The NZ/US exchange rate is favorable and as such works out good value.

I could have purchased all Chinese knock-offs from this country, no questions asked. So go figure.

I've got a box full of old locks just waiting to be picked.

[aussielocky]

Just how much gear did you buy and I would tell customs you are studying to be a locksmith / security consultant and need this kit. How do real locksmiths in NZ get their picks and tools of the trade?

good luck man,
Squelchtone

All the lockies would go to BarberLSC. However those guys will not sell anything to hobbyists.