Twenty-eight staff members from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) have successfully completed the Pacific Leadership Programme, a collaborative initiative with the New Zealand Customs Service designed to enhance leadership capabilities within the organization.
The programme, which began in February 2025, gathered participants for sessions every two months. Graduates hailed from various departments, including Customs, Tax, and Corporate Services, and focused on key leadership themes such as leading with purpose, understanding emotional culture, forging strong relationships, and fostering positive change.
The conclusion of the programme featured a Talanoa session, where participants were given the opportunity to share their personal leadership journeys with a panel led by Joe Cannon, the Deputy Chief Executive for International and Governance at New Zealand Customs. Cannon highlighted the graduates’ readiness to tackle the challenges that the Pacific region may face in the future, emphasizing the importance of progressive leadership.
Udit Singh, the Chief Executive Officer of FRCS, congratulated the graduates, noting that the programme emphasizes leadership built on influence, empathy, and integrity. Singh further acknowledged the contributions of the New Zealand Government, New Zealand Customs Service, as well as programme facilitators Shane Panettiere and Nicky Mark, expressing gratitude for their support in this educational endeavor.
The participants expressed that the training received would have a profound and lasting impact on both their professional lives and personal development, empowering them to become more effective leaders and more engaged members of their communities. This initiative not only strengthens individual capabilities but also fosters a culture of collaboration and growth within the FRCS, contributing positively to Fiji’s customs and revenue landscape.