In January 2026 Dana McDonald started a three-year posting as New Zealand Customs Service representative inJakarta – responsible for conducting official business with Indonesia and Singapore, as well as being responsible for the oversight of Customs’ relationship within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He will lead strategic engagement with ASEAN and key partners to strengthen security cooperation, disrupt serious organized crime, and promote modern, efficient trade frameworks that safeguard New Zealand’s economic interests. McDonald is a seasoned public sector executive with over two decades of experience leading complex border, intelligence and law enforcement operations across New Zealand. His most recent role was serving as group manager, border operations at the New Zealand Customs Service overseeing a nationwide team of over 500 personnel and managing multimillion-dollar operational and capital budgets. Previously, McDonald led the Intelligence, Investigations & Enforcement Group, where he championed Customs’ intelligence-led strategy, spearheaded national security initiatives, and co-chaired multi-agency efforts to combat transnational organized crime. His career also spans senior roles at the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, Immigration New Zealand, the New Zealand Transport Agency, and the New Zealand Police, where he held positions from detective through to inspector. McDonald brings a deep understanding of New Zealand’s border protection priorities, international law enforcement collaboration and trade facilitation. He has represented New Zealand at international forums including APEC, Border Five/Migration Five and the Frontex International Border Policing Conference. While serving in the New Zealand Police, he contributed to law enforcement reform in Southeast Asia – playing a role in the Model Police Station Project in the Philippines. He has chairedmultiple cross-agency groups focused on New Zealand’s national security system, aviation security, supply chain integrity and international airport coordination.