I have been over there twice in the last 6 months taking gear over there each time and left there,never was I asked if gear was new and was greeted by the customs guys with the question "going sailing mate,have a good time"Some of the gear was second hand but there was new gear as well.

Yeah - make sure it's not looking totally brand new and you'll be fine.

If you past the equipment as being used, N.Z "MAF" will be your main problem.
Any dirt on your kit, you will have major problems for importation.
You will be questioned where the equipment has been used, lakes/ rivers, you will have problems. Saltwater use is OK, "MAF" have an watch for certain areas for the Aus coast line, do not know which areas of Aus are off limits for them?

Wouldn't take the N.Z "MAF" too lightly, fly into N.Z & bring undeclared food thru the border you will cope an instant fine.

Agree that it is a good idea to declare stuff for quarantine in customs. When coming in from OS to Australia I always take a plastic packaged bag of lollies or similar in. Then when you get to the mile long customs que you can simply jump across to the "declare" section and have your food inspected and away you go. Spent a while working in Malaysia at the Bredero Price pipe coating yard and commuted on a weekly basis. I used to go through the foot and mouth declaration so that my boots would be cleaned spotlessly by quarantine officers while I sat and waited for this service rather than stand in a que stuck behind someone having a full search because they didn't declare a wooden souvenier in the nothing to declare line.
Would have thought that putting your "used" board through the MAF declaration channel if applicable would be a nice touch.

frant said...
Would have thought that putting your "used" board through the MAF declaration channel if applicable would be a nice touch.

Yep speeds up the border entry Que.

Too much dirt on your windsurf you run the risk that "MAF" will charge you for fumigation.

Little bit off topic, as example, when importing boats into N.Z we have to pay for an "MAF" inspection, then if the "MAF" police decide the boat needs cleaning we have to pay big bucks for fumigation.[}:)]

No problems bro.

In the last year I've bought back five sails and one board, all brand new, into NZ from Hong Kong via Australia ie had to collect the gear in Aussie, clear customs and re-check it in for the fight to NZ.

I was never once asked anything by any customs agent in either Aussie or NZ. Always asked by the MAF guys whats in the bag, tell them its brand new and they just send you thru the xray as normal.

Caveat; this is coming into Welly which is about as laid back as you can get in this part of the world.