WELLINGTON, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand customs will have new legislation this year to reinforce its fight against the flow of illegal drugs into New Zealand, Customs Minister Meka Whaitiri said on Monday.

Speaking to a meeting of industry and business leaders in Auckland, the minister said the Customs and Excise Bill, currently discussed by the parliament, will modernize the whole business of the customs.

The new act will be the first major overhaul in more than 20 years of the legislation governing the customs, and is expected to take effect later this year, Whaitiri said, adding that she expects the legislation to improve the ability of the customs to make seizures at New Zealand borders.

"Open and honest dialogue between Customs, traders and travelers is the key to keeping the country's borders secure without interfering unnecessarily with travel and trade," she said.

The minister hailed the role that customs play in the economy, but noted that it cannot compromise its key role of keeping out illicit substances and materials that harm the communities and people.