Janette Avis

 

If you don’t know Janette Avis/Rodgers … where have you been?

 

With 44 years in the industry, thousands of students trained, and an energy that lifts every room she walks into, Janette is more than a familiar face – she’s part of the heart of our industry. Her journey has been defined by people, those who guided her, those she’s mentored, and the many she’s inspired along the way.

 

Whether you’ve been taught by her, worked alongside her, or simply heard someone speak her name with admiration – Janette’s impact runs deep.

 

Her story is one of purpose, passion, and an unwavering belief in the power of people to shape, grow, and sustain the industry we love.

 

I never planned to work in freight forwarding or customs brokering. It all started when I was looking for a gap year job before heading to teacher training college. I came across an ad for a typist at a customs agency, and I thought, “Why not?” That was 44 years ago – and I’ve never left.

 

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to wear many hats. I’m currently working as a customs broker for JF Ross and Compliant Customs and as a trainer with IVS, delivering customs courses for CBAFF and elements of biosecurity training. Training has been a big part of my journey – I was honoured to be appointed as the industry Education Convenor back in the 90’s and then I started lecturing at AIT and I estimate I’ve worked with more than 2,000 students since then. We’ve had 3 different Customs Acts in that time! It’s something I genuinely love. Helping others grow, seeing them gain confidence and flourish – that’s what keeps me going.

 

The people have always been my” why”, this industry has such a strong community, and I’ve been lucky to cross paths with some incredible individuals who’ve guided, encouraged, and inspired me. And now, it’s my turn to do the same for others. Supporting people in their personal development, helping them see their own potential – that’s the most rewarding part of what I do.

I’ve seen the industry change so much over the years. When I started, everything was very segmented – shipping, customs, freight – all in separate silos. That began to shift around 1996 when we saw the first real electronic exchange of data. Suddenly, the supply chain became more integrated, and the industry moved faster and more efficiently. Technology continues to change the way we work, but at the end of the day, it's still about relationships.

 

There have been so many highlights, and apart from my love of the ‘Tariff’ and the art of classification, a standout was a project in Fiji where I worked with AusAID to help upgrade Fiji Customs training and working with NZ Customs, training institutes and ACBA/CBAFF on unit standard developments. These experiences really reinforced the global importance of what we do. I’ve also loved my time on various industry committees – I served as president of the Auckland Customs Brokers Association in the early 90s, working alongside Daniel Silva, Peter Snow, Trevor Gilbert, Gary McGregor, and others. And back in the 80s, I helped form the Junior Customs Brokers Association along with Shane Smith and others who have remained firm friends – many of you will remember that!

 

For those thinking about joining the industry, my advice is simple: get involved. Try a variety of roles, get a sense of the big picture, and don’t be afraid to say yes to opportunities. This industry has so much to offer if you’re willing to be curious and connected.

 

Looking ahead, I believe we need to invest more in the next generation. We need to be visible in schools and make this industry attractive by showing young people the impact they can make. Problem-solving, working with people, being a part of global trade – it’s exciting stuff. But we’ve become a bit distant. We need to bring back the human element and create spaces where people can connect again.

 

That’s why I’ve nominated myself for Council. I’m passionate about this industry and the people in it, and I see Council as a way to give back, contribute, and help shape what comes next.

 

At the heart of it all, my why is people. Always has been, always will be.