10. JILL PETTIS (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Customs
What recent initiatives has the New Zealand Customs Service taken to improve passenger processing and border agency efficiency at Auckland International Airport?
Hon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Customs) Link to this
Last week, on behalf of the Government, I attended the opening of the new arrivals hall at Auckland International Airport. The redevelopment project is a major initiative of Auckland International Airport that has involved the New Zealand Customs Service and other border agencies in the design of facilities better suited to efficient processing standards. There is now more space, more processing booths, and a distinct Aotearoa New Zealand feel to the arrivals area. The Customs Service shares the enlarged space with the Immigration Service, allowing the agencies to work together to achieve maximum efficiency for passenger processing.
What further initiatives are under way to improve processing times and efficiencies at Auckland International Airport?
Hon NANAIA MAHUTA Link to this
The opening of the new arrivals hall is only the first stage of the redevelopment. The next stage will be to revamp the baggage hall, allowing more space for Customs Service and Biosecurity New Zealand staff to clear arriving passengers and their luggage. I am advised that this is due to open in July. The new design and layout will again greatly improve the arrival experience of visitors to Aotearoa New Zealand and improve passenger processing.
Peter BrownNoting those answers, can the Minister give this House an absolute assurance that Auckland International Airport will not, in any way, shape, or form, turn into a farce like the one that has occurred at Heathrow?
Hon NANAIA MAHUTA Link to this
What I can assure the member is that the 3A redevelopment will ensure a better experience for those visitors coming to New Zealand, and it will also enable border agencies to carry out their role most efficiently.