9. KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National) Link to this
to the Minister of Internal Affairs
What reports has he received on the roll-out of new passports?
Hon NATHAN GUY (Minister of Internal Affairs) Link to this
I have received reports from the Department of Internal Affairs on how successful the transition to new passports has been. The last old-style e-passport was issued yesterday. From today we are issuing the new model solely, with new security features and a new black and silver design. Forty-five thousand of these passports have been issued, and the new technology is working very well. All production targets were met during the transition to the new-style e-passport, and they continue to be met.
The New Zealand passport needs to be updated to keep up with technology and to stay ahead of fraudsters. The new passport has over 50 new security features. This helps to protect the good reputation that our passport enjoys overseas, and, indeed, it secures visa-free access for New Zealanders to over 50 countries. What is more, it is value for money; we have kept the price at the same level of $150 as previously.