The Australian and New Zealand Government have launched the SmartGate trans-Tasman trial.
The trial will involve the integration of New Zealand and Australia’s SmartGate systems and will give some travellers the opportunity to complete part of the Australian arrivals process in New Zealand.
New Zealand and Australia’s SmartGate systems trial, will run until July 2012 and be available to residents of both countries, with ePassport holders – aged 18 and over – who are travelling from Auckland International Airport to the Gold Coast Airport.
Eligible travellers will be able to bypass the SmartGate kiosk at the Gold Coast and go straight to the gate if they used SmartGate when departing from Auckland International Airport.
New Zealand Minister for Customs Maurice Williamson said the SmartGate trans-Tasman trial is another example of the great working relationship between the New Zealand Customs Service and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.
“The New Zealand and Australian governments share the view that travelling across the ditch should be as much like a domestic experience as possible,” he said.
“I encourage all eligible travellers to take advantage of the new SmartGate integrated solution when flying between New Zealand and the Gold Coast.”
Australian Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor said the SmartGate trans-Tasman trial streamlines passenger processing.
Australian Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor said the SmartGate trans-Tasman trial streamlines passenger processing.
“The SmartGate trans-Tasman trial aims to make it easier and more efficient for travellers to self-process at passport control,” he said.
“SmartGate will also help to reduce queuing by creating a more seamless border processing experience.
“Both Australia and New Zealand have planned expansions of the program at several of their international airports.”
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