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A re-elected National Government will work with Australia to trial seamless travel for Australian and New Zealand citizens travelling between the two countries.
National Party Tourism spokesperson, Louise Upston says it is the next logical step between countries that share two of the most closely integrated economies in the world.
“Making it easier for Australians to visit New Zealand means more visitors exploring our cities and regions which results in more incomes for local businesses, more jobs opportunities for New Zealanders, and a stronger economy,” Louise says.
National has already put the foundations in place.In 2009, the National-led Government officially launched SmartGate for trans-Tasman passengers. This was the first step in streamlining travel between the two countries.
In 2024, Prime Ministers Chistopher Luxon and Anthony Albanese endorsed the work of the Trans-Tasman Seamless Travel Group and committed to exploring ways to move closer to seamless travel between the two countries.
“We will deliver on that commitment. The 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand from October 21 to November 19 that year. National will work to introduce a trial prior to the T20.
“This would look like a fully digital trans-Tasman travel experience, where eligible travellers can rely on a smartphone, digital credentials and biometric technology through more of the airport journey.
“This would mean no paper passport required at the gate and faster movement through airports, while maintaining the security and integrity of New Zealand’s border and preserving the ability of border agencies to intervene where risk is identified,” Louise says.
“Growing New Zealand’s tourism industry is a critical part of National’s plan to fix the basics and build the future. Tourism is our second-largest export earner and supports around one in nine jobs.
“Today’s announcement is in the spirit of the long-standing and close relationship between our two countries and will make passage between them asseamless as possible, whilst still maintaining the security and integrity of New Zealand’s border.”
