9334 (2024). Lemauga Lydia Sosene to the Minister of Internal Affairs

9334 (2024). Lemauga Lydia Sosene to the Minister of Internal Affairs: What evidence, if any, has the Minister seen that the tech upgrades to the New Zealand Passport system will "improve the application process for groups and families"?

Hon Brooke van Velden: I am advised that since implementation, the Department of Internal Affairs has seen strong uptake of the new expanded online service and simplified online customer portal. Primarily for group applications that contain a mixture of passport renewal and first-time applications, which was not possible before this release. 88 percent of all applications received in March 2024 were received through the online portal. Of these, 32 percent were received as a group of applications. Prior to the update, each individual would need to apply separately or through a paper form.