34036 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Customs

Written Question

Published date: 24 Jul 2025

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	34036 (2025)
Question asked:	10 Jul 2025
Member asking:	Francisco Hernandez
Portfolio:	Minister of Customs
Minister replying:	Hon Casey Costello
Answer received:	20 Jul 2025
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_34036_2025
Document guid:	bed2446e-267c-4393-bd9b-492cdb62e424

34036 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Customs: How, if at all, is AI profiling and/or facial recognition used in the Minister's departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised that the New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) does not use AI technology for targeting and profiling purposes. Customs uses facial recognition capabilities to verify the identity of travellers at the borders while completing passport control and immigration functions both in manual and eGate processing of travellers. The Border Executive Board does not undertake operational activity, and the Secretariat follow the policies of Customs in regard to the use of AI.