34041 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Customs

34041 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Customs: What automated approvals, if any, are currently operating within 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 eGtates are the only automated approval system in operation within Customs. Customs currently operates 52 eGates across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown international airports. The eGates enable eligible travellers to clear border control in 20 to 40 seconds, providing a streamlined experience. The eGates use facial recognition technology to compare the photograph stored in a traveller’s ePassport with a live image captured at the eGate. This efficiency helps Customs manage growing passenger volumes while focusing human resources on higher-risk travellers.