SmartGates speeding up Customs

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 5:15p.m.

By Adam Ray

The first SmartGate opened at Auckland Airport today, giving passengers the chance to check themselves through customs.

Officials say the $38 million system will save time for passengers by speeding up the immigration process.

But not everyone will benefit from the SmartGates.

Customs officials say the SmartGates mean passengers with the right passports will not have to wait in line.

The SmartGates replace Customs officers with a two-step process; first travellers scan their passports at kiosks, then enter the SmartGate where cameras use facial recognition technology to confirm their identity.

“It's leading edge and it puts us up there with the best processing systems in the world,” says John Secker of NZ Customs Service.

Prime Minister John Key tested the new system today and found another reason why a trip to Copenhagen has gained appeal.

“Can I say how fitting to be launching how easy it is to go through customs on the day I announce I'm off to Copenhagen,” he said.

The SmartGates are not open to everyone; only arriving passengers with a New Zealand or Australian passport aged 18 or over can use them.

You need a new e-Passport issued in the last four years, meaning about 1.4 million Kiwis with old-style passports still need to see the customs officer.

Although the new system is designed to cut delays, one aviation source told 3 News that the new system is likely to lead to more queues as passengers and staff get used to it.

The SmartGates will be introduced for arrivals in Wellington and Christchurch in the next few months but they will not be available for departing passengers until the middle of next year.

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