MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
16 JUNE 1999

LUXTON CUTS RED TAPE AT THE BORDER

A new single arrival card for air passengers entering New Zealand will commence a week long trial in Wellington this week, the Minister for Food, Fibre, Biosecurity and Border Control, John Luxton announced today.

The card will replace the existing documents for Customs, Immigration, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

"The new inbound document is a simpler, more convenient and traveller friendly way of collecting information for border clearance. The revamped card will provide the required immigration information for all incoming passengers and will incorporate declarations relating to Customs, Immigration, Agriculture, the environment and related currency transactions," Mr Luxton said.

"Supplementary questions linked to the card will provide Statistics, Tourism and other agencies with valuable data and information on who travels to New Zealand and why."

Mr Luxton said the new arrival card is part of planned refinements to assist the smooth movement of passengers through New Zealand airports, as passenger numbers will markedly increase for events such as the APEC leaders meeting, the America's Cup, new Millennium celebrations, and the Sydney 2000 Olympics next year.

"This new initiative will assist passengers to experience prompt processing upon their arrival, and it will eliminate previous passenger frustration through signature duplication. Only one declaration will be required."

"It is a further development in the Government's desire to minimise border barriers, thereby increasing border efficiency, through less intervention and red tape."

The new card is expected to be fully implemented on 1 August 1999.

ENDS

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