10-Year Passports Welcome But Cost Still Above Average
10-Year Passports Welcome But Cost Still Above Average
The Taxpayers’ Union is delighted with today's announcement from Minister of Internal Affairs, Peter Dunne, that New Zealand passports will have a ten-year validity from the end of the year.
The Union's Executive Director, Jordan Williams, says, "This move brings us back into line with the rest of the world, which mostly enjoy ten-year passports."
"Currently New Zealanders have the most expensive passport in the world, with Australians a close second. The new $180 price is still above average when compared to other Western nations."
"While this change is a positive step, it's still not clear why it costs so much more for the New Zealand Government to make a passport. Most countries can provide the service for a fraction of the cost."
The Taxpayers' Union briefing paper on passport affordability, Sky High, compared the cost of passports from around the world and exposed the Government for sitting on $20.8 million in excess passport fees.
"Passport fees should be based on cost recovery, not used as another stealth tax," says Williams.
ENDS