Hon Chris Tremain

Minister of Internal Affairs

15 August 2013       Media Statement         

100,000 passports renewed online

Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain says more than 100,000 people have now renewed their passports online as part of a drive by  the Government to change the way New Zealanders deal with government departments.

“This is a great example of what we can achieve with successful IT projects,” says Mr Tremain.

“The online passport renewal service has saved New Zealanders close to $7 million in passport fees since it was launched in November last year.

“New Zealand is the first country to have online passport renewals.  Over 20,000 New Zealanders overseas have renewed their passports online and  people are telling me how impressed they are with the service.   Renewing your passport online is easy and there is a very quick turn-around time. 

“People expect that it should be easy to deal with government departments for the services they need.  The Government is delivering on this as part of our Better Public Services goals.  We want 70 per cent of the most common transactions with government to be able to be done online by 2017. Online passport renewals are one of those transactions.”

The Passport Online Renewal Service is available for adults over the age of 16, who are renewing their passport at a cost of $124.50.  A full list of eligibility criteria can be found at www.passports.govt.nz. 

Customer feedback regarding online passports

"I am just writing a brief thank you to compliment the NZ Passport office on the online passport system. I am residing in Botswana and recently applied for my passport online and received it in Botswana less than 10 days from application. I found the process of application was straightforward and easy to follow and extremely efficient.  Isn't it nice to hear some positive feedback :)"

"Compliment for EVERYONE who helped KEVIN …..  with his online application he has just received it in Malaysia and has said he had "stand up service" and is "very impressed"

" Dear Passports office

I received my new passport today in Singapore - just 5 days after submitting it as an on-line application.  I wish to thank you for your prompt service."

"I very recently renewed my NZ passport online (I'm based in Adelaide, South Australia) and I want to express my gratitude for such an efficient and timely service. The online system is easy to use and I received my new passport very quickly, delivered to my door in Adelaide. An excellent service...well done to all involved!"

"Hi Folks

Just to let you know my new passport has arrived at my apartment in Abu Dhabi. This has to be some kind of world record.

My congrats to all, what a system. Impressive beyond words."

ENDS

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