Kiwi travellers are utilising SmartGates at Auckland Airport more often, with 100.941 passengers using the technology in the second week of January.

According to Customers Minister Nicky Wagner, the figure is a record high.

“This is the highest number of passengers to use SmartGate in one week, since it was introduced in 2009. It's great to see travellers embracing the technology,” she says.

Wagner opened the first of the new next-generation SmartGates at Auckland International Airport last November, following the Government's $6.6 million capital funding for SmartGate expansion.

“The new Gates are a welcome addition during the busy holiday season, as the process is faster, more intuitive and eliminates the need for the ticket and kiosk,” Wagner explains.

“Using the information available in ePassports and facial recognition technology to do customs and immigration checks allows Customs to focus on high-risk travellers while letting low-risk people clear the border easily,” she says.

“More SmartGates will be installed in Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown this year to manage growth in traveller volumes while ensuring New Zealand's border processing systems continue to be world-class,” Wagner adds.