New Zealanders embrace online passport applications

More than 10,000 New Zealanders have applied online to renew their passports. The milestone of 10,000 renewals was reached earlier this week says David Philp, General Manager Passports for Internal Affairs.

“We are really pleased that over 10,000 New Zealanders have chosen the online option in such high numbers since its launch in early November by Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain.

“The online renewal service is a fast, convenient way to renew an adult passport and is cheaper than the traditional paper based application process,” says David Philp.

He says the new service has allowed the Department to pass on savings to customers. “While the online service offers some clear advantages the traditional paper-based application service is still available.”

The Passport Online Renewal Service is available for adults over the age of 16 who are renewing their passport. Almost 70 per cent of passport applications are adult renewals. Children under the age of 16, first-time applicants, applicants who have changed their name since their last passport, and applicants who have an endorsement on their passport must continue to complete the paper forms. A full list of eligibility criteria can and fees can be found at www.passports.govt.nz

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Gordon Campbell: On Failures Of Care For Those With Mental Disabilities

Hard to imagine a more disturbing insight into the treatment of the vulnerable than the Health Ministry report on Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau. The Ministry has found that the country’s only kaupapa Maori intellectual disability residential care provider has been “seriously dysfunctional.”

The ministry says the business has failed to recruit and retain quality staff – and says the kaimahi (caregivers) that have been employed are seriously unsuitable for the job, lacking basic knowledge. But Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau doesn’t get all the blame. The report says there’s a significant gap under disability laws to ensure there’s oversight by qualified clinical professionals. More>>