New Report Shows Cost Of New Zealand Passports Highest In World

A briefing paper released today by the Taxpayers’ Union suggests that New Zealand Government forces Kiwi’s to pay more than any other nation for a travel passport. It shows that:

· New Zealand is out of line with the rest of the world – contrary to statements made by the Government, most of our trading partners issue ten, not five year passports.

· The per year cost of a New Zealand passport is more than any other country examined.

· The Government is sitting on a whopping surplus of $20.8 million because of excessive passports charges.

Click here to read the briefing paper.

Jordan McCluskey, who authored the paper says, “Our research shows that the New Zealand passport is the most expensive in the world on a per year basis.”

In 2005 the Government introduced biometric technology to passports, made them more expensive and reduced their validity from ten to five years.

“Even if we had ten year passports, at current prices, New Zealanders would still be paying more than citizens in most countries with whom we traditionally compare ourselves.”

“Contrary to claims by the Department of Internal Affairs that five year passports brought us into line with other countries, New Zealand is swimming against the tide. Canada, China and the Netherlands all recently increased their passport validities to ten years,” says Mr McCluskey.

Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams says, “Kiwi travellers are paying more and getting less. We’re calling on the new Minister of Internal Affairs, Peter Dunne to do the sensible thing and reintroduce ten-year passports.”

“The research suggests that current regime isn’t about security, it’s about raising money for the Government,” concludes Mr Williams.

ENDS

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