Post-cabinet presser: 10-year passport reinstated

Post-cabinet presser: 10-year passport reinstated

By Jeremy Wilkinson and Megan Gattey

In a press conference today in Wellington, Prime Minister John Key announced that 10-year passports for adults would be reinstated and defended the government’s decision not to allocate more funding to the superannuation fund.

In light of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, many countries changed the passport expiration from 10 years to five to minimise the threat of security breaches.

From December 31, adult passports will return to a renewal rate of every 10 years.

The length of validity on child passports will remain at five years.

Key said the change would mean greater convenience for travelers, and the cost is actually much lower than what the Treasury had recommended to the government.

The new passports would cost a maximum of $180, which is $40 more than the current five-year passport. However, Key pointed out it would be cheaper in the long run, as people would not have to buy two five-year passports at $140 each.

Key said it was unlikely he would introduce legislation that would suspend or limit citizenship for New Zealanders involved in terrorist organisations.

“Firstly, you would need a Parliamentary majority, and I don’t see where that majority comes from. Secondly, it raises the issue of leaving a person stateless, so I think it’s unlikely,” Key said.

Key addressed Labour leader Andrew Little’s claim that the Budget had missed an opportunity on New Zealand superannuation.

“I don’t think we are being irresponsible. If you have a look at our fiscal track, we’ve built in the increases for New Zealand super, and the costs that are associated with an aging population. We are pretty clear on our numbers that debt numbers for New Zealand are reducing, and it is well and truly affordable.

“Putting money into the super fund doesn’t reduce the cost of the New Zealand super.

“I’m comfortable with the current settings for the New Zealand super.”

Audio here:

Video here:

ENDS

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