Colin Ambler/cvnznews.com
A re-elected National Government would work with Australia to trial a seamless trans-Tasman travel system that could eventually allow eligible New Zealand and Australian travellers to move through airports without presenting a paper passport at departure gates. National to trial seamless trans-Tasman travel
Tourism spokesperson Louise Upston said the proposal is the next step in modernising travel between two countries that already share one of the world’s closest economic and social relationships. The plan would rely on smartphones, digital identity credentials and biometric technology to streamline airport processing while maintaining border security safeguards.
Under the proposal, Australian and New Zealand passport holders would provide travel details digitally before departure and undergo eligibility checks before arriving in New Zealand. Dedicated arrival pathways at major airports would allow approved travellers to move through immigration processes more quickly, while customs and biosecurity requirements would remain fully in force.
National hopes to introduce a trial ahead of the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by New Zealand and Australia. Upston said easier travel would help boost visitor numbers, support regional tourism businesses and strengthen economic growth. Tourism remains New Zealand’s second-largest export earner and supports around one in nine jobs.
The proposal builds on earlier initiatives including the introduction of SmartGate technology in 2009 and work undertaken by the Trans-Tasman Seamless Travel Group. In 2024, Prime Ministers Christopher Luxon and Anthony Albanese endorsed efforts to explore closer integration of travel systems between the two countries.
There has been no public statement confirming whether Canberra is comfortable with National’s proposed trial. However, both governments have previously supported work toward more seamless trans-Tasman travel, and Albanese and Luxon had already endorsed ongoing exploration of the concept through the Trans-Tasman Seamless Travel Group in 2024. That previous commitment suggests the idea itself is not new, but Australia has not yet publicly commented on National’s specific election pledge.
