NZ E-PASSPORT COOPERATION - A NEW cooperation deal between Australian and NZ customs authorities is set to streamline travel between the two countries.

Under the agreement, Australian Customs ‘SmartGate' systems will be installed at Auckland International Airport, to pre-process travellers arrival into Australia before they leave NZ. “The kiosks will be for use by eligible New Zealand and Australian e-Passport holders travelling to Australian airports equipped with Smartgate,” said NZ customs minister Nanaia Mahuta, in a statement issued after talks with Australian minister for home affairs Bob Debus.

Other initiatives announced included further cooperation between border protection agencies to enhance security. The moves are one step closer to a vision espoused some years ago by Sydney Airports chairman Max Moore-Wilton, who raised the possibility of a common Australia-NZ border - which would make trans-Tasman services into
domestic flights and significantly reduce the complications of travel between the countries.