SmartGate travellers reach one million
More than one million trans-Tasman travellers have now used the SmartGate automatic processing facility.
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More than one million trans-Tasman travellers have now used the SmartGate automatic processing facility.
SmartGate uses face recognition technology and the information stored in a microchip inside electronic passports to do the identity checks usually carried out by Customs officers.
It was introduced in 2009 and is now used at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch airports.
Announcing today the one-millionth passenger to use SmartGate, Customs Minister Maurice Williamson said the automatic service was in increasing demand as more people swapped to ePassports.
Mr Williamson said SmartGate brought trans-Tasman travel closer to a "near domestic" experience, and that the facility would assist in the management of major events like the Rugby World Cup.
NZPA
Wed, 27 Apr 2011
Wed, 27 Apr 2011
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SmartGate travellers reach one million
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