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FAQs

General Information

Take a look at some interesting facts about your information.

Fact: Did you know we've been operating since 5 January 1840? That makes us the oldest government department in New Zealand.

FAQ: Why do we need Customs at all?

Answer: In an age of travel and technology it’s easier than ever to interact with people outside New Zealand. Keeping our borders safe and stopping threats and risks entering NZ is constant and essential.

Fact: All babies are born with blue eyes but their eye colour changes over time.

FAQ: Why can’t families with young children use the airport e-gate?

Answer: Our eGate uses facial recognition which, with young children, makes tracking rapidly changing facial features impossible. This means that there would be a very high rate of rejection at eGates for young children.