Getting through a busy airport may not be such a daunting task this summer.
After a trial in Auckland, Biosecurity New Zealand's introducing a fast-track system across Aotearoa's major airports.
It's also put more resources into protecting the borders from pests.
It came after criticism from passengers that getting out of the terminal after landing from overseas was taking too long.
In response, biosecurity hosts like Faaizah Hussein are there to help — part of a new approach to biosecurity at airports.
"When passengers come, we know they're feeling a bit anxious and nervous so let's come and engage, let's speak to them, explain it and make sure we can process them as quickly as possible," Mike Inglis of Biosecurity NZ said.
Those with nothing to declare can get a biosecurity risk assessment done before collecting their luggage, and then move through an express lane for a faster exit.
The hosts are being introduced in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown.
It doesn't mean things are less stringent however, with more detector dogs in place, and more quarantine officers checking luggage.
Their focus this summer is the brown stink bug and exotic fruit flies.
"We're obviously extremely keen to make sure our biosecurity standards are met, it's a $57 billion primary industry we're protecting," Inglis said.
The new hosts and other staff aren't always on duty — the idea is to bring them in when several flights arrive at once.
That happened on Monday, when more than 4000 people moved through the express lane.
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