Parents, take note: The age eligibility to use eGates when arriving and departing New Zealand has changed.
Customs announced this morning that the criteria have been expanded, with 10- and 11-year-olds now able to use the gates.
Before today, Kiwis had to be 12 or older to use the automated system.
Travellers from more countries could now use the gates as well.
From today, ePassport-holders from Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Romania and Spain could access eGates on top of the 16 countries whose citizens could use them already.
Customs' acting deputy comptroller of operations Paul Campbell said the shift would make border processing more efficient.
"This lowering of the age limit and addition of six European countries marks the completion of the first phase in our eGates expansion plan, following successful trials earlier this year," he said.
"Customs' intent is to open eligibility to all European Union countries in the coming months, and even more countries later in the year, subject to carrying out live feasibility trials successfully.
"Our eGates use sophisticated biometric software and information from ePassports to carry out the necessary checks within seconds, enabling Customs frontline officers to place increased focus on other tasks like profiling high-risk travellers, such as drug couriers.
"New Zealand is a popular destination for European visitors, so this expansion is good news for those travelling with families to New Zealand," he added.
"This is also good timing for those travelling here during the upcoming school holidays in Australia."
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