Despite efforts to address long wait times for New Zealand passports, the situation has not improved and is reminiscent of the delays seen when the c
Despite efforts to address long wait times for New Zealand passports, the situation has not improved and is reminiscent of the delays seen when the country’s borders reopened last year. Currently, over 37,000 passport applications are awaiting processing, with an average processing and mailing time of one month per application. The Department of Internal Affairs attributes the prolonged wait times to factors such as a sustained increase in application volumes since border reopening and reduced staffing due to Covid-19 isolation requirements. The department is working to recruit and train new staff and has implemented additional measures, including weekend work, to alleviate the delays.
