Some travellers to be offered relief from queues at New Zealand airports

Travelers to New Zealand might soon be able to avoid frustrating waits at border clearance checks under measures announced in the government's annual budget Thursday.

The budget established a two-year trial to streamline border processing for low-risk travelers and traders, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy said in a statement.

The government was investing 1.6 million NZ dollars (1.07 million U.S. dollars) over two years into making it easier for "low-risk" travellers to visit, and 2.8 million NZ dollars (1.88 million U.S. dollars) over two years to speed up clearance of "low-risk" goods across the border, Guy said.

An additional 1 million NZ dollars (671,500 U.S. dollars) over two years would see the establishment of a border research, technology and innovation cell to develop technological solutions to support streamlined border processing.

"Selected regular trans-Tasman travellers will provide detailed information before they reach the border to enable an advanced risk assessment. This will save time and maintain strict border security standards," said Guy.

"The aim is to better identify and fast-track low-risk travelers, and target resources at the highest-risk areas to more effectively protect our borders."

Annual biosecurity funding -- aimed at preventing the introduction of exotic pests and plants -- was at a record 223 million NZ dollars (149.63 million U.S. dollars).

New Zealand has rigorous border controls and bans travellers from bringing in many foods and plant and animal products, but checks at ports and airports often result in long queues of people waiting to enter the country. Endit