New 10 year New Zealand passports coming early

New 10 year passports will be available from the end of November. Photo / Mark Mitchell, NZ Herald

New 10 year passports will be available from the end of November - in time for Kiwis heading overseas for the Christmas and New Year break.

"The hard work by the Department of Internal Affairs in preparing to introduce the 10-year validity period will mean Kiwi travellers will be able to enjoy a 10 year adult passport sooner," Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne said today.

"Subject to legislation passing in Parliament, adults planning for their Christmas holidays will be able to apply for a 10 year passport at the end of November, one month earlier than originally planned."

In July, ministers voted in favour of increasing passports' lifespan from five to ten years - but the cost will increase to $180.

Mr Dunne, speaking after the release of a select committee report on the passports, said that would still deliver an average saving of $90 over a 10-year validity period.

"Because a child's appearance can change significantly over time, the child passport will remain valid for five years as is international convention."

The action on the lifespan of passports comes after a surprise measure in this year's Budget to introduce a border levy. Travellers leaving and coming to New Zealand will be forced to pay $22 for a return international trip under the plan.

The Government estimates it could raise an extra $100 million a year from the new charge which it plans to introduce next January.