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Police are planning to set up New Zealand's own air marshals and put armed undercover officers on international flights.
Police want government funding to put the officers on about one in every 50 Air New Zealand flights that go to or over the United States.
New Zealand's aviation laws were amended last year to allow for in-flight security officers from other countries to transit in New Zealand, and for our own to be deployed should the Government ever decide to do so.
The law, not yet required, was put in place because any situation that required armed officers could arise quickly.
It could also be made a condition of flying into the US as early as next year.
New Zealand officers, rather than foreign marshals, would be used on Air New Zealand flights.
The police's briefing to incoming Minister Judith Collins reveals members of its elite Special Tactics Group could provide limited cover for the role if required.
The briefing says police will ask for funding for a "long-term capability" in the coming Budget.
Police yesterday declined to answer Herald questions about how many officers would be involved, what weapons they would carry or the funding required. The briefing shows that New Zealand's requirement is likely to be 2.5 per cent of flights.
Police Minister Judith Collins declined to comment.
Former Police Minister Annette King said police would not be able to fund the officers out of the existing budget, so Judith Collins would have to come up with more funding.
"It is not something we would do in New Zealand, but if we want our planes to land in Los Angeles we are going to have to do it," Annette King said.
She said she understood the US could make the officers a requirement next year. She said it would be a resource-heavy job, involving return long-haul flights and accommodation at destinations.
The Ministry of Transport is leading New Zealand's negotiations about the officers. A spokeswoman said the Ministry was preparing advice for Cabinet on when and how agreements should be negotiated.
