Auckland Airport welcomes new Immigration NZ vision for 2015

08 March 2012

Auckland Airport has welcomed the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) launch of their vision for 2015. The vision outlines a blueprint for improving immigration policy and processes to deliver better outcomes for New Zealand.

Auckland Airport general manager corporate affairs, Charles Spillane, congratulated the INZ team on their work, and said that the new vision continues their recent outstanding partnerships with tourism and with other export industries to serve New Zealand‟s long-term interests.

“In a global climate when immigration matters are often very sensitive, Immigration New Zealand is fast becoming a model for a progressive, smart immigration service that keeps the bigger goals in mind. This future vision will help them find the optimal balance between protecting the integrity of New Zealand, and promoting better social and economic outcomes by making it easier for the best qualified migrants and highest-value visitors to get here.”

Auckland Airport is particularly welcoming of the focus outlined in the vision on better service, better systems, and better outcomes.

“The commitment made by the Government to a new high-tech online immigration system will, when fully implemented, make a huge difference to the ease of visa application for potential migrants and visitors.

"New Zealand has some significant disadvantages in global tourism and trade terms. Basically we are small and we are a long way from anywhere. Because of this, New Zealand must have fewer barriers to visitation or doing business with than with our global competitors. Having a world-class immigration system and visa application process will make a real difference to that goal.” said Mr Spillane.

The INZ vision also outlines an operating model that manages low risk and high risk better, that delivers consistent and transparent service, and can identify and target higher-value markets and higher value applicants.

“Immigration is but one part of a much bigger „NZ Incorporated‟ jigsaw. By aligning the market priorities of INZ with those of the tourism and trade industries and New Zealand‟s economic development interests, and by managing risk in a much more dynamic and targeted way, we believe there is a far greater likelihood of success for the country.”

“We all have shared goals in seeing New Zealand succeed globally and in accelerating our economic prospects – our future living standards will depend on it. We look forward to working with INZ on turning their vision into more visitors, more trade opportunities, and more value for New Zealand.”, said Mr Spillane.

Ends

For further information, please contact:

Richard Llewellyn
Corporate relations manager
+64 9 255 9089