BHC and NZ Post launch new British passport service

As of 1st February, 2010, customers applying for a new British passport will benefit from an innovative new service.

Applicants will submit their documents to the local NZ PostShop, where the staff will conduct basic checks to ensure the application is correct.

The service, which sees collaboration between the British High Commission and NZ Post, delivers a range of benefits.

• Convenience. Submitting your application is as easy as a trip to your local New Zealand PostShop.
   
• Efficiency. 70 per cent of passport applications are sent back or delayed because they are not completed correctly. This service is going to save time and money for our customers.
   
• Peace of Mind. PostShop staff will ensure you avoid simple mistakes.
   
• Visibility & Security. The service will utilise NZ Post’s mail tracking service, so you’ll be able to see where your documents are and know they are in safe hands. The tracking service will operate alongside our passport help line, so you’ll be able to see where your application has got to.

Why are we launching this service?

We are constantly looking for ways to deliver the highest quality service and reduce the cost of producing a passport, including the fee you pay.

In July 2009 we established the new regional passport processing centre at the British High Commission in Wellington.

This is the largest passport processing centre outside UK and serves Australia, NZ and the South Pacific, processing some 80,000 passports a year.

The centre delivers economies of scale to ensure that passports are delivered consistently, securely and within our targets. We’ve improved our service since opening the centre.

The 70 per cent of incomplete or erroneous passport applications that are sent back or delayed result in extra cost to customers both in time lost and courier costs. Having NZ PostShop staff check applications with customers, will reduce the chance of this happening.

The service has been piloted in Australia, where it has been well received.

What do I have to do:

You’ll need to submit your passport application at any NZ PostShop. Please ensure you bring in all the documents you’ve been asked to provide.

PostShops will collect the fees for each application and dispatch by secure courier service to the British High Commission.

Details supplied by the British High Commission, Wellington...

•    Approximately 20,000 applications for a British passport are received each year from applicants living in NZ.

•    We estimate that the total number of NZers or NZ residents with rights to a British passport is around 800,000.

•    The cost of a British passport will be NZ $ 342.50.

•    The British High Commission in Wellington will only accept direct postal applications until 1st March, 2009. After that, they’ll be sent back unopened.