Auckland Airport eyes biometric kiosks
The trial, which is expected to kick off in the first half of next year, will initially allow 'trusted passengers' the choice of going to a kiosk instead of dealing with a customs officer. Should the trial be successful and the system deployed, it will provide a fast-track for holders of e-passports containing biometric data.
David Hansen, general manager of Auckland Airport, said kiosks will make the customs process more efficient for all passengers. During the initial trial, frequent travellers will be able to volunteer to test the new technology.
"We have a large number of travellers who frequently cross the Tasman. Any way we can speed up the process for them and help other passengers enter the country faster is definitely positive," said Hansen in a statement.
In a joint request for information (RFI) issued on Wednesday, Auckland Airport and NZ Customs announced they were looking for companies interested in supplying kiosks and the biometric technology. According to the RFI, no decision has been made as to the type of biometric technology to be used or to the format of the ID card. After evaluating the responses, they will draw up a shortlist and issue a request for proposal (RFP).
"The RFI is the first step in determining the providers who would be interested in supplying the technology needed... the RFP will determine the way forward in terms of technology and biometric measure used," said Peter Rosewarne, NZ Customs information systems manager, in a statement.
A spokesperson for Auckland Airport told ZDNet Australia the kiosks will not replace customs officers, who are specially trained to identify suspicious individuals.
"It doesn't change the customs process that occurs at the moment, it just automates the first part of it. The human element will still be there but the data gathering can be replaced by these systems," the spokesperson said.
Last week, Sydney Airport kicked off trials of a fingerprint and iris scanning system for refugees arriving in Australia. The federal government said the system is designed to improve security and help fight identity theft.