A clever combination of skills helps ensure smooth entry for visitors to Aotearoa New Zealand.

Daniel Bovelander had been a Border Officer for a couple of years before he helped set up the Carrier Relationship Team (CRT) in 2012.

Today, Daniel and carrier relationship officers help to link Immigration New Zealand (INZ) with travel operators, especially cruise ships and airlines, and harness their expertise.

The interlinked information, education, support and assistance improves the experience for travellers and the agencies serving them. 

Support for a high value industry

The cruise industry is worth about NZD $650 million to the New Zealand economy. 

“I enjoy building strong relationships with our stakeholders,” says Daniel.

“The compliance rate for the cruise sector this season is 95%, which is testament to the ongoing engagement the CRT is undertaking with training and education provided to cruise industry stakeholders,” he says. 

Carrier relationship officers work with New Zealand Customs and the Ministry of Transport, and industry stakeholders, including the Board of Airline Representatives NZ and Tourism New Zealand. 

The team is supported by a network of INZ Airline Liaison Officers (ALO) who are based at ports across the world, extending their reach with airline representatives globally. 

The team recently worked with the cruise ship industry in NZeTA requirements ahead of the cruise season, helping smooth the way for more than 170,000 visitors to Aotearoa New Zealand in the season.

A role with variety

Javier Prado joined the CRT team and INZ in December 2022, after different roles related to stakeholder management and customer service.

“I enjoy having daily meetings with people with different backgrounds and getting an in-depth understanding of the airline and cruise line industries.” 

“Serving my country is a privilege and gives me a sense of purpose,” says Javier. 

After seven years with Immigration Border Operations, Liz Pomare was excited to progress to the Carrier Infringement Officer role.

The role involves identifying carrier breaches and responding in the most appropriate manner. 

Two months into the role, she’s enjoying the variety and engagement. “I have found everything I do interesting and enjoyable.” 

Our work with Fiji Airways

The team is committed to building strong relationships with different carriers and sharing important milestones with them, including attending a recent all-female crew flight with Fiji Airways for International Women’s Day.

Alex U’Ren is the Ground Operations Regional Manager for Fiji Airways. Alex says the close collaboration with INZ and the carrier relationship officers made travel to and from New Zealand smoother and more efficient.

“Regular catch-ups and updates between Fiji Airways and Immigration New Zealand ensure we are always up-to-date with changes in regulations or procedures from an airline and immigration perspective,” Alex says.

“This level of collaboration means a smoother check-in and boarding process, with less delays and complications for our passengers.

“The carrier relationship officers are always available to answer any questions or concerns our staff or passengers may have, providing a reassuring and informative presence throughout the airport. 

“We understand the importance of a positive passenger experience, and our partnership with Immigration New Zealand and their carrier relationship officers is an integral part of ensuring we deliver on this promise,” Alex says.