Originally Posted by
flyernet
There is a global entry lane at Auckland airport which is different from the US citizen lane but I think everything is now under the e-gates I guess.
Also, global entry is starting a pilot in Australia so I think if we push New Zealand should be happening soon.
I have another official response from the new Minister of Customs. As previously, they've said that after talking with CBP "the transaction costs of negotiating the agreement and then maintaining the requisite security protocols on behalf of the United States Customs and Border Protection, would still be too high". Given the fact that this hasn't changed in three years, I would go so far as to say that this will never change, and New Zealand will never join Global Entry. Your only path to get it will be to become Australian or pick up some other citizenship which will qualify you for it.
Below is the unabridged response, disappointing as it may be.
Thank you for your email to me dated 4 February 2020 expressing your interest in the United States trusted traveller programme and inquiring about the possibility of New Zealand taking steps, as Australia has, to obtain access to trusted traveller programs when visiting the United States.
Like my predecessors, Hon Kris Faafoi and Hon Meka Whaitiri, I do appreciate your interest in this matter and welcome your feedback as a regular traveller to the United States. You can be assured that the New Zealand Government is very committed to improving the travel experience for inbound and outbound travellers.
I note your comment that Hon Meka Whaitiri had previously advised you that that the New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) had looked into New Zealand citizens travelling to the United States accessing the Global Entry Program, and determined that there would be limited uptake which would not justify the costs of joining the program.
Your recent correspondence asks if, as Minister of Customs, I would reconsider this position and investigate whether there is potentially a renewed appetite for New Zealand obtaining access to these programs. My Customs officials have discussed this matter with their American counterparts in the last fortnight, and it is clear that the transaction costs of negotiating the agreement and then maintaining the requisite security protocols on behalf of United States Customs and Border Protection, would still be too high. At this time, there is still not a compelling case for Customs to negotiate the necessary international agreements with United States Customs and Border Protection.
You may find it useful to know that Customs, together with other New Zealand border agencies, has a very broad suite of seamless travel initiatives for all travellers arriving or departing New Zealand. Some of these initiatives include; the removal of departure cards, expansion of the New Zealand Customs eGate programme to a larger group of countries, ongoing facilitation of trans-Tasman cruise ship travel, and the digital arrival card trial. Customs also continues to review and assess new ways in which we can expedite New Zealander's travel across the world.
So there you have it. No Global Entry for New Zealanders. Not now, and probably not ever.