The charges were mainly imposed on Palmerston North, Dunedin and Hamilton airports. These airports recently began offering international flights. International airports at Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington are charged for some immigration and customs services. No charges are levied on sea ports. The essential basis for recovering the cost of border services flows from a number of factors.
Some international travellers present other risks e.g. weapons, drugs and pornography.
Increasing visitor arrivals are placing greater demands on existing border services. Border services must be delivered in the most efficient and effective manner. Border control services should be fair to existing and new players. All ports must be treated equally under the new arrangements. Charging port companies appears to be the simplest and cheapest means of collecting payment because it involves the least administration - but this is subject to consultation.