sen8or:

Just did ours, payment came out on 8th April, all were delivered on the 20th, given that includes easter weekend, pretty happy with DIAs turnaround time. Communication was good too, got email confirmation of receipt, 1 email for each passport, then email confirmation of shipment, again, 1 email per passport.

If only all Govt depts could be as organized......

Both parentals just got theirs done. Sadly tried to DIY with a PnS at wide angle 4" from the face so their ears didn't exist, rejected of course - So I re-did them with a proper camera, and home studio clam-shell setup and passed easy. But that's another story

One was processed by the UK office (I kid you not.. nzpassportslondon@dia or similar) and rejected. The other handled by NZ. Which added a 12hr delay to one of the re-vetting approvals. Both clearly printed locally (CHC now has an approved printing office along with welly.. south island winning!) and arrived 2 days after approval. All up some 6 days incl a weekend I think had it not been rejected and needed some free me-photographer time.

Friends got an urgent one done for their baby. Was ready 2pm next day (they went in and did it at CHC DIA)

So it can vary by the vetting office it seems.

Ordered a new one online on Wednesday evening, delivered Saturday morning - and it wasn't rush service either.

Remember the ESTA...

PS. Moved to correct sub-forum

PPS. Try TravelTalk, our (myself, ajobbins, sbiddle and paulspain's new travel site)

Its good that a government service like this can be so efficient when you hear so many negative stories about other services. Although it is true you are more likely to read about people's negative experiences (especially in the media).. I've really only heard good things since they introduced the 10 year passport. I believe they brought on more staff around about the time it came in. 

In my experience the passport can be very quick as others have said, the delay for me was NZPost as it had to be signed for so that added about 3 days!

2 years ago my friend realised the day before we were due to leave for the States that her passport had run out.  She did an urgent renewal online and I went to the passport office in Auckland CBD on the morning of our departure and picked it up in time to meet her at the airport - bit sweaty all round on that one!

So, an update:

I got an email saying my photo was rejected due to the shadow in the background. So I spent yesterday, taking a few and sending them until one got accepted. I must say their reply and email turnaround time is impressive. 

I had to make a couple of calls to them to check on the status of my application. They let me know there is no guarantee and probably slim chance of me getting my passport back before I am travelling on Satuday. I chose to ugprade to expedited. 2 hours later, I get a cal saying my passport is ready. I wonder what would have had happened if I had just waited :P

Anyways, I can close the loop on this now until the next 10 years. This thread would be good for people to update regularly when they apply, keeping the timeframes up to date.

Kayan

Submitted Thursday night 10pm, dispatch notice today for a tomorrow delivery. Couldn't ask for better.

Top tip.

Rather than doing the the passport photo rejection resubmit time wasting hassle use the passport office online photo checker tool.

https://onlinephotochecker.passports.govt.nz/Home/TermsAndConditions

ObidiahSlope:

 

Top tip.

 

Rather than doing the the passport photo rejection resubmit time wasting hassle use the passport office online photo checker tool.

 

 

 

https://onlinephotochecker.passports.govt.nz/Home/TermsAndConditions

 

Its the most losest checker out there. Is the face round, yes, does it goto nearly the sides, yes. ACCEPTED!

It said yes to my parentals 15mm wide angle closeup that made their ears not visible around the side of the face...

Thought I'd add my experience to the list.

Had the need to do a rapid turn around so paid the extra $180.  Submitted my application and received a confirmation (of application) email at 13:19. Then got another email at 15:19 (yes exactly 2hrs later) saying new passport had been dispatched.  Arrived before 10am the next day.  Less than 24hrs from submitting the application to having it in my hands.  I was super impressed!

Pretty much if you get the photo sorted ok (definitely use the online checker) then they're pretty quick.

Mine was less than a week, or just at one week.

HellraiserNZ:

 

So, an update:

 

 

 

I got an email saying my photo was rejected due to the shadow in the background. So I spent yesterday, taking a few and sending them until one got accepted. I must say their reply and email turnaround time is impressive. 

 

I had to make a couple of calls to them to check on the status of my application. They let me know there is no guarantee and probably slim chance of me getting my passport back before I am travelling on Satuday. I chose to ugprade to expedited. 2 hours later, I get a cal saying my passport is ready. I wonder what would have had happened if I had just waited :P

 

 

 

Anyways, I can close the loop on this now until the next 10 years. This thread would be good for people to update regularly when they apply, keeping the timeframes up to date.

 

 

 

Kayan

 

Well, you know, they do give a time frame for passport processing - not like a surprise. Usually I add a few unforeseen factor time onto it (eg, rain, camera broken, photo rejected, earthquake etc) - that means doubling time frame and I gave it a month.