To also add to this;

My Grandfather passed away suddenly in Melbourne last year, my passport had just run out and was sitting on the wall unit at home for me to renew.

I called up DIA and spoke to them, they advised that they could help and turn it around in 48 hours but I had to do in to the office to do it. I booked my airfares and turned up the Manukau with a letter from the funeral director.

They processed all the paperwork there and then and told me to go in to the Auckland City branch the next day, I did so and the passport was ready. They also waived the $180 fee.

When I got to the City DIA office I went to reception, they were quite busy so she went out the back and retrieved the passport for me rather than having to wait for my number to be called.

Over all DIA was awesome to deal with in my situation.