Y1 Objective
Sets the dual purpose of New Zealand's Border operational instructions: facilitating entry for compliant travellers and managing risks from non-compliant travellers.
- Status
- active
- Updated
- 2026-05-01
- Sources
- Y1
At a glance
The Y1 Objective establishes the core purpose of all Border operational instructions: to streamline entry for travellers who meet New Zealand's requirements while identifying and mitigating the risks posed by those who do not. [Y1]
Definition
The objective is defined in Y1 as:
The objective of Border operational instructions are:
- to facilitate the entry of travellers to New Zealand who meet entry requirements; and
- to identify and manage the risks to New Zealand arising from those travellers who do not meet entry requirements.
[Y1]
These two limbs are interdependent: facilitation depends on effective risk management, and risk management is carried out in the context of enabling legitimate travel.
Application in decisions
All Border instructions are interpreted and applied in light of this objective. When an immigration officer evaluates a traveller's eligibility for entry, the objective provides the overarching framework. For example, an officer may grant entry to a traveller who meets the documented requirements because doing so aligns with facilitating entry. Conversely, where risks are identified—such as questionable documentation, health or character concerns—the officer's decision to refuse entry or impose conditions is grounded in the second limb. The objective therefore informs both individual decisions and the design of border policies. [Y1]
Interpretation & edge cases
The Y1 Objective is a statement of purpose, not a specific rule. It does not impose standalone obligations or create rights for travellers. However, it guides the exercise of discretion: when a border instruction is ambiguous, officers may refer to the objective to resolve uncertainty. For instance, if a traveller's circumstances fall between clear-cut compliance and clear risk, the officer must weigh the facilitation mandate against the risk management mandate. The objective's high-level nature means it does not dictate outcomes but ensures consistency in decision-making across the border system. [Y1]