If customers have a passport that is prefixed with the letter 'L' then they should be advised to check their passport for peeling or signs of peeling.

If a passport is peeling or shows signs of peeling due to this fault then the Passports Office will issue a replacement passport at no cost.  Any replacement passports issued will have the same expiry date as the existing passport.  They strongly advise that you ask travellers to check their passports at the time of booking.  If a traveller turns up at the airport with a peeling passport, they will almost certainly be turned away.

Further information outlining the process for checking and if necessary replacing the passport is available through their website  www.passports.govt.nz

If you or your customers have any questions or concerns about 'L' series passports then please contact the Freephone number 0800 22 50 50 (within New Zealand)
+64 (4) 474 8100 (callers outside New Zealand) or e-mail passports@dia.govt.nz

The Department of Internal Affairs has provided the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Which passports are potentially affected by this peeling and how many?
Passports that have a number beginning with the letter 'L'

What should I do if my passport is peeling or shows signs of peeling?
Send it to the Passports Office, PO Box 10-526 Wellington or by courier to the Passports Office, 120 Victoria Street, Wellington.

Alternatively you can visit one of their Customer Services Offices in Auckland, Manukau, Wellington, Christchurch, Sydney or London. The website provides information on the location of their offices.

Do I need to do anything if I have an 'L' series passport and it is not peeling?
No.

Does this problem potentially affect passports that are non 'L' series?
No.  Passports can still peel for other reasons such as excessive handling. In these cases where it is not a manufacturing fault then a replacement passport should be requested at your own cost.

If I need a replacement will I need to pay for it?
If your passport is peeling as the result of a manufacturing fault it will be replaced at no cost to you. You will be advised by the Passports Office if you need to supply new photographs.

How long will the replacement passport be valid for?
Any replacement passports issued at no cost, will have the same expiry date as your existing passport.

How long will the replacement take?
The Passports Office will despatch a replacement passport to you within five working days. If you need it sooner than this please advise them when you send your passport through.

What happens if I'm overseas and it peels or my passport is not accepted?
You can contact one of their offices in Sydney or London or a New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade site overseas. They will advise you what to do.