It was led by Auckland International Airport Limited's CEO and the Border Executive Board's Chair.
[2] Launched on 25 March 2022 to manage COVID-19 health responses, the NZTD faced resource constraints but adapted with over 30 updates until its temporary pause in October 2022.
Designed as a digital risk management tool, it aimed to swiftly adjust to future border changes, enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability.
[7][8] The board is a formal successor to an informal border governance group, which was established in 2007 and comprised senior leaders from the Customs service and the primary industries, transport, and business ministries.
[5] The context for establishing the board was the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and decisions of the New Zealand government to use border controls as the primary measure at limiting COVID-19 transmission in the community.