From 1 October 2019 some visitors and tourists must have a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before they leave for New Zealand. According to Immigration New Zealand, the primary purpose of introducing the NZeTA is to improve border security and prevent anyone who may pose a potential security risk from entering New Zealand. You need to apply for NZeTA if you are from a visa waiver country, a cruise ship passenger or a permanent resident of Australia. Also if you pass through Auckland International Airport as a transit passenger on the way to or from Australia or on the way to another country. Please, pay your attention that Australian citizens do not need an NZeTA.
When applying for NZeTA you will need to tell about your criminal conviction history and whether you are seeking medical treatment in New Zealand. Granted NZeTA is valid for multiple visits within 2 years. It will take up to 72 hours for processing, but it could take as little as 10 minutes. An NZeTA request costs is 9 NZD on a free app, or 12 NZD if completed online. You may also have to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Currently the IVL costs 35 NZD and is paid at the same time as the NZeTA.