More than 1500 people were barred from boarding flights headed to New Zealand last year because their passports were invalid or they lacked visas.
Immigration New Zealand's Year at the Border report for 2011-12 shows that 4.8 million passengers arrived in New Zealand, mostly from Australia.
The report says 1529 people were not allowed to board a plane for New Zealand because pre-screening by immigration officials revealed they would not meet entry requirements on arrival.
Most were from China, Fiji and India.
Immigration New Zealand says 790 people were refused entry at the border, with more than half considered a risk of overstaying if granted a visa.
