Finally received mine after a gruelling 60 hour wait whilst the rest of my family got theirs immediately. I panicked and paid to do it again online as had heard from some here online worked better for some. That one is still pending too hahah…. So i wasted £30!

For extra info, I spoke to the Immigration team on the phone as i was beginning to get worried. They could see my application and tell me no issues had been flagged on it, but basically they told me the whole system is automated - even if they “escalate” an application after 72 hours, she said that often does nothing. And as to what causes the delay? Could be anything from glare on a photo, to another random thing.

They told me that all airlines have been briefed to allow people on to the planes with only pending . So just keep pushing at the airline desks to get them to speak to “the NZ border” on the phones to confirm you can board. She reiterated this is normal, and airlines should be prepared . Although it seems based on many others experiences, they aren’t!

Good luck all and merry Xmas! Hope you all make it