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Digital Identity New Zealand

How do we give New Zealanders control of their Digital Identity?

Kia ora readers,

This month we released a summary of our research findings on the understanding, attitudes and perceptions of New Zealanders on Digital Identity. The findings are stark – they highlight a massive gap between what people would like to see when it comes to protecting and managing their data online, and the reality of the transparency and control they can actually exercise. This report in Wired magazine further elaborates on that sentiment. This is our challenge and our opportunity. Done right, a collaborative and inclusive Digital Identity ecosystem will allow its users both transparency and control, as well as an assurance that their data is kept safe and secure. The research findings will help us to close the gap, and in particular, work with technology providers and businesses to move away from the current paradigms of data harvesting and limited control.

Our member workshop on Wednesday 19 June in Wellington is a step in that direction. We will be coming together to explore some key systemic challenges, and to explore the emerging design framework that the Design working group are leading for us. The workshop is for members, and it’s not too late to sign up so your organisation can be involved. Please email us if you would like to attend.

Stay tuned for the launch of our Digital Identity Meetup groups in Auckland and Wellington. Details will be hitting your inbox soon!

Finally, save the date the NZ Digital Identity Summit which will be held the day after the 2019 Security Summit on 16 October at Te Papa in Wellington. There are many unique opportunities for Digital Identity New Zealand members to sponsor and participate in the Summit. Please contact Nick Elias for more information.

Ngā Mihi,

Andrew Weaver
Executive Director

Early bird registrations close 15 July
Nine out of 10 Kiwis want more control of their digital identity

News and Reports

Advances in “photo-morphing” lead to further consideration for RealMe instant verification.

LinkedIn has acquired digital identity firm Drawbridge.


Singapore is launching a government ID verification service as part of their national digital strategy. The SG-Verify API will be launched under the NDI by the end of the year, allowing businesses to perform secure identity verification and data transfer by scanning a QR code with the SingPass mobile app.

“Data is human, particularly data that is about us. It should be treated in a way that is respectful of humans, and not only a kind of resource to be mined,” said Joni Brennan, President of the Digital Identity and Authentication of Canada at the at the launch of the Canadian Data Governance Standardization Collaborative.


Microsoft has launched a blockchain-based decentralised identity system; meanwhile, it has quietly deleted its facial recognition database that held over 10 million images.

Alison Mau references Digital Identity New Zealand in her discussion on workplaces holding their employees to strict standardson their personal social media accounts..


Western Australian police are trialling a cloud-based platform to make it easier to track the digital footprints of criminals.

Samsung and Mastercard have teamed up to develop a new digital identity security system across mobile devices.


Upcoming Events

Early bird registrations for the Identity Conference 2019 (26-27 August, Wellington) end on 15 July. Check out the programme and register now.

Digital Identity NZ is pleased to join FinTechNZ for our next Tech Alliance event series. Save the date: 11 July in Wellington and 18 July in Auckland.


If you do business in the USA, join the US Consulate on 25 June for a briefing on E1 and E2 visas for international trade in the USA.

Register your interest for the 2019 NZ Cyber Security Summit, 15
October at Te Papa, in Wellington.


Tech Alliance Events and Information

Help inspire the next generation of girls into tech careers by signing up to be a ShadowTech 2019. Mentors are still needed in Palmerston North, Hamilton and Dunedin.

Join EdTechNZ andTechWomen tomorrow in Wellington, 20 June in Auckland and 26 June in Christchurch to discuss how to achieve diversity in the tech sector.


Contribute, Connect and Join

A regular feature of our newsletters will be a spotlight on members. We’re keen to share stories and highlight opportunities for collaboration. Please contact us to submit your story.

If you would like to know more about joining Digital Identity NZ, the benefits and membership categories check out our joining page.


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Digital Identity New Zealand A purpose driven, inclusive, membership funded organisation, whose members have a shared passion for the opportunities that digital identity can offer. Digital Identity NZ supports a sustainable, inclusive and trustworthy digital future for all New Zealanders.