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Digital Identity New Zealand

September Newsletter – Identity As Taonga

Kia ora Readers,

August saw Digital Identity NZ co-host our first conference, Identity as Taonga, alongside Victoria University, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner and the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).  The conference attracted over 200 delegates and a diverse range of local and international speakers and panel topics.  Kashmir Hill, a journalist from the New York Times, explored the challenges of transparency and control in our connected world and her efforts to separate herself from it.  The taonga theme was prevalent throughout, in particular with Dr Tahu Kukutai (Waikato University) sharing her insights into a more community-centric view of identity drawn from her mahi in rebuilding her iwi’s ancestral history.  We were pleased that the research we commissioned earlier in the year was referenced by Hon Kris Faafoi in his opening address, and also by Nigel Latta in his presentation on our ‘stone age brains’. You can watch the conference presentations here

We look forward to continuing these identity discussions at the 2019 Digital Identity Summit in Wellington in October, and in our series of Connect events. On that note, today is the last day to get the super save rate for the Digital Identity Summit – so sign up now if you haven’t already.

We’re also pleased to be working closely with the DIA’s Digital Identity Transition team and will be co-hosting a regular webinar update.  Keep an eye out for invitations in your inbox.

It is clear that there is a significant gap between our expectations and desires for the management of our identity data and the reality of our data-brokered age.  What is heartening is the genuine desire from those in the digital identity community to close that gap, starting with the premise that identity is a taonga worthy of our collective care, dignity and respect.  We look forward to exploring that journey with you.

Ngā Mihi,

Andrew Weaver
Executive Director
Digital Identity



New Members

Digital Identity NZ would like to welcome our new members who have joined recently:


News and Reports 

In a New Zealand first, Delta Insurance has introduced a new personal cyber insurance to cover Kiwis in the event of cyber attacks including identity theft.

Government security breach saw passport, birth certificate and drivers’ licence details of hundreds of young New Zealanders exposed on the Tuia 250 website.

Identity theft affects 130,000 New Zealanders every year, which equates to a $209 million cost to the economy.

People in India can’t link their unique identification or any other government-issued identification with their social media accounts, according to a new court ruling.

Who gets to own your digital identity?

Nearly 80% of New Zealanders are worried about how their identity is managed online.


Upcoming Events

Super saver pricing for the 2019 NZ Digital Identity Summit closes today, so secure your spot now. 

The role of digital identity in the health industry is being discussed tonight in Auckland.

The SSS Cyber Security Day is happening today in Auckland and 20 September in Wellington. The focus this year is on the human element of security.

Can banks solve the digital identity problem? Join us for an open and honest discussion with New Zealand banks about digital identity on Wednesday 25 September in Auckland.

NetHui 2019 is a two-day community event in Wellington (3-4 October) for everybody who wants to talk about the internet.

Digital Identity NZ Executive Director Andrew Weaver is facilitating a panel about Digital Citizenship in Aotearoa at the Core uLearn Conference, 9 – 11 October in Rotorua.


Tech Alliance Events and Information

Artificial Intelligence will play a big role in the future of New Zealand, as outlined in the AI Forum’s new report, Towards Our Intelligent Future.

Explore business opportunities in Singapore with networking events on 19 September in Tauranga and 20 September in Auckland.

Want to learn more about the Internet of Things? Attend the 2019 IoT Half-Day Conference on 3 October in Auckland. Buy one ticket and get 40% off a second one.

Attend the Kiwi FinTech Accelerator Demo Day on 7 October in Wellington.

Register your interest for the 2019 NZ Cyber Security Summit,  16 October in Wellington.

Learn how blockchain is solving real business problems at the InsurTechNZ Connect event on 9 October in Auckland. 

Tech Alliance members receive 10 percent off the ticket price for the advancing women in technical and industries roles conference on 25 November in Auckland.


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.