Kia ora,
Welcome to the April edition of the DINZ newsletter. As we navigate this period of transition, our commitment to advancing digital trust in Aotearoa remains unwavering. This month brings exciting updates on upcoming events, new members, and important industry developments.
Last Chance: DISTF Survey Closing Soon!
Don’t miss your opportunity to help shape the future of Digital Identity in New Zealand. Our Digital Identity Services Trust Framework (DISTF) survey closes next Monday, 5 May. Your insights will guide the DINZ DISTF Working Group’s priorities and advocacy efforts. This survey is open to both DINZ members and non-members. Your input is important as we work to maximise the benefits of this framework for all New Zealanders.
Take five minutes to complete the survey.
Digital Trust Hui Taumata Update
Planning for our landmark event is progressing well, with speakers now confirmed including Ministers Judith Collins and Scott Simpson, along with Deputy Privacy Commissioner Liz MacPherson. Additionally, we are well advanced with two terrific international keynote speakers thanks to DINZ member sponsors. We’re pleased to report that sponsorship commitments are tracking positively, reflecting the growing importance of digital trust in our national conversation.
Mark your calendars (12 August 2025, Te Papa, Wellington) for this premier industry gathering that will bring together leaders and innovators in the digital trust space. Register your interest here.
Member News
Kudos to MyMahi’s Stefan Charsley for his prestigious Kim Cameron award enabling him to attend IIW 40 earlier this month, wonderfully reported on by co-founder Phil Windley here. As a regular attendee on DINZ’s Coffee Chats, we hope he’ll be able to share his knowledge and perspectives gained. While on the subject of awards it was great to see MinterEllisonRuddWatts honoured in Best Lawyers.
RNZ reports that the Department of Internal Affairs has issued a tender for a “new genuine face capture solution”, and notably its Trust Framework Authority issued an RFI for digital ID services accreditation infrastructure writes Biometric Update.
Our DINZ community continues to grow! We’re delighted to welcome Cybercure, LuminPDF and just in, OriginID and BeyondTrust.
See all organisation members here.
Policy and Submissions
- The DISTF Working Group coordinated our response to PaymentsNZ’s Next Generation Payments consultation, highlighting the critical role of digital identity in future payment ecosystems.
- The working group also submitted feedback on the DISTF Rules revision last week, continuing our advocacy for pragmatic and effective trust frameworks.
DINZ’s reputation for thoughtful high quality submissions continues to grow and these two above are no exception. View our submissions here.
International Engagement
We were fortunate to welcome back Zygma’s Richard Wilsher during his brief visit to New Zealand this month – two years since he delivered this highly thoughtful webinar. Richard met with both the DISTF Working Group and the Trust Framework Authority, sharing his valuable international perspectives and expertise.
Ministerial Engagement
As part of a FinTechNZ delegation that included DINZ member Middleware, our outgoing Executive Director Colin Wallis met with Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Scott Simpson. Smooth accessible digital identification is a crucial enabler for fintech innovation and the upcoming Customer Product and Data Act.
International News
- International ID Day (9 April) saw attendance from several New Zealand organisations. If you missed it, catch up here.
- UK Digital Identity Developments: The saga currently playing out in the UK may prove the adage once again that ‘Trust Takes Years To Build, Seconds To Break And Forever To Repair’. First it was Industry stakeholders expressing concerns over the government’s digital wallet approach, which saw the Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework (DIATF) community advocating for alternative approaches. Then came Government facing claims of serious cyber security and data protection issues in One Login digital ID system extended by The Telegraph including commentary from DINZ Coffee Chat attendee Mark King.
Executive Director Search Update
The DINZ Executive Council is currently interviewing the candidate shortlist with an announcement expected shortly. We appreciate your patience during this transition period.
We value your continued support and engagement as we work together to advance digital trust in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ngā mihi nui,
The team at Digital Identity NZ
Upcoming events, new members, and industry developments.
Read full news here: Moving Forward Together
