There is much to appreciate in the clever technologies that some very smart people have nurtured over the years. We’re seeing an explosion of video-based conference calls, team meetings and webinars keeping many of the wheels of business turning. We’re also seeing an equally impressive explosion of human connection through the windows of our computer screens - virtual coffee mornings, quiz sessions, lunch dates and evening drinks have kept us connected and allowed for an impressive expression of individuality when it comes to choice of outfits and virtual backgrounds. ‘Who would have thought?’ innovations are happening all around us.

International Women’s Day was celebrated earlier this month. I was fortunate to participate in a number of events highlighting some incredible and inspiring wahine toa.

Reliance and trust are essential in the world of digital identity. It is fundamental when people give their identity information to those that receive it, and it also extends to the relationship between different organisations, technology and service providers who play a part.

The importance of transparency and trust will present the biggest changes and impacts relating to digital identify for New Zealanders in 2020, Digital Identity New Zealand (DINZ) says.

‘Trust, but verify’ was a favourite saying of Ronald Reagan, and interestingly (given his era) was adapted from a Russian proverb.

Aotearoa New Zealand has a golden opportunity now at the start of a new decade to demonstrate a truly inclusive digital identity environment, Digital Identity New Zealand (DINZ) executive director Andrew Weaver says.

Meri Kirihimete and season’s greetings to you all.

Andrew Weaver (Executive Director, Digital Identity NZ) speaks at AirNZ OnPoint on Digital Identity - November 2019

Digital Identity New Zealand held its launch event in Auckland a year ago this month. Much has happened in the past 12 months:

It has been one year since Digital Identity New Zealand launched in November 2019.