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.

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

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.

We are looking forward to hosting David Birch back in New Zealand for the Digital Identity Summit in Wellington today.

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 Identity as Taonga Conference was hosted at Victoria University in Wellington in August.

Collaborative working groups are the engine rooms of the Digital Identity NZ community.