Kia ora,
As we approach the business end of the year, the hard mahi is ramping up more than anything. The strength of the fabric of our DINZ community can be seen right across the ecosystem from the Reference Architecture working groups expertly facilitated by Christopher Goh, to the heavy lifting being undertaken by so many government and industry practitioners.
Reference Architecture Working Group progress
It is wonderful to see the Policy & Technical Reference Architecture Working Groups progressing so well:
- Priority reference use cases voted on and confirmed
- Mapped mDoc standard to the NZ regulatory framework
- Sovereign namespace* proposals under consideration – paving the way for the benefits of RealMe without a centrally issued ID card or super credential
- Ecosystem wide open for industry players and consortiums to emerge.
*A namespace is a unique digital “domain” that distinguishes identifiers and credentials within a system – similar to how an internet domain name (example.nz) separates one website from another. In self-sovereign identity SSI, namespaces ensure that identifiers, schemas, and credentials are globally unique, resolvable, and trustworthy.
Trusted Credentials Adoption (TCA) Group
The recently incarnated Trusted Credentials Adoption (TCA) Group foundations have now been established by the founding team:
✅ Shared commitment to collaboration under principles of trust, transparency, and equity
✅ Te Tiriti-based approach ensuring iwi involvement and Māori representation from the outset
✅ Focus on priority sectors: payments fraud reduction, health, and education
✅ Coordinated strategy for consistent market messaging and shared standards.
DINZ Strategy 2026: The Year of Digital Identity
It is estimated that at least 4 million+ credentials will be issued to New Zealanders in the next 12 – 24 months.
In 2026 DINZ will deliver a coordinated, sector-wide program built on structured engagement, clear communications, and measurable outcomes.
The DINZ Executive Council has identified the following areas of work and will be prioritising based on available resources and member guidance and engagement.
Structured Industry Engagement: Sector-specific forums (finance, health, education, construction, travel, Māori data, public sector) driving co-design and standards alignment. Each will be framed as mini-ecosystem pilots with measurable adoption targets in line with interoperability standards (e.g., ISO 18013-5 mDL, W3C VC).
Capability Building: Customised training equips practitioners with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and leverage technologies such as decentralised identity, digital wallets, and verifiable credentials – DINZ Academy modules accredited under the DISTF capability framework supported by best practice modules.
Workshops and Seminars: Interactive sessions that delve into the latest trends, tools, and technologies in digital identity. Comprehensive guides, briefings, case studies, and reference materials to support ongoing learning.
Marketing & Adoption: Launch nationwide storytelling initiative showcasing digital-trust champions, iwi partnerships, and citizen success stories.
Communications & Reach: National campaign, accessible resources, and regional roadshows to grow public awareness and trust.
Expertise & Experience: Thought leadership in identity policy, trust architecture and cross-sector facilitation ensures efficient delivery.
Innovation Enablement: Integrated Ecosystem Innovation Hub with industry funded grants and pilot funding for emerging TrustTech solutions. DINZ will host an Ecosystem Innovation Hub to co-fund proofs of concept with DIA and industry. Each pilot will demonstrate measurable public-value outcomes (privacy protection, fraud reduction, access equity).
Inclusion & Access: Partnerships with Māori tech networks, SMEs, and training providers to extend digital trust capability nationwide.
DINZ Council election — voting opens Monday
Nominations for the new DINZ Council are now closed. Online voting will open next Monday, 10 November (please note only member primary contacts are eligible to vote). I could not be more grateful or excited about the quality of those nominated and I wish all well for what is shaping up to be a closely contested election.
Key dates and upcoming events
- 10 November: List of nominees issued to Digital Identity voting members and electronic voting commences
- 13 November: Any proposed notices, motions, or remits to be advised to Digital Identity NZ
- 13 November: Trusted Credentials Adoption (TCA) Working Group Session 2, in person at Wynyard Quarter, Auckland
- 17 November: NZ vendor VC Solutions Showcase at NZTA – part of ISO’s international interoperability test event
- 25 November: Half day Identity Workshop focused on open banking and financial services hosted by Xero
- 2 December: The last informal DINZ Coffee Chat with Andy Higgs for the year
- 4 December: DINZ Annual Meeting & Council election results
- 4 December: TCA Working Group Session 3, in person at Wynyard Quarter, Auckland
- 11 December: Save the Date for our End of year Celebration – those that do the mahi should get the treats after all!
Check your inbox for invites or visit the events page on the DINZ website.
Recent highlights in digital public infrastructure
There have been several highlights in the past month across the identity specific digital public infrastructure landscape:
- Excellent whitepaper published by Payments NZ – Digital Identity in the Digital Economy
- NEC NZ’s exciting announcement re iconic Kiwi Access Card (formerly 18+ Card)
- The OPC’s Biometric Processing Privacy Code creating new rules for biometric processing comes into effect this month (applies to any new collection and use of biometric information from 3 November 2025 )
- Reference Architecture Policy and Technical Working Group on track to deliver by Christmas
- Trusted Credentials Adoption (TCA) Group established.
More big announcements are imminent making for an action-packed end to the year.
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A warm welcome to all our new and returning members. Mahi tahi, when we work as one, the load is lighter and the journey richer. It’s up to each of us to keep the fabric of our community strong, connected, and vibrant.
Tihei mauri ora!
Andy Higgs
Executive Director
Digital Identity NZ
Read the full news here: Mahi Tahi: It takes a village to build an open, safe digital future