Kia ora,
Digital Identity New Zealand has released Towards Universal Trust, new research that shows Aotearoa is ready for simpler, reusable ways to prove identity online. But adoption will depend on whether organisations can earn and keep public trust.
The research found 61% of New Zealanders are ready or open to using reusable digital identity. It also found strong support for privacy-preserving tools: 77% are comfortable proving a single fact, such as being over 18, without sharing their full date of birth.
For members, the message is clear. Convenience alone is not enough. People want to understand why information is needed, share only what is necessary and stay in control of who can access it. With 52% willing to abandon a product or service that asks for unnecessary information, privacy-enhancing design and plain-language communication are now central to building customer confidence.
The report also highlights an opportunity to build awareness of Aotearoa’s Digital Identity Services Trust Framework. Once explained, 68% said an independently accredited trust mark would make them more likely to trust an organisation.
Read the report for practical insights on designing digital identity services that work for people, communities and business.
Sustainability: how tech companies can prioritise + act
Watch this practical conversation hosted by Mark Thomas, Co-Chair of the TechNZ Sustainability Sub-board, with Madeleine Newman, Executive Director of AI Forum New Zealand and Michael Lakeman, Executive Council member of BioTech New Zealand.
They explore how technology communities and organisations can make real progress without a one-size-fits-all approach. Hear practical examples, from AI-led sustainability hackathons to sector advocacy, and learn how to focus your efforts where they can have the greatest impact.
The webinar also covers how to align sustainability activity with member, customer and business priorities, plus realistic first steps to take over the next six months.
Whether sustainability is central to your work, part of your ESG commitments, or an opportunity to reduce environmental impact and create value, this session offers grounded insights for Aotearoa’s tech ecosystem. View webinar
What’s ahead for our ecosystem in 2027?
Join Tech New Zealand and Silverstripe in Wellington for Six by Six: 2026 reflections, 2027 predictions. Six leading voices will each take six minutes to share the changes that mattered this year, what they mean for our ecosystem and where the biggest opportunities and challenges may lie ahead.
Come for practical perspectives to take into the year ahead, then stay to connect with fellow members over drinks and nibbles.
Wednesday 25 November | 5.00pm–7.30pm
Silverstripe, Cornerstone House, Level 7, 36 Customhouse Quay, Wellington 6011
Free for members | $25 + GST for non-members
Register
SFIA Week 2026: free online sessions on skills
SFIA Week runs from 16 to 20 November 2026. It’s a free, online programme of 39 sessions for digital and technology professionals.
The sessions show how organisations use the Skills Framework for the Information Age SFIA (SFIA) to describe, assess and develop digital skills. Speakers come from government, industry, education and professional bodies across Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK. Contributors include Services Australia, the University of Otago, the Australian Computer Society and Deloitte.
AI is a key theme and sessions explore:
- Closing skills gaps in generative AI adoption
- Using AI with workforce capability data
- Using AI responsibly in hiring
Other topics include skills-based recruitment, cyber workforce development, digital badges and Indigenous data governance. Find out more
Voting for the Digital Identity New Zealand Executive Council closes on 23 November and their Annual Meeting is 3 December. FinTech New Zealand’s Annual Meeting is on Tuesday.
Ngā mihi nui,
Graeme Muller
CEO, Tech New Zealand
Read the full newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/technewzealand/trust-sustainability-and-the-opportunities-ahead-in-2027