1News

New digital ID features soon coming to Govt app

12:38pm

Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins promotes the app in a photo from December (file image). (Source: 1News)

Bar-goers could soon prove their age using their phone under new digital ID features being added to the Government's Govt.nz app.

Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins said a digital wallet would roll out in the app by the end of the month, allowing New Zealanders to store and present accredited digital credentials issued by government or private sector organisations.

At the same time, Hospitality NZ was working with the Department of Internal Affairs to make the Kiwi Access card the first accredited credential available to be issued for the digital wallet, pending changes to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act.

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Amendment Bill, introduced to Parliament earlier this month, includes provisions to expand the list of approved proof-of-age documents to include accredited digital identity credentials.

Composite image by Vania Chandrawidjaja (Source: 1News)

Under the proposed changes, customers at licensed premises could present verified digital forms of the Kiwi Access card saved to the digital wallet when asked for proof of age.

The Kiwi Access card was formerly known as the 18+ card.

Collins said customers would be able to present the card on their phone at a bar or event entrance, so staff could "confirm age eligibility quickly and securely without handling a physical card".

A new government credential issuance platform will go live at the same time, enabling all government agencies to issue digital credentials directly into the wallet.

A beer being poured at a bar (stock image). (Source: istock.com)

Eventually, driver's licences would be able to be added to the app. Collins said the platform would reduce duplication across agencies and ensure better value for money.

By July 2026, secure messaging will also be added to the app, giving agencies the ability to send Kiwis communications such as vehicle registration reminders or travel advisories.

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