What if identity systems weren’t just about access—but about dignity and belonging?

That was the powerful message from Christopher Goh’s keynote at the 2025 Digital Trust Hui Taumata. With warmth, humility, and hard-earned insight, Goh challenged us to reframe digital identity as a tool for empowerment—especially for those who need it most.

Drawing on his work across Australia and global standards bodies, Goh made a compelling case for identity systems that protect privacy, preserve agency, and unlock access—while staying grounded in human experiences, not just technical ones.

Identity must serve people at their most vulnerable

Goh opened with three moving stories: a homeless community in Brisbane, women escaping domestic violence, and his own mother’s late-life struggle to access services. Each highlighted the real-world stakes of identity.

“Identity is not just a moment in time—it’s how we support people when they’re most in need,” he said. Whether it’s applying for NDIS, opening a bank account without an address, or escaping harm, identity systems can either be lifelines—or barriers.

He emphasised that eligibility, more than identity itself, often presents the greatest friction: “Identity gets you in the door. But eligibility determines whether you get help.”

Credentials must be inclusive, portable, and trusted

Digital credentials can transform access—if they’re designed with care. Goh walked the audience through emerging standards for mobile driver’s licenses, digital signatures, and selective disclosure. These tools allow individuals to prove things—like their age or income—without oversharing personal data.

“Credentials are like your own secure, decentralised database,” he said. And they’re already working: New South Wales’ Dine & Discover voucher programme showed how digital systems can deliver economic stimulus with speed, efficiency, and dignity.

He also highlighted form factors that support accessibility, from smart chips in wristbands to offline-capable credentials for rural and Indigenous communities: “It’s not about the tech—it’s about meeting people where they are.”

Global interoperability is no longer a dream

Goh revealed the depth of global collaboration now powering digital identity innovation—from Austroads’ quiet partnership with NZTA to cross-continental interop tests involving Europe, the US, and Asia-Pacific.

“Trust doesn’t happen overnight,” he said. “But after 104 meetings and 12 global tests, we’re seeing real momentum.”

He praised Aotearoa’s leadership and values-driven approach, noting that NZ companies like MATTR are now helping shape the global digital wallet ecosystem.

Decentralisation can lower risk and cost

Centralised identity systems are vulnerable to breaches and expensive to maintain. By contrast, decentralised credentials shift control to the individual, reducing risk and operational overhead.

“The cost of decentralised systems is a fraction of what we spend today,” Goh explained. “And they’re more secure—there’s no honeypot to hack.”

This model also supports privacy-preserving verification through zero-knowledge proofs—allowing someone to prove a fact (like eligibility for a payment) without sharing the underlying data.

The path forward: open standards, shared responsibility, human focus

Goh ended with a call to action:

• Use open standards to ensure interoperability and accountability
• Design for equity, removing eligibility barriers for those most in need
• Educate and engage the public, especially marginalised communities
• Focus on outcomes, not transactions

“Don’t just build identity systems,” he urged. “Build systems that honour the dignity of those they serve.”

Stand-out quotes

“Identity gets you in the door. Eligibility is the barrier.”

“Credentials are your own secure, decentralised database.”

“Don’t just build identity systems. Build systems that honour dignity.”

Keep the kōrero going

Stay engaged with Digital Identity NZ (DINZ) to connect with a growing community shaping the future of digital trust in Aotearoa.