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Explore our one-day conference programme filled with inspiring keynote presentations, engaging panel discussions, and plenty of networking opportunities in the company of digital identity leaders from Aotearoa and around the world.
Registration opens – tea/coffee
Formalities begin
Opening and welcome from MC Ngapera Riley
Welcome from Digital Identity NZ Executive Director Andy Higgs.
Ministerial Address – Minister Judith Collins
Digital Identity and Sovereignty in the Age of AI: New Zealand’s Path to Leading the World’s First Decentralised Credential Ecosystem
Digital identity and artificial intelligence are reshaping society, yet they’re in direct tension. AI-generated content undermines identity systems while the absence of universal identity frameworks erodes online trust. This presents New Zealand with an unprecedented opportunity: becoming the world’s first fully decentralised credential identity ecosystem. With our Digital Identity Services Trust Framework and values-driven approach, we can leapfrog traditional models and align with 100M+ US mobile licenses and 400M+ EU wallets also based on decentralised systems. But leadership demands conscious choices about focus, tradeoffs, standards, and sovereignty. How do we balance global interoperability with national priorities? The next decade will determine whether we achieve true digital independence or surrender it to global tech giants.
Building New Zealand’s Digital Trust Infrastructure: DISTF Implementation and the Road Ahead
The Digital Identity Services Trust Framework represents a fundamental shift in how New Zealand approaches digital identity. This session provides a comprehensive update on the government’s digital identity initiatives, including the rollout of NZ Verify verification app, the all-of-government digital wallet, regulatory monetisation frameworks, and the establishment of a trust register as the authoritative source for government-issued credentials. Learn how the government is positioning itself as a trusted credential issuer and what this means for businesses and citizens navigating New Zealand’s evolving digital landscape.
Will include a case study showcase of digital identity technology.
Panel Discussion.
Break for morning tea.
Putting People First: Digital Identity for Everyday New Zealanders
How do we make digital identity work for real people in real situations? This session explores the practical applications of digital identity for natural persons, from early adopters embracing new technologies to everyday applications like proof of age and online verification. We’ll examine privacy considerations, the importance of user control, and how New Zealand’s ID assurance hierarchy creates a foundation for trustworthy digital interactions. Discover how borderless travel, bank-issued credentials, and innovative solutions are transforming how citizens prove who they are in an increasingly digital world.
Update on the Biometric Code of practice. Following the public consultation which closed in March, a final version of the Code is expected around mid-2025.
Mobile Drivers Licenses.
Panel Discussion.
Everyday payments & transactions. Includes a case study showcase of Kiwi Access – proof of age.
Panel Discussion.
Keynote Speaker – Minister Scott Simpson
API Centre and bank issued credentials.
Panel Discussion
Break for lunch
Unlocking Business Productivity: Digital Identity for Enterprises, Trusts, and Organisations
Digital identity isn’t just about people – it’s about unleashing the productivity potential of New Zealand’s businesses, charities, trusts, and corporates. This session examines how digital identity solutions can streamline back-office processes, reduce fraud risks, and enable faster turnaround times across sectors. From farming trust alliances and federated farmers to healthcare providers and educational institutions, learn how the NZ Business Number and digital identity frameworks are creating new opportunities for automation, compliance, and growth in the digital economy.
Keynote Speaker to be announced
Keynote Speaker TBC.
Panel Discussion.
James Monaghan leads an engaging dialogue to take the temperature of the room on digital identity for businesses and organisations. This collaborative session gathers delegate insights on productivity gains, implementation challenges, and regulatory needs while providing valuable feedback for the government on how digital identity can unlock New Zealand’s economic potential.
The Future is Agentic: Digital Identity for Machines, Bots, and AI Systems
As artificial intelligence and automated systems become ubiquitous, the question “who or what am I dealing with?” becomes critical. This session explores the emerging world of agentic commerce, where AI agents conduct business on behalf of humans and organizations. How do we establish identity, delegation, and reputation for machines? What frameworks ensure accountability when bots make decisions? As the future web becomes increasingly agentic, understanding machine identity becomes essential for maintaining trust and control in our digital interactions.
Keynote to be announced.
Panel Discussion.
Afternoon Tea Break.
Roundtable Discussion.
Close by MC Ngapera Riley.
Closing Karakia by MC Ngapera Riley.
Networking Drinks.