Will Kim
Kiwi Access & Koha Manager, Hospitality NZ
Gabrielle George – Market Development Lead, Digital Identity Services Trust Framework
Digital identity in New Zealand has long been an area brimming with potential, but also with persistent challenges. While the promise of more secure, seamless access to services for individuals and organisations is clear, the reality on the ground has often felt fragmented and slow to take off.
As stakeholders and industry come together for the Digital Trust Hui Taumata 2025 on 12 August, the roundtable session hosted by the Digital Identity Services Trust Framework group (part of the Department of Internal Affairs) will explore the challenges to credential adoption across the sector and interventions to address these.
One of the most significant obstacles is trust. Many New Zealanders are understandably cautious about how their personal information is collected, stored, and shared. With the 2025 Hui Taumata focussed on building digital trust for a stronger Aotearoa, this will be a prime opportunity to share current challenges and opportunities around trust – what are the possible solutions that need public service leadership?
Alongside trust, there’s also a lack of current credential products for New Zealanders to engage with, so digital identity can feel like an abstract idea rather than something tangible that can improve their everyday interactions with businesses and government services.
Understanding what is preventing credential issuance and verification in New Zealand will be a key take out of this session – what do we need to do collectively to accelerate this?
This roundtable session aims to address these challenges head-on. Participants will explore not only the technical and policy aspects of digital identity, but also the cultural and social factors that can help—or hinder—adoption. The roundtable format is designed to ensure all perspectives are heard, whether you represent a startup developing cutting-edge verification tools, a large enterprise navigating compliance requirements, or a community group focused on digital inclusion.
The conversation is timely, the stakes are high, and the collective expertise around the table has the potential to drive real momentum.
Join the discussion to share your experience and be part of New Zealand’s digital identity future.
Want to know more about what to expect at the Digital Trust Hui Taumata 2025? Check out our preliminary programme to get a preview of the day’s sessions and topics.
Kiwi Access & Koha Manager, Hospitality NZ
Consultant - Next generation payments for Aotearoa, Payments NZ Limited
National Harmonisation Lead - Digital Identity, Austroads