New digital credential cuts paperwork for Kiwi businesses

Named the NZBN Business Passport, this new credential is stored in a digital wallet on the user’s mobile device. It allows businesses to verify and share key business information, including that a person is able to act on behalf of the business. This can reduce paperwork and manual checks when dealing with other organisations.

The NZBN Business Passport is the first government-issued digital credential and the second accredited under the Digital Identity Services Trust Framework. Digital credentials are key to digitising government and making public services more connected, secure and easier to use.

Acting Head of Digital Business Enablement at MBIE, Alan Carnaby, said the credential will provide businesses with a secure and reusable way to share verified information with organisations in a trusted digital format.

“Businesses are often asked to provide the same information to multiple organisations. The NZBN Business Passport will allow businesses to securely reuse trusted information, reducing paperwork and improving productivity and efficiency.

“We are initially trialling the NZBN Business Passport with Westpac NZ. In the future, other organisations will also be able to use information from the credential.”

The trial will enable selected Westpac business customers to store an NZBN Business Passport in the Govt.nz app’s digital wallet and connect it to their banking services. Alongside a verified bank account credential issued by Westpac, it will provide a secure, trusted way to verify business identity and bank account details online.

“MBIE is also engaging with other banks and organisations interested in the future use of digital credentials and the NZBN Business Passport,” Mr Carnaby said.

Phil Weir, Deputy Secretary at the Government Digital Delivery Agency, said digital credentials could make it simpler and more secure to access services across New Zealand.

“Credential holders also control when and where they share their credentials.

“The Trust Framework Authority has independently assessed the NZBN Business Passport against robust privacy and security requirements, giving businesses and service providers confidence in its use.

“Wider adoption of digital credentials will mean simpler, more efficient services and better protection against fraud. By making it easier to do business, digital credentials can help support New Zealand’s economic growth,” Mr Weir said.

Mr Carnaby added that feedback from participating businesses and Westpac will help inform future decisions about wider adoption of the NZBN Business Passport and additional digital credentials.