Biometric capability update project

The Biometric Capability Update (BCU) project began in 2018 to modernise Immigration New Zealand’s identity systems.

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Our response to project findings

The Biometric Capability Update (BCU) project began in 2018 to modernise Immigration New Zealand’s identity systems. It was paused in November 2025 and ended in January 2026 after major delivery problems and rising costs. It did not deliver the planned capability. An independent review found serious weaknesses in governance, assurance, decision-making and culture. MBIE accepts these findings and is making changes to reduce the risk of this happening again.