WELLINGTON, New Zealand, 4 November 2025 – Hospitality New Zealand has partnered with NEC New Zealand, a leader in biometrics and digital identity, to bring its vision for a digital version of the Kiwi Access Card (formerly 18+ Card) to life. The collaboration marks a major step in delivering on the Government’s goal of a trusted, privacy-preserving digital identity future.

For more than two decades, the Kiwi Access Card has been one of New Zealand’s most recognised forms of identification, helping hundreds of thousands of people prove their age and identity. The new digital Kiwi Access Credential will build on that legacy, offering a secure and convenient way for people to verify who they are directly from their smartphone while maintaining control of their personal information.

This partnership answers the call from Minister for Digitising Government Judith Collins, who has urged both public and private sectors to “move from discussion to delivery” in creating a trusted digital identity ecosystem.

“Hospitality New Zealand has shown real leadership in modernising one of the country’s most trusted credentials,” said Steven Graham, Head of Identity Cloud Establishment ANZ at NEC New Zealand.

“This partnership reflects NEC’s global commitment to building secure and interoperable digital identity platforms, with our Identity Cloud capability being established across Australia and New Zealand. We’re proud to help shape the future of identity in New Zealand as a transformation partner alongside Hospitality NZ.”

Built on NEC’s Identity Cloud Platform, the new credential uses global verifiable credential standards and NEC’s expertise in digital identity and biometrics to deliver benefits for individuals and businesses:

• Reduces identity theft and fraud through cryptographically secure, tamper-resistant credentials
• Limits data sharing, ensuring only essential information is exchanged with consent
• Simplifies compliance with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act and other verification requirements
• Improves trust and efficiency across everyday age and identity checks

Will Kim, representing Hospitality New Zealand, said: “The Kiwi Access Card has always been about trust and accessibility. Working with NEC allows us to carry that trust into the digital era, giving customers more privacy, helping businesses meet their obligations, and making verification faster and safer.”

This partnership reflects growing momentum behind New Zealand’s digital identity programme and the Government’s drive for trusted, privacy-preserving services.

NEC New Zealand is preparing to support Hospitality NZ through accreditation under the Digital Identity Services Trust Framework, ensuring the Digital Kiwi Access Credential meets the national standards for trusted and secure digital identity.