Te Tari Taiwhenua
Department of Internal Affairs
Purpose
1.
This aide memoire provides discussion points and background information ahead of
your Global Digital Ministers Meeting on 18 June 2020 at 8pm (NZT).
Background
Global Digital Ministers Meeting – COVID-19 contact tracing approaches
2.
You have been invited to attend the
Global meeting of Digital Ministers to discuss
COVID-19 digital contact tracing and exposure notification by the Australian Minister
for Government Services, the Hon Stuart Robert.
3.
Minister Robert has invited representatives from France, India, Israel, Iceland, Poland,
Cyprus, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
4.
The Minister of Health, Hon Dr David Clark, was invited but is unable to attend. The
Ministry of Health’s feedback has been incorporated into this briefing.
5.
Paul James and Ann-Marie Cavanagh will also be in attendance.
Out of scope
COVID-19 Contact Tracing in New Zealand
Digital tools are starting to be used to support the COVID-19
11. New Zealand is starting to use a range of digital tools to manage COVID-19 in addition
to the National Contact Tracing Solution. This includes using official Quick Response
(QR) codes, and integrated data sources as digital infrastructure to help manage
COVID-19.
12. On 20 May 2020, the Government launched the NZ COVID Tracer application. As at
8 June 2020, approximately 522,000 people had registered to use the application,
providing up to date contact information to aid in tracing if required. The application
enables people to maintain an electronic diary to track their movements, with people
manually scanning QR codes of localities they attend.
13. Further planned enhancements to the app will address many of the current shortfalls,
such as the application not enabling people to record individual interactions like
visiting a friend. Creating standards and interoperability capability will enable
accredited apps to make a valuable contribution to add value to the manual contact
tracing process.
IN-CONFIDENCE
Page 2 of 8
Te Tari Taiwhenua
Department of Internal Affairs
Bluetooth technology could enhance contact tracing but it also has challenges
14. New Zealand is currently investigating Bluetooth solutions, including Bluetooth
applications and a Bluetooth-enabled CovidCard. Officials are expected to provide
Cabinet with an update on this later this month.
15. The Ministry of Health views Bluetooth as one of a number of technologies that we are
using to respond to the COVID 19 pandemic. We see these as support for the process
of contact tracing rather than replacing it.
16. The Ministry of Health’s view is that at this stage we continue to observe other
countries’ implementation of Bluetooth solutions to support contact tracing. We will
make a decision on the use of this technology in the best interests of New Zealand
when we are satisfied that the technology is proven to be of benefit or otherwise.
Out of scope
IN-CONFIDENCE
Page 3 of 8
Out of scope
Out of scope
Te Tari Taiwhenua
Department of Internal Affairs
Appendix A: Suggested talking points
Out of scope
Contact tracing
5.
As New Zealand develops and improves our approach to contract tracing we would
find considerable value in being kept up-to-date on contact tracing developments in
your respective countries.
6.
New Zealand is also interested in being kept up-to-date on the uptake of any apps your
countries develop. Information about the percentage of users who refuse to share
access would also provide valuable insights for us.
7.
Note: You may want to share your perspective on the contact tracing approach being
developed by New Zealand.
Out of scope
IN-CONFIDENCE
Page 6 of 8
Out of scope
Out of scope
