Te Tari Taiwhenua
Department of Internal Affairs
Purpose
1.
This aide memoire provides discussion points and background information ahead of
your meeting with the Australian Minister for Government Services, the Hon Stuart
Robert on Friday 26 June 2020.
Background
2.
You have been invited to attend a bilateral Ministerial call with Minister Robert.
3.
This meeting follows on from the
Global meeting of Digital Ministers to discuss COVID-
19 digital contact tracing and exposure notification meeting, which officials attended
last Thursday 18 June 2020 at 8.00pm.
Out of scope
COVID-19 Contact Tracing in New Zealand
Digital tools are starting to be used to support the COVID-19
9.
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.
10. On 20 May 2020, the Government launched the NZ COVID Tracer smartphone
application (the app). As at 8 June 2020, approximately 522,000 people had registered
to use the app, providing up to date contact information to aid in tracing if required.
The app enables people to maintain an electronic diary to track their movements, with
people manually scanning QR codes of localities they attend.
11. Further planned releases of the app will include enhancements to functionality such as
the app enabling people to record individual interactions like visiting a friend. Creating
standards and interoperability with accredited apps will further support the contract
tracing process.
IN-CONFIDENCE
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Te Tari Taiwhenua
Department of Internal Affairs
Bluetooth technology could enhance contact tracing but it also has challenges
12. New Zealand is currently investigating options for Bluetooth solutions to support the
manual contact tracing process. This includes Bluetooth applications and a Bluetooth-
enabled CovidCard.
13. 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.
14. 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. As New
Zealand develops and improves our approach to contract tracing, we believe there is
considerable value in being kept up-to-date on contact tracing developments in other
countries. We are keen to ensure that we keep up-to-date on the uptake of any apps
developed in other countries, including information about the percentage of users who
refuse to share access.
15. 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.
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Te Tari Taiwhenua
Department of Internal Affairs
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Te Tari Taiwhenua
Department of Internal Affairs
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Contact tracing
22. 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.
23. 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.
IN-CONFIDENCE
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Te Tari Taiwhenua
Department of Internal Affairs
24. 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.
25.
Note: You may want to share your perspective on the contact tracing approach being
developed by New Zealand.
Out of scope
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