Guidance to WINZ frontline staff on requesting photo ID from clients

Steve Rowe made this Official Information request to Ministry of Social Development

The request was successful.

From: Steve Rowe

Dear Ministry of Social Development,

I would like to request a copy of guidance to WINZ staff on their ability/parameters to require NZ-government issued photo ID to ascertain client identity.

I am particularly interested in whether there is specific guidance that states that frontline staff or case managers have the discretion to require NZ-government issued photo ID to confirm client identity.

Please note I am aware that clients may choose to prove their identity by using one form for NZ-Government issued primary ID (like a current birth certificate) plus secondary identification (like an IRD-issued tax certificate from the last six months, for example).

My interest is in a copy of guidance around the staff member’s authority to demand photo ID as a condition of granting the benefit.

Yours faithfully,
Steve

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From: Steve Rowe

Dear Ministry of Social Development,

I am writing in relation to my OIA request ‘Guidance to WINZ frontline staff on requesting photo ID from clients’, sent via the FYI website on 3 July 2024.

According to the FYI website I should have received a response by 31 July 2024, but unfortunately that does not seem to be the case. I have not received a response and I note the maximum 20 working day time frame has now passed.

Are you able to please provide me with an update on when I could expect to receive a response?

Thank you for your time here.

Yours faithfully,

Steve Rowe

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From: OIA_Requests (MSD)
Ministry of Social Development

IN-CONFIDENCE

Kia ora Steve Rowe,

 

Thank you for your email – I want to apologies for the delay in
progressing your request.

 

Unfortunately, we have been unable to locate your original request in our
system. It appears it has not come to the Ministry via the FYI website on
3 July 2024.

 

However, we did receive your follow up email dated 1 August 2024 and note
from the FYI website that your request is as follows:

 

Dear Ministry of Social Development,

 

I would like to request a copy of guidance to WINZ staff on their
ability/parameters to require NZ-government issued photo ID to ascertain
client identity.

 

I am particularly interested in whether there is specific guidance that
states that frontline staff or case managers have the discretion to
require NZ-government issued photo ID to confirm client identity.

 

Please note I am aware that clients may choose to prove their identity by
using one form for NZ-Government issued primary ID (like a current birth
certificate) plus secondary identification (like an IRD-issued tax
certificate from the last six months, for example).

 

My interest is in a copy of guidance around the staff member’s authority
to demand photo ID as a condition of granting the benefit.

 

Yours faithfully,

Steve

 

We will be prioritising you request and working to provide a response as
soon as possible.

 

Ngâ mihi,
Lucy

 

Official Information Team | Ministerial and Executive Services

Ministry of Social Development

 

Our Purpose:
We help New Zealanders to help themselves to be safe, strong and
independent
Ko ta mâtou he whakamana tangata kia tû haumaru, kia tû kaha, kia tû
motuhak

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Rowe <[FOI #27491 email]>
Sent: Thursday, August 1, 2024 5:38 AM
To: OIA_Requests (MSD) <[MSD request email]>
Subject: Re: Official Information request - Guidance to WINZ frontline
staff on requesting photo ID from clients

 

Dear Ministry of Social Development,

 

I am writing in relation to my OIA request ‘Guidance to WINZ frontline
staff on requesting photo ID from clients’, sent via the FYI website on 3
July 2024.

 

According to the FYI website I should have received a response by 31 July
2024, but unfortunately that does not seem to be the case. I have not
received a response and I note the maximum 20 working day time frame has
now passed.

 

Are you able to please provide me with an update on when I could expect to
receive a response?

 

Thank you for your time here.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Steve Rowe

 

 

 

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From: OIA_Requests (MSD)
Ministry of Social Development


Attachment 20240812 Decision letter.pdf
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Tçnâ koe Steve,

 

Please find attached the Ministry’s response to your Official Information
Act request.

 

Nâ mâtou noa, nâ

 

Official Information Team   |  Ministerial and Executive Services

Ministry of Social Development

 

Our Purpose:
We help New Zealanders to be safe, strong and independent
Manaaki Tangata, Manaaki Whânau

 

 

 

This email and any attachments may contain information that is
confidential and subject to legal privilege. If you are not the intended
recipient, any use, dissemination, distribution or duplication of this
email and attachments is prohibited. If you have received this email in
error please notify the author immediately and erase all copies of the
email and attachments. The Ministry of Social Development accepts no
responsibility for changes made to this message or attachments after
transmission from the Ministry.

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