MIN-4900 Update on NZ Transport Agency App and outcomes
17 July 2025
Provide an update on the NZ Transport Agency App’s performance against Business Case expectations,
including the roadmap for future functionality and progress on the Digital Driver Licence (DDL).
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Digital Driver Licence (DDL) Update
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Strategic context
• The transition to a DDL is a significant step in modernising New Zealand’s licencing system. It aligns with
the Government’s broader service modernisation objective and the digital identity ecosystem led by the
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Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) under the Digital Identity Services Trust Framework (DISTF).
• The DDL is designed to deliver:
o Enhanced security and fraud prevention through encryption credentials built to ISO standards.
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o Verified authenticity and privacy controls, allowing users to confirm identity or attributes (e.g.
age) without disclosing other personal details.
o Convenience and accessibility, with credentials usable anytime, anywhere, including in an online
format.
o Cost efficiency – reducing costs related to printing, issuing and delivering physical licences. It also
improves operational responsiveness during crises (such as cyber breaches or pandemics).
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• Users will be able to enrol for a DDL directly from their s 9(2)(b)(ii)
or via the App. The App
will play a central role in the DDL initiative, enabling real time updates to driver licence data (for
example, block a lost or stolen DDL) and supporting secure, user-friendly access.
Current status
• NZTA has successfully completed the co-design of a DDL solution for New Zealand in partnership with the
association of the Australian and New Zealand transport agencies (Austroads). With Austroads help we
worked with digital wallet providers s 9(2)(b)(ii)
to develop a solution to enable DDL
issuance directly to users’ digital wallets. The solution aligns with New Zealand-specific technical and
policy requirements.
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• We are now documenting the outcomes of the co-design work and completing a business case. DDL is
not yet prioritised or funded for implementation (noting it is also not prioritised in the Government
Policy Statement on land transport). We wil work through options for funding as part of the business
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case process.
• We have not yet committed to the Austroads solution, although we are now confident that it meets our
requirements. We expect to sign a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding in August 2025 to
enable Austroads to proceed with technology procurement. If we wish to proceed, we will need to sign a
participation agreement later in the year.
• NZTA is collaborating with central government agencies, including the DIA and the Ministry of Transport,
which is progressing the necessary legislative changes through the Regulatory Systems (Transport)
Amendment Bil , expected to go to Cabinet in the next few weeks.
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• The DIA has already released the NZ Verifier App, which can be used by third parties, such as hospitality
venues and car rental companies, to verify DDLs. The NZ Verifier App initially supports verification and
acceptance of overseas licences and will extend to NZ-issued credentials, such as the DDL, when it is
available.
• Minister Collins has expressed strong interest in the DDL initiative, viewing it as a key step in modernising
government services. We understand the DDL may be mentioned in a joint Prime Ministerial release as
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part of the upcoming visit to Australia.
• We expect to provide a final recommendation to the NZTA Board for endorsement in September 2025.
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Noted by Minister ☐
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