A business passport will be the first digital credential issued by the government, with a trial of the new system announced by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
The NZBN Business Passport will be stored in digital wallets on devices like smartphones. It will allow users to verify and share key business information, including whether a person can act on behalf of the business.
MBIE will trial the new credential with selected Westpac business customers, who can store it in the Govt.nz app’s digital wallet and connect it to their banking services. It will work alongside Westpac's own digital credential for business customers announced in September.
The credential will let businesses share information faster and more securely, reducing paperwork and manual checks when dealing with other organisations.
It will be the first government-issued digital credential and the second accredited under the Digital Identity Services Trust Framework.
The first accredited was Westpac's, which allows business customers to show digital proof of their bank account when asked by customers.
MBIE said that alongside Westpac's credential, businesses will have a "secure, trusted way to verify business identity and bank account details online".
The ministry was engaging with other banks and organisations interested in digital ID and the business passport.
Feedback from Westpac and other participating businesses would help inform future decisions about rolling out the passport and other types of Digital ID.
MBIE's acting head of digital business enablement, Alan Carnaby, said the passport will give businesses a "secure and reusable way to share verified information with organisations in a trusted digital format".
"Businesses are often asked to provide the same information to multiple organisations. The NZBN Business Passport will allow businesses to securely reuse trusted information, reducing paperwork and improving productivity and efficiency."
Phil Weir, Deputy Secretary at the government Digital Delivery Agency, said digital ID would make systems simpler and more secure across New Zealand, with credential holders in control.
“The Trust Framework Authority has independently assessed the NZBN Business Passport against robust privacy and security requirements, giving businesses and service providers confidence in its use.
“Wider adoption of digital credentials will mean simpler, more efficient services and better protection against fraud. By making it easier to do business, digital credentials can help support New Zealand’s economic growth."
According to the Government's website, digital credentials are able to be stored only on the devices users choose, with data not held in the cloud or in a Government or company database.
They work similarly to banking apps and services like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
"Your credentials stay encrypted, on your own device, under your control — even if your device is lost or stolen, no one can access them without your biometrics or PIN," the Government website reads.
Users can also choose what information to share when using digital ID.
"For example, to prove you’re over 18, you can share just that fact — without revealing your full date of birth, address, or photo ID.
"This is enforced by the Trust Framework’s rules, not left to individual providers to decide."
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