Government unveils app, but next year it becomes New Zealand’s digital ID platform

The government has launched its new Govt.nz app, marketed as a convenient place to find information, bookmark services, and receive emergency alerts.

However, the real transformation arrives next year. Minister for Digitising Government Judith Collins told RNZ’s Morning Report that digital driver’s licences and other identity credentials will be added once legislation passes early in 2026.

The identity functions cannot go live until then.

Collins said the app is voluntary, secure, and “the very first iteration”, with updates scheduled every six to eight weeks. She describes the release as an “important milestone” in building a “future-ready” public service, and the government’s press statement confirms a planned “digital wallet” to store licences and qualifications.

In plain terms, the app is being positioned to become the country’s central digital ID platform, with future phases pairing identity functions with secure messaging and notifications.

Collins argues this shift enhances privacy through government encryption and stresses the app has no tracking capability.

For now, the app is little more than a set of shortcuts. But by late next year, core identity documents are expected to be hosted on Govt.nz, turning a basic app into digital ID infrastructure