The Kiwi Access Card, a physical identification card which has helped hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders prove their age for more than 20 years, is gearing up for a major digital upgrade.
That transformation was the focus of a visit this week from Hon Judith Collins, Minister for Digitising Government.
Minister Collins toured the Auckland facility of Placard, one of New Zealand’s leading secure card manufacturing and personalisation facilities, to see how the Kiwi Access card is made currently, and to hear how it’s being readied for a mobile future.
Kiwi Access is owned and operated by Hospitality New Zealand (Hospitality NZ), and is one of the country’s most recognised and relied upon age-verification tools. Formerly the 18 Plus Card, this government-recognised photo ID is used across hospitality, retail, entertainment and community settings.
While physical cards will remain an important form of identification, the next step in Kiwi Access’ evolution is the Digital Kiwi Access Credential, a secure and convenient smartphone-based version of the existing photo ID.
Expected to be New Zealand’s first private sector digital 18+ photo ID, the Digital Kiwi Access Credential will preserve the same trust, accessibility and recognition that have defined Kiwi Access for decades, while moving into a more digital-friendly format.
Developed in partnership with NEC New Zealand, a leader in biometrics and digital identity, the new credential is designed to give people control over their information while reducing the risk of fraud.
Each credential is cryptographically bound to its rightful holder and can only be shared by the user. Only the information required for verification is exchanged, and always with consent.
The Digital Kiwi Access Credential will integrate with the Government’s NZ Verify service and the All of Government Wallet. This supports the Minister’s focus on moving New Zealand’s digital identity system from discussion to delivery.
Testing with the Department of Internal Affairs, NZ Verify and NEC begins in December 2025, followed by accreditation under the Digital Identity Services Trust Framework, a closed pilot, and public launch in early 2026.
This will offer plenty of benefits for the hospitality sector. Work is underway to ensure that digital identity tools will help speed up service at the door and bar, make compliance with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act easier, and reduce the risk of fraudulent or altered IDs.
For customers, age and identity checks will become quicker, simpler and more secure, improving their experiences across all situations where the Kiwi Access card has played an important role so far.
Complementing progress in digital identity, physical identification continues to play an essential role. Placard, Australasia’s largest secure plastic card manufacturer accredited by all major schemes, will continue producing the Kiwi Access Card with high level security standards.
Chris Nunis, Placard’s CEO, says “Placard’s role in producing the Kiwi Access Card is fundamental to ensuring New Zealanders have secure and trusted identification options.
“As digital identity capabilities expand, we see a future where physical and digital credentials operate side-by-side – giving people confidence, flexibility, and choice in how they prove who they are.”
Physical credentials will sit alongside new digital tools, ensuring people have trusted ID options that work for their circumstances.
Will Kim, representing Hospitality NZ, says: “There will always be a place for physical ID’s and we expect many of our customers may continue to prefer their physical cards. Kiwi Access will continue to cater for these customers whilst giving Kiwis the choice to evolve to digital credentials which are increasingly becoming the standard globally.”
Minister Collins’ visit reflects the growing momentum behind modern and privacy focused identity solutions in New Zealand.
With both physical and digital Kiwi Access options set to work together, Hospitality NZ and our partners are helping create a future where proving your age is safer, faster and more inclusive for individuals and for the businesses that rely on it.
For more information, please visit https://kiwiaccess.co.nz/ or contact Will Kim.