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Introducing Our New Executive Director | May Newsletter
Kia ora,
Welcome to the May edition of the Digital Identity NZ newsletter. This month, we’re excited to introduce our new Executive Director, share insights from Techweek25’s Foundations for Tomorrow Event.
Andy Higgs Appointed as New Executive Director
We’re pleased to announce that Andy Higgs has joined Digital Identity NZ as our new Executive Director.
Andy brings over 20 years of experience across digital identity, AI strategy, and innovation in both public and private sectors. His background includes leadership roles at Futureverse and Centrality, where he focused on self-sovereign identity solutions and ecosystem partnerships.
His experience extends to policy development with the Department of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, including work on the Digital Identity Services Trust Framework and the Consumer Data Right.
Andy’s collaborative approach will be valuable as DINZ continues to work alongside members to build a trusted digital identity ecosystem for everyone in Aotearoa.
Digital Public Infrastructure: Foundations for Tomorrow Event
During Techweek25, government, industry, and public sector leaders gathered at Parliament’s Legislative Chamber to discuss how digital public infrastructure (DPI) could transform service delivery across New Zealand.
Key takeaways for the digital identity community:
- Ministerial vision: Hon Judith Collins KC announced plans for an all-of-government app allowing citizens to store digital credentials, receive notifications, and access services in one secure digital space.
- Economic benefits: Pete Herlihy from AWS highlighted that digital identity is one of four core components of DPI that can deliver significant economic growth—between 1-2% of GDP in developed nations.
- Human-centered approach: Deloitte’s Adithi Pandit emphasised how unified digital infrastructure could enable more joined-up social services and reduce fragmentation.
- Implementation plans: Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche indicated a move toward greater centralisation with prescribed platforms and standards to make digital infrastructure a low-cost utility.
- Industry perspective: Xero founder Rod Drury called for greater urgency in digital identity implementation, suggesting New Zealand could leverage its small size to move quickly and “solve digital identity by Christmas.”
Read the full event recap here.
Member News
Our DINZ community continues to grow! We’re delighted to welcome POLipay as a member and look forward to featuring and engaging them in our ecosystem.
See all organisation members here.
Stay Connected
Thank you for being part of our community. We look forward to sharing more updates next month.
Ngā mihi nui,
The team at Digital Identity NZ
Read full news here: Introducing Our New Executive Director | May Newsletter
