Hon Trevor Mallard
Minister of State Services
Funding for secure online government services
The government is investing an extra $14.8 million over the next four years to further develop a secure system for
people wanting to use government services over the Internet, State Services Minister Trevor Mallard announced today.
The allocation includes capital funding of $240,000.
"The system, known as online authentication, allows people and agencies to have confidence in each other's identity when
conducting transactions online. It is one of the key elements of e-government and will become increasingly important as
agencies extend the range of their online services," Trevor Mallard said.
"New Zealanders have enthusiastically embraced internet banking, and tell us they want the same kind of convenience and
security for the increasing range of government services that are available online.
"This government is committed to delivering a public service that effectively meets the needs of New Zealanders in the
21st century. Ensuring security and privacy in the provision of good quality and efficient online government services is
part of our goal.
"Public consultation on online authentication options was held in 2003, and it was very clear that people preferred a
straightforward central solution with limited information exchange, that put security and the privacy of New Zealanders'
as the top priority. We agreed with this way forward.
"The State Services Commission's E-government Unit, in conjunction with the Department of Internal Affairs, will now
develop and implement government-wide standards for authentication. The Privacy Commissioner will also be consulted on
any privacy concerns. A national ID card has been ruled out.
"A number of agencies already conduct online authentication for specific online services. A common approach that can be
applied across the whole of government will provide consistency for people using government services online," Trevor
Mallard said.
ENDS