NZ Launches Tender for Digital Credential Platform

Published Date : 7/30/2025 

New Zealand has launched a Request For Proposal (RFP) to identify suppliers for a digital credential issuance platform, a key component of the NZ Government Digital Wallet. The platform will support various government services and credentials, including the mobile driving license (mDL). 

New Zealand has officially launched a Request For Proposal (RFP) to identify suppliers for a digital credential issuance platform that will be used by the NZ Government Digital Wallet. This initiative follows the advance notice issued last week, signaling a significant step in the country's digital transformation.

The issuance platform will be managed by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and will enable government agencies to issue digital IDs and other credentials stored within the digital wallet. The wallet itself is part of the NZ Government Mobile App, designed to consolidate government services and credentials, such as the New Zealand Transport Agency’s (NZTA’s) planned mobile driving license (mDL). The app is expected to go live before the end of 2025.

The digital credentials will be verified by relying parties using the identity verification app NZ Verify, developed by New Zealand’s homegrown digital infrastructure company, Mattr. This platform is seen as a cornerstone in New Zealand’s adoption of digital credentials, as stated in the RFP document.

Pre-conditions for consideration include support for public key infrastructure (PKI), whether through APIs, a third-party PKI solution, or direct integration with the issuance platform. The document mentions biometrics as a method of binding an individual to a credential but does not specify detailed requirements for credential binding.

The deadline for submitting proposals is August 27th, 2025. The tender specifically refers to the issuance platforms and not to any other part of the Government App Program. The initial contract will last four years, with possible renewals for two and one additional year.

According to the tender, the supplier should deliver a single credential issuance platform as a “managed service.” The document emphasizes that the platform should not require specific development or building for this implementation. It should also meet international standards, including the W3C Verifiable Credentials standard, Selective Disclosure JWT Verifiable Credential (SD-JWT VC) format, the Digital Travel Credential (DTC) standards from ICAO, the ISO 23220-3 mDoc digital identity format, and other upcoming international standards.

Other future digital credential issuers may include agencies such as New Zealand Police, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Ministry of Social Development (MSD), Inland Revenue Department (IRD), and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. The tender notes that many government agencies are already working on the necessary legislative changes to prepare for issuing digital credentials, while others are waiting for this project to deliver the platform that will enable them to move forward.

Last year, New Zealand finalized its Digital Identity Services Trust Framework. In April, the country issued a tender to identify suppliers that could create an accreditation infrastructure for digital ID services. The DIA also carried out a market engagement on civil registration in June and is looking for a new capture solution for face biometrics to complement the matching capabilities it uses from Daon.

This initiative is part of New Zealand’s broader strategy to enhance digital services and improve the efficiency and accessibility of government services for its citizens. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the purpose of the digital credential issuance platform?

A: The purpose of the digital credential issuance platform is to enable government agencies to issue digital IDs and other credentials, which will be stored in the NZ Government Digital Wallet. This platform will enhance the efficiency and accessibility of government services for citizens.

Q: Which department is managing the issuance platform?

A: The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is managing the digital credential issuance platform.

Q: What is the deadline for submitting proposals?

A: The deadline for submitting proposals is August 27th, 2025.

Q: What international standards must the platform meet?

A: The platform must meet international standards, including the W3C Verifiable Credentials standard, Selective Disclosure JWT Verifiable Credential (SD-JWT VC) format, the Digital Travel Credential (DTC) standards from ICAO, the ISO 23220-3 mDoc digital identity format, and other upcoming international standards.

Q: What other government agencies may use the platform in the future?

A: Other government agencies that may use the platform in the future include New Zealand Police, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Ministry of Social Development (MSD), Inland Revenue Department (IRD), and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. 

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