Change of Address trial

The State Services Commission, in conjunction with New Zealand Post, is running a Change Of Address Notification trial. The trial is investigating the issues involved in allowing people to notify common government services of their change of address through a single channel.

According to New Zealand Post, approximately 21% of households have moved in the last twelve months. The trial is a practical response to this fact and a good example of the New Zealand E-government Interoperability Framework (e-GIF) in operation.

How does it work? People update their information on the New Zealand Post Change My Address website. They tick each service to recieve the Change of Address information. The information is attached to an email message sent securely to participating agencies via SEEMail. The information is structured using xNAL(extensible name and address language) allowing agencies to parse the message and automatically recieve the request for change into their business systems.

Current agencies participating include the Department of Building and Housing (tenancy agreements), Electoral Enrollment Commission (enrollment) and NZ Police (firearms licensing).  Inland Revenue is on track to join the pilot in December.  Other agencies with popular services are also welcome to participate.