IVS Public Consultation brings positive feedback
Strong endorsement from potential IVS users
May, 2008
The key finding from the recent consultation process led by the Department of Internal Affairs about the Identity Verification Service (IVS), the new online secure service currently being developed to provide access to government services, was strong endorsement from potential users.
The consultation process was undertaken late in 2007 and included focus groups, special interest group workshops and online submissions from all over New Zealand. The views of the participants and community groups represented play a vital role in ensuring that the result is a service that people find valuable and will choose to use.
Annette Offenberger, General Manager, Identity Services for Internal Affairs, says the consultation clearly demonstrates that people see the service as a beneficial option in dealing with government. "Not surprisingly there is a strong expectation that the service will be relatively easily accessible, secure and private."
Overall, there was significant support for the service. A common refrain from workshop participants and in submissions was the convenience that the service is expected to provide and the resulting time and cost savings in dealing with government. A wide variety of applications for the service were noted including applying for a passport, student loans and allowances and dealing with Inland Revenue.
One of the messages was that the service should go ahead as quickly as possible and be made available as widely as possible. Key messages included the need for a simple, user-friendly, accessible, free, and safe service where privacy is protected.
The service was particularly attractive to users with disabilities because of the convenience of the online channel and with students who are heavy users of online services.
The expectation that the IVS should be made widely available as soon as possible is reassuring as it underlines the general confidence in the IVS. Both Internal Affairs and the State Services Commission are committed to a staged release of IVS. The first stage to be known as the 'limited service IVS' will be available from 2009 and a 'full service' IVS available from 2011.
The focus now is to move forward with the development of the Identity Verification Service. The results of the consultation provide a positive framework for Internal Affairs to do that. DIA will continue to work in close collaboration with the State Services Commission in developing the wider igovt programme.
The full results from the public consultation can be found at:
For further information about igovt, see: https://www.i.govt.nz/
