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5. Application of the e-GIF

5.1. About this section

This section covers the requirements for agencies to adopt the e-GIF.

5.2. Understanding the environment

5.2.1. E-government strategy

The e-government strategy is periodically reviewed and updated. The current version of the strategy can be found at http://egov2.3months.com/about-egovt/strategy/.

5.2.2. Policy Framework for Government-held Information

All aspects of the Policy Framework for Government-held Information apply to data and information that is shared, exchanged, or otherwise used or managed, under the specifications or coverage of the e-GIF.

This requirement extends to the e-GIF itself.

5.2.3. Privacy Act 1993

The development and application of the e-GIF must comply with the Privacy Act.

5.2.4. Security in the Government Sector

The development and application of the e-GIF must comply with Security in the Government Sector.

5.2.5. Information Systems and Data Management Policies and Standards

While the e-GIF applies when agencies share information, technology and business processes, the Information Systems and Data Management Policies and Standards provide good practice guidance for internal aspects of agency information and technology management:

  • http://egov2.3months.com/standards/e-gif/data-management-policies
  • http://egov2.3months.com/standards/e-gif/is-policies-standards
  • http://egov2.3months.com/standards/e-gif/data-management-standards

    • 5.3. Application

    Cabinet has made use of the e-GIF mandatory for all Public Service departments, the New Zealand Police, the New Zealand Defence Force, the Parliamentary Counsel Office, the Parliamentary Service, the Office of the Clerk and the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service from 1 July 2002.

    The benefits of the e-GIF are not specific to the Public Service or central government, however. Cabinet has encouraged organisations in the wider State sector to adopt the e-GIF, and invited local authorities to also adopt it.

    The e-GIF is open to use by non-government organisations, the business community, and the public. It is also open to use by other jurisdictions.

    5.4. Scope of e-GIF

    Current information systems, software applications, or electronic data/information resources do not need to immediately comply with the NZ e-GIF.

    Any new information system, software application, or electronic data/information resource (or current instances of these being redeveloped or replaced); or systems for interfacing with the same; must comply with the e-GIF except in instances where:

  • it is certain that interoperability will never be a requirement; or
  • the current version of the e-GIF does not, and could not, include policies, standards or guidelines concerning the technologies the agency needs (not wants) to employ; or
  • an alternative approach to achieving interoperability (e.g. EDI) is justified.

    • 5.5. Exemptions

    Where an agency believes there are grounds for exemption from the e-GIF, it must:

  • conclusively demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the e-GIF Steward where the current version of the e-GIF cannot meet requirements, or why an alternative approach to achieving interoperability is justified; and
  • where sensible, contribute to the updating of the e-GIF.

    • Where an exemption is approved it will only apply to a specific information system, software application, data/information resource or business process; not to the agency's entire information and technology environment and/or business processes.

    5.5.1. Special provisions

    Specialist systems employed by, or sponsored by, the security and intelligence agencies are automatically exempted where it is not appropriate to comply with the e-GIF.

    5.6. Transition Issues

    The adoption of the e-GIF must allow for a sensible transition. Recognising this, on 13 June 2002 Cabinet agreed that current information systems, software applications, or electronic data/information resources do not need to immediately comply with the NZ e-GIF.


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