Engagement policy: trust framework for digital identity services

Purpose

This document sets out the engagement policy, as specified in the Act and agreed to by both the Trust Framework Board (the Board or TFB) and the Māori Advisory Group.

Context

The Digital Identity Services Trust Framework (DISTF) Act 2023 establishes a legal framework for the provision of secure and trusted digital identity services for individuals and organisations.

The two administering bodies for the Trust Framework are the Trust Framework Board and the Trust Framework Authority (the Authority or TFA).

The Māori Advisory Group is established to advise the Board on Māori interests and knowledge, as they relate to the operation of the Trust Framework.

The Act (sections 53, 4 and 5) requires that the Board and the Māori Advisory Group work jointly to prepare an engagement policy, setting out how they will work together. The engagement policy must include details of how and when consultation with iwi and hapū will be undertaken by the:

1. Board
2. Board together with the Māori Advisory Group, and
3. the Māori Advisory Group to inform its advice to the Board.

The Board and the Māori Advisory Group, acting jointly, must review both the engagement policy and the terms of reference at intervals of not more than 3 years (section 53.7).

Section 53: Role of Māori Advisory Group — DISTF Act 2023 — NZ Legislation(external link)

Engagement scope

During the legislative process, the Trust Framework Bill underwent extensive public consultation. Amendments were made to the Bill after submissions were considered. These included the structure of the Trust Framework, governance, te ao Māori provisions, Rules and Regulations, as well as compliance and enforcement powers.

To prepare for the Act to go live, we are working on secondary and tertiary legislation (Regulations and Rules). Feedback on these require technical expertise and for this reason a targeted consultation approach has been adopted for both Rules and Regulations. Engagement related to consultation while the Rules and Regulations are being developed and, in the future, when changes to Rules and Regulations are required, will be a focus of the Board, supported by the Māori Advisory Group.

Another area of engagement relates to the Board’s function is to undertake education for Trust Framework providers and the public. (section 45.1(c)).

Section 45: Functions of TF board — DISTF Act 2023 — NZ Legislation(external link)

Working together

Members of the Board, with the support of the Māori Advisory Group, will work to ensure that the digital identity regulatory system being established in New Zealand is robust and fit for purpose, and to maintain the integrity of the Trust Framework when the Trust Framework Authority is operational.

The functions and roles of the Board and Māori Advisory Group are specified in the DISTF Act (Section 45 and 53 respectively).

Working on public sector mahi, members are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the Public Service Commission’s Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Principles

All members agree to adhere to the following principles when working with each other:

• act with integrity
• be respectful, and
• be open and transparent.

Mātāpono

These align well with the DIA mātāpono which underpin how we relate to one another.

Manaakitanga

Kia akiaki te mānā o te tāngata. To uplift the mana of the people.

Manaaki is to show kindness, respect, and hospitality towards others.

Kotahitanga

Mā tini, mā mano, ka rapa te whai. By many, by thousands, the work will be accomplished.

Expresses values of togetherness, solidarity, collective action reciprocity and respect.

Whanaungatanga

Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa. Let us keep close together, not far apart.

Kinship and relationships. This principle is nurtured through shared experiences and working together, which provides people with a sense of belonging.

He Tāngata

He aha te mea nui o te ao, he tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata. What is the most important thing [in the world]? It is people, it is people, it is people.

The people. People are important to what we do and the culture we create. This principle is about all people, internal and external, being important.

Conducting activities to fulfil the functions of each group

• All members agree to be prepared for, and actively participate in, scheduled meetings as outlined in the forward agenda (Appendix 1).
• Advice from the Māori Advisory Group to the Board, as stipulated in the Act (section 53.6) must be in writing; and the Board must have all advice published on a website maintained by the DIA.
• The chairs of each group meet quarterly, or other frequency as agreed, to share forward agenda and progress of work programme.

Approaches to engagement

The Māori Advisory Group must advise the TFB on the appropriateness of consulting with iwi and hapū on a case-by-case basis, including details of how and when these will be undertaken, if relevant.

When engaging with external stakeholders, members agree to:

• approach all engagements with clear, and shared, understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Board, the Māori Advisory Group and the secretariat
• work together to develop and agree engagement messaging and processes to avoid confusion, acknowledging that the concept of identity, including Māori identity, is more expansive than the issues of identification management that the Trust Framework is setting out to address.