Creating positive change through innovation

From making digital services more accessible to helping young people navigate harmful relationships, these innovative new approaches and technologies are creating positive change for New Zealanders.

Here we look at the innovative work behind Identity Check, Love Better and Zero Data, the finalists of Te Tohu Auaha Hou​ | Innovation Award at Te Hāpai Hapori | Spirit of Service Awards.

Zero Data is an innovative technology that makes essential online information and services available to thousands of New Zealanders who would otherwise be unable to afford the data charges. 

With the increase of essential services and information being solely available online, people without internet access were at a disadvantage. And they are often the people who need these services the most.

Recognising this was a persisting problem for many New Zealanders, the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health/Health New Zealand, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Development, Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities, Department of Internal Affairs and ACC came together to solve it. 

Unlike the previous free-of-charge initiatives, the Zero Data solution rates the person’s entire online journey. For example, when someone is referred to other online resources by government websites, these are also zero rated. 

The initiative was funded through agency baselines, developed by existing agency staff, and the technology was built in a way that it does not require any effort on the source website which means a minimal impact on agencies' existing work programmes. 

An evaluation of the impact Zero Data has had on grassroots communities showed overwhelmingly positive results. In one example, a single mother said she can now spend more time browsing health information about her child since she is no longer worried about data charges. 

For more information about Zero Data, visit Zero.govt.nz.

Love Better is a primary prevention campaign by Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora | Ministry of Social Development (MSD) aimed at fostering safe and positive romantic and sexual relationships amongst young people aged 16-24 years. It takes a radical new approach to disrupt and/or shift harmful discourses and behaviours around relationships that affect young people. 

The campaign is evidence-based and MSD’s research of breakups showed that 68% have had a bad experience beyond the ‘normal’ hurt of breaking up. The impact of this can result in self-harm, depression, substance abuse, risky sexual behaviours, blackmail, excessive jealousy, revenge, possessiveness, and stalking.

This shows that while breakups are a normal part of being human, they are a critical moment when emotional hurt can lead to harm. How young people respond to that hurt can cause more hurt or even harm to themselves and others.

The campaign concept ‘Own the Feels’ asked young people to acknowledge or own their pain and to channel it into something positive for themselves, this includes normalising or removing the stigma attached to asking for help. 

With over 77.9 million impressions and 14.2 million engagements, the campaign created a shift in knowledge and attitudes across the board with 75% of young people saying they would seek help if they needed it (up 15%) and 80% of young people saying they now know where to go for additional support (up 20%).

For more information about the Love Better campaign, visit MSD.govt.nz. 

Identity Check is a safe and secure online identity verification service developed by Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). It works by confirming the identity information provided by a person online against the New Zealand Passport or Driver Licence databases.

The service has been successfully integrated into the online application processes at Te Manatū Whakahiato | Ministry of Social Development (MSD) which means clients can now verify their identity online in real-time by comparing their live face image against either their passport or driver licence photo. Previously they would need to verify their identity in person, creating a barrier for people to access MSD’s services. 

Providing the option to verify their identity online has improved the accessibility to many of MSD's ongoing financial assistance. Using existing client data held securely by government and leveraging digital channels in this way, means New Zealanders can prove their identity conveniently and securely outside of service centre hours and on their own terms. 

During the first nine months, over 60,000 clients confirmed their identity using Identity Check. As well as benefits to clients, enabling this online, real-time verification has significantly reduced the administrative load on frontline staff so they can stay focused on serving New Zealanders. 

For more information about Identity Check, visit DIA.govt.nz.

Te Hāpai Hapori | Spirit of Service Awards recognise initiatives that deliver great outcomes for people in New Zealand and young leaders who show outstanding innovation and leadership. The winners will be announced on Thursday 26 September.

The awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors ANZSOG – The Australia and New Zealand School of Government, DXC Technology Australia and New Zealand, Victoria University of Wellington School of Government, Westpac New Zealand, and Deloitte.