IR is increasingly working with others where we can improve government services to New Zealanders. We’re identifying where partnerships and information sharing can deliver value and better results.
The Public Service Commissioner has stated that government agencies need to focus immediately on social investment, use of data and AI and supporting economic growth.
A 2024 performance improvement review of IR by the Public Service Commission identified the opportunity for us to work more flexibly with agencies on better-quality, lower-cost and more integrated services for customers.
IR already manages and runs an effective and efficient tax and social policy system by working with many other stakeholders. This includes partnering with other government agencies and organisations to ensure New Zealanders get the services they are entitled to.
Implementation of FamilyBoost saw IR working closely with the Ministry of Education and engaging with early childhood education providers.
We’re expected to do more and will where it aligns with our strengths and functions, we have a comparative advantage and there are clear benefits for New Zealand.
Value in sharing information
IR collects and shares a wide range of information with the aim of improving efficiency, decision-making and public services. We follow rules around what we can share and who we can share with to protect the integrity of the tax system and customer privacy.
IR has more than 60 agreements with over 20 government agencies. Establishing agreements can require time and effort, but once in place, they provide a strong foundation for delivering and improving services.
For example, we are progressing an agreement to share information with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to support reducing migrant exploitation.
We have also worked with the Department of Corrections to improve our visibility of customer movements in and out of prisons. This helps IR to send the right information to customers about our services and help manage their situations while incarcerated.
IR has joined the new Anti-Scam Alliance to reduce the harm to New Zealanders from finance scams. Government agencies, banks, telecommunications companies, digital platforms sectors and consumer groups will share data to help shut down scams in real time.
Introduction of multi-factor authentication for myIR accounts is a key mitigation we are taking against this constant threat.
Use of our data in the Stats NZ integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI)
IR data is an important component of the Stats NZ-administered IDI. This year, it has been used in 255 projects carried out by 62 organisations, including other government agencies, tertiary institutions, not-for-profit organisations and consultancies.
Projects include:
- Supporting fair and efficient financial services for New Zealanders
- Migration dynamics and economic outcomes
- Analysing workforce demographics and trends in learning, career progression and workforce transitions
- Developing and mapping the local burden of disease in New Zealand
- Impacts of extreme weather events on the wellbeing of New Zealand residents.
Disrupting organised crime
The Minister of Revenue has asked IR to do more in the cross-government effort to combat organised crime. We’re working with the New Zealand Customs Service and New Zealand Police, initially to better understand each agency’s information and intelligence and improve timeliness in sharing information.
We have responded to 2,803 requests for information and proactively shared information in a further 15 instances this year.
We’re also reviewing legislative and operational changes to support this work, recognising the impacts of growing digitisation and impacts of transnational organised crime.
Service transformation
The Commissioner is the System Lead for Service Transformation, and IR will continue to play an active role in the drive for more seamless, unified customer experience across government services:
- We’re a member of the Digital Executive Board, which co-ordinates the Government’s digital programme.
- We are working with the Government Chief Digital Office on a roadmap to accelerate the digitisation of government services.
- IR is also a member of the Treasury’s Investment Panel, which provides advice and support in the preparation of Budget bids and investments that require decisions by Ministers.
Our current information-sharing partners
Information between IR and external agencies:
- Te Tari Whenua | Internal Affairs
- Financial Markets Authority | Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko
- Manatū Taonga | Ministry for Culture & Heritage
- ACC
- Callaghan Innovation
- Ministry of Social Development | Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora
- NZ Film Commission | Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga
- Serious Fraud Office | Te Tari Hara Tāware
- New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa
- Overseas: Agreements IR has with overseas parties such as double tax agreements and automatic exchange of information
- New Zealand Police | Nga Pirihimana O Aotearoa
- Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o Te Mātauranga
- External agencies: Sharing or collecting from external parties when a memorandum of understanding is not involved
- Ministry of Justice
- Multi-agency: Information sharing between 2 or more agencies
- Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
Information to IR from external agencies:
- Land Information New Zealand | Toitū te whenua
- Ara Poutama Aotearoa | Department of Corrections
Information from IR to external agencies:
- Veterans' Affairs | Te Tira Ahu Ika A Whiro
- Stats NZ | Tatauranga Aotearoa
- The Treasury | Te Tai Ōhanga
- WorkSafe | Mahi Haumaru Aotearoa
- Ministry of Health | Manatū Hauora