Another way to prove you are you

First introduced when New Zealand's legal drinking age changed in 1999, the then 18+ Card was designed to help licensed alcohol retailers to make sure their customers were 18 or over. 

Since then because the card has official government backing, it has also become accepted as proof of age and/or identity in many other businesses, education, community and government organisations. 

For anyone who cannot produce a passport or NZ driver licence, the Kiwi Access Card is a reliable and secure alternative. And it's not only for Kiwis. You can also apply as a visitor, international student or temporary worker - but you do have to be 18 or over. 

In New Zealand, only driver licences issued in New Zealand (as opposed to foreign driver licences) are readily accepted as evidence of age, making Kiwi Access Card an ideal evidence of age for backpackers, anyone on a working holiday visa, as well as foreign students and other visitors to NZ. 

New Kiwi access card has added security

The Kiwi Access Card had a significant design upgrade to ensure it has state of the art security features, including embossing, micro text, and braille to assist blind and low vision users."

Lee added, "It is our hope that this card will create opportunity and access for everyone across New Zealand, whether they have just turned 18, are about to draw their pension, or visiting us on a work or study visa." 

Community benefits

The Kiwi Access Card aims to help the community as a whole by: 

• Providing visitors to New Zealand, including those on study or working holiday visas with a reliable form of identification that can be used within New Zealand.
• Providing stakeholders who have to check and confirm customer IDs with a legal, reliable and secure alternative. 
• Providing young people who have recently turned 18 with a reliable evidence of age and photographic identity.
• Providing those unable to a access a valid passport or driver licence, including seniors and those with disabilities, with a reliable evidence of identity and photographic identity.
• Reducing the burden on passport issuing authorities of processing lost or stolen travel documents. 

Old cards are still valid

The current and previous versions of the 18+ Card remain valid for 10 years from the date of the issue. 

How to apply

You must be able to prove you are 18 years old or over at the time of your application. 

For application forms and information on the application process visit www.kiwiaccess.co.nz.

Completed applications can be processed at selected NZ Post and AA centres across New Zealand. 

The Kiwi Access Card is $60 including GST and is valid from 10 years from the date of issue.