New Zealand seniors will soon be able to use their SuperGold cards as official identification, streamlining access to essential services.
Seniors Minister Casey Costello has announced that Budget 2026 will fund upgrades to the SuperGold Card, allowing users to optionally obtain a modernised version that can be used as an accepted form of primary identification.
“More than 900,000 New Zealanders are aged 65 and over, and many do not have legal ID such as a driver licence or passport, which can limit their ability to access things like banking and legal services,” Costello said.
The upgraded card will feature a photograph and improved security measures, meeting the requirements of banks and other service providers.
It will be offered in both physical and digital formats.
The photographic ID feature will be optional, and the SuperGold Card will continue to be free for anyone aged over 65.
The government will provide $36.4 million in operating funding and $6.5 million in capital funding over four years to support the rollout of the upgraded SuperGold Card and its associated systems.
Detailed design and implementation work will now commence, with the upgraded card expected to be rolled out from October 2028.
In the meantime, SuperGold cardholders seeking photographic ID can still have a photo added to their card at their nearest AA office.
“This change modernises the card and builds on what it already offers by making it easier for people to access the services they need,” Costello added.