The Ministry of Health has today formally released the NZ COVID Tracer app to support contact tracing in New Zealand.

Kiwis who download the app will create a digital diary of the places they visit by scanning QR codes displayed at the entrances to business premises, other organisations and public buildings. People can also register their contact information through the app to make sure the National Close Contact Service can get in touch if they need to.

The National Close Contact Service, which we established at the beginning of the outbreak, will continue to lead contact tracing in New Zealand together with our Public Health Units.

NZ COVID Tracer is available now from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Further information about the app can be found at www.health.govt.nz/NZ-COVID-Tracer.

Businesses and other organisations can generate QR Code posters through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Business Connect service. For more information visit www.business.govt.nz/covid-19/contact-tracing.

Privacy Commissioner backs NZ COVID Tracer app

Privacy Commissioner John Edwards says he welcomes the new Ministry of Health NZ COVID Tracer app.

Mr Edwards says the Ministry’s app is a privacy-friendly solution for contact tracing which New Zealanders should feel secure in downloading and using. The Ministry consulted his office during the development of the app and conducted a privacy impact assessment.

“I want to assure New Zealanders that this app was created using Privacy by Design principles which put privacy at the foundation of the process.

“Contact tracing apps are an emerging technology for tracking and managing pandemics. For them to work well, a high percentage of the population needs to use them. The more people who use them, the more effective they will be.”

The information collected by the app is held for public health purposes only and not shared with any agencies other than for contact tracing purposes. – TIN Bureau