Kiwis open eyes to scanning

Face recognition technology is already in use at three New Zealand airports. Photo / Jupiterimages

Almost 70 per cent of New Zealanders would be happy with banks using high-tech security screening - such as voice pattern recordings, fingerprinting and iris scanning - to confirm their identity, a survey has found.

The research, conducted by global IT firm Unisys as part of its biannual Security Index, asked respondents about their willingness to use the technology in a range of situations.

It found 58 per cent of Kiwis would accept biometrics being used for access to health records, while 58 per cent were comfortable with its use for welfare payments and information.

Fifty-three per cent said they would be happy with the Inland Revenue Department using the technology.

Only 27 per cent indicated they would like to use it when enrolling in education classes, however, and just 21 per cent would want to use it on public transport.

"The research shows that New Zealanders will use biometrics if they trust the organisation and when there is a very clear benefit to individuals in having their identities verified, rather than for trivial matters," said Unisys New Zealand managing director Brett Hodgson.

He said people also thought biometrics would make some day-to-day activities easier, such as removing the need to remember Pin numbers when accessing bank accounts.

"Convenience is a big part of this."

David Boyes, Westpac's general manager of customer technology services, said the bank was looking at ways of implementing biometrics.

"We're currently working through which customer interactions would be best suited for these technologies."

Hodgson said New Zealanders were becoming more open towards biometrics.

"If you'd asked five years ago whether people would like to use biometrics they would have said 'no'," he said.

Such technology also meant staff workload could be lowered in organisations through the removal of ongoing, manual identity checks.

New Zealand and Australian ePassport holders can now use face recognition technology when arriving at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch airports which allows them to pass through passport control electronically, without meeting a Customs officer.

The technology will be available for departing passengers at Auckland Airport from next month, and Christchurch and Wellington next year.

The Unisys survey canvassed 548 New Zealand respondents aged 18 and over.