A Department of Internal Affairs review of public access to birth, death, marriage, civil union, and name change records has now entered its second stage.

Launched in January 2015, the department is reviewing what information can be made available, who can access it, and where, how and when the BDM information can be made available.

Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne. Photo: Peter Dunne/Facebook

Last week, Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne announced the release of a proposal paper which responds to 80 public submissions on the department's review.

Peter says the submissions confirm the importance of Kiwis' being able to access to BDM records to help establish their identity, trace family history and many other reasons.

'It is pleasing to note the majority of submissions supported the basic principles underpinning access to BDM records,” says Peter.

'But it was also evident from the submissions that users' expectations about how they want to access BDM information have changed since the current rules were introduced in 2009.”

Peter believes the proposals strike a balance between individual rights and protecting at-risk individuals, plus the public's right to access BDM information for legitimate purposes – while providing flexibility to support more convenient access to BDM records over time.

The proposals do not involve any changing rules governing information sharing and/or data matching between government agencies, or access to information subject to specific protections like adoption records, explains Peter.

'I will carefully consider the submissions on the proposals paper before presenting my report to Parliament.

'The public will be able to make a submission on any changes to the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 1995, including amendments to remove legislative barriers to digital and online services, as part of the usual select committee process,” says Peter.

The Department of Internal Affairs review is in accordance with the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Amendment Act 2008 which requires a review every five years.

For more information or to make a submission visit the Department of Internal Affairs website at: www.dia.govt.nz/bdmreview. Submissions close April 29.