Proof of Identification

Verifying your information

 The New Zealand Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (AML/CFT Act) requires certain types of professional service businesses - including law firms - to verify who they are providing services to. Under the Act we are required to undertake certain identity verification checks before we provide services. If we are unable to complete the checks, we unfortunately won’t be able to provide services to you.

FAQs

What information do you need from me?

Under the Act, there are three pieces of information we need to verify with you:

  • Your full name

  • Your date of birth

  • Your home address

If you would like to use our legal services related to a company or trust, we’ll also need additional information about that company or trust and details of the people associated with it (for example, directors, trustees, shareholders or beneficiaries).

How do I verify my information with you?

You can either verify your information electronically via APLYid (see below for more on this) or by bringing your documents to our offices in person. If you use a photocopy of a document, it must be certified as a true copy by a lawyer, Justice of the Peace or another person with certification authority.

APLYid

APLYid uses biometric verification to match ID photos with government records and a selfie of the document holder. It’s very quick and easy to use – all you need is a smartphone and your driver’s licence.

If you use this method with us you’ll receive a secure link from APLYid via text. All you need to do is click the link and let APLYid guide you through a step-by-step process.

What sort of documents do you accept for verification?

If you choose not to use APLYid, you’ll need to provide us with the required documents from one of the following Options:

For proof of address – you’ll need to provide us with one of the following options:

  • A recent account statement from your bank

  • A recent statement issued by a Government agency (such as IRD)

  • A recent utilities bill (examples include power, broadband, water, council rates)

  • A tenancy agreement

If you don’t have the above, other documents with your home address may also be accepted such as insurance statement or car registration notice – just ask our team.

If you’re unsure whether your documents meet the requirements please get in touch, and we’ll be able to let you know.

About the AML/CFT Act

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) says that verifying your identity helps to protect New Zealand businesses from being misused for the purposes of criminal activity. “Money laundering is how criminals disguise the illegal origins of their money. Financers of terrorism use similar techniques to money launderers to avoid detection by authorities and to protect the identity of those providing and receiving the funds.” More information can be found on the DIA website.