Department of Internal Affairs

The Department of Internal Affairs (Te Tari Taiwhenua) is a pivotal public service department of the New Zealand government, with a rich history and a broad mandate that has evolved significantly since its inception. Established in 1840, it is the oldest government department in New Zealand, originally functioning as the Colonial Secretary's Office and handling nearly all aspects of central government administration. This foundational role has earned it the nickname 'the mother of all departments', as many of today's specialised government agencies and ministries have their roots within Internal Affairs. Over the decades, its functions have adapted to the changing needs of the nation, spinning off responsibilities to new entities while also taking on new ones. For instance, functions like statistics, conservation, and tourism were once under its purview before being established as separate departments.

Today, the Department of Internal Affairs delivers a vast array of services that are essential to the lives of New Zealanders. Its responsibilities are diverse, encompassing the issuance of passports, the administration of citizenship applications, and the registration of births, deaths, and marriages. It plays a crucial role in community funding through the management of lottery grants and supports the charitable sector via Charities Services. The Department is also charged with significant regulatory functions, including the enforcement of gambling laws, censorship, and anti-money laundering and countering financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regulations. Furthermore, it provides vital support services to government ministers and leads the nation's digital transformation efforts through the Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO). This includes managing government technology services, setting web standards, and driving the strategy for a more accessible and efficient digital public service. The Department's work connects people, communities, and government, aiming to build a safe, prosperous, and respected nation.