Kiwis who need their documents to be officially verified for use abroad can now apply and receive them electronically via the e-Apostille program. This program is offered by the Department of Internal Affairs’ Authentication Unit.
An e-Apostille functions in exactly the same way as a physical copy of the Apostille certificate. With the Apostille certification, your document will be accepted in more than 100 countries that participate in the Hague Apostille Convention. These include the United Kingdom, Australia, and the U.S.A.
In the past, Apostille applications and certificates were sent via standard mail. Now, anyone with any type of public document can apply for an e-Apostille. Since New Zealand’s adoption of e-Apostille, a large number of customers are already using it—including exporters, law firms, accountants, travel and employment agencies, and private individuals who live or conduct business abroad. Customers will benefit from the e-Apostille service because it is quicker, more secure, and cheaper.
This makes New Zealand only one of four countries in the world that uses e-Apostilles.