identification for a child

A birth certificate is the preferred type of child identification evidence.

If a child's birth certificate is not immediately available, we can also accept:

• Plunket records (for example: the child's Well Child Tamariki Ora My Health Book, which should have a sticker with details confirming the mother's details and the child's date of birth)
• confirmation from the young person's midwife or doctor of the date of birth of the new child, or
• hospital papers.

Where a young person is applying for assistance for a child that is not their own, such as an Unsupported Child’s Benefit, other documentation can be accepted. This could include a letter or report from the Family Court, Oranga Tamariki, a solicitor outlining custody arrangements, or another appropriate agency.

If the child was born overseas, and access to the birth certificate is difficult or too costly you can include the child using the child's passport (current or expired).

Where the child's passport is not available you can use the parent's passport or certificate of identity (for refugees and protected persons) when the child's full name and date of birth are recorded.