New Zealand’s Data and Statistics Act has passed its third and final reading, updating the country’s statistics legislation for the 21st century. 

The Data and Statistics Act is replacing the Statistics Act, which has been in effect since 1975, to help New Zealand’s national data and statistics system face the challenges arising from rapid technological changes. 

“While the world has become increasingly digital and data-driven, New Zealand’s Statistics Act made no mention of ‘data’. It was stuck in 1975,” Minister of Statistics David Clark said. 

“The Data and Statistics Bill modernises and futureproofs our statistics system for decades to come.” 

Minister Clark noted that, until sample-based surveys were adopted, many of the statistics produced by NZ Government were based on aggregated administrative records. 

“Making greater use of administrative data collected and held by government agencies is consistent with international trends. It is not a radical departure from what has happened in the past,” he said. 

“When the Government Statistician does delegate collection responsibilities to an agency this Act will ensure, for the first time, proper legal safeguards are in place for that happen safely.” 

The Data and Statistics Act will enable the Government Statistician to produce more timely and granular statistics with less burden on people, businesses and communities.  

“With that said, I know that surveys will continue to play a vital role in the production of statistics, as there are some things that we cannot know without asking people,” Minister Clark said. 

“The Government Statistician continues to have statistical independence, ensuring production and release of official statistics are free from political interference. This is a fiercely guarded democratic convention.” 

The new Act also explicitly recognises Te Tiriti, the Treaty of Waitangi, and its principles. 

“I am immensely proud that for the first time in New Zealand’s history, our statistics legislation recognises the relationship between Māori and the Crown, and the Government’s commitment to work with Māori to ensure that data and statistics meet the needs of Māori, iwi, and hapū,” Minister Clark said. 

“Data helps tell our story as a nation. It’s who we were in the past, who we are in the present, and it shapes who we will become in the future.” 

Source: Beehive.govt.nz. Content has been edited for style and length.

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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