Growing statistical knowledge across the Pacific

MEDIA RELEASE

04 March 2013

Growing statistical knowledge across the Pacific

Statistics is a global language, but it can often need translating.

This month, Statistics New Zealand is hosting statisticians from four Pacific countries as part of a programme to help build statistical capability in the Asia-Pacific region and encourage reliable international data.

Four representatives, from Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga, and Tuvalu, will be working with Statistics NZ staff in Christchurch and Wellington.

“This programme will help participants enhance their skills and knowledge to advance the collection, analysis, and sharing of statistics in their country,” said Mark Feary, international relations manager at Statistics NZ.

“Robust and independent statistics are incredibly important – they help people to make informed decisions at country, regional, and global levels. We have a real opportunity to support the participants in producing such statistics.”

While in New Zealand, the Pacific statisticians will look at balance of payments, the producers price index, and the production of business and financial trade data.

“Each statistician has a specific project they’ll be working on with Statistics NZ staff. This project work is very technical and specific to the needs of each participant’s country. Once completed, the project work will help enhance reliability of data and inform decision-making in the participating countries,” said Mr Feary.

The programme, delivered with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is also a chance to collaborate and share knowledge and experience on statistical matters.

“Statistics NZ is committed to helping build statistical capability in the Pacific and this programme plays a key part in that,” said Mr Feary.

The four Pacific statisticians began their programme with Statistics NZ on Monday, 4 March.

ENDS

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