Hon Louise Upston

Minister for Land Information
5 May 2016

Open Data Showcase demonstrates innovation

An Open Data Showcase, hosted at Parliament by Land Information Minister Louise Upston last night, provided great examples of how innovative New Zealand businesses are coming up with entirely new business activities and finding ways to improve social and business services based around freely available information.

“The presenters included companies with expertise in mapping, data visualisation and working with complex information,” Ms Upston said.

Companies represented included Hack Miramar, Dot Loves Data, Dumpark, Thundermaps and Here Maps.

“Freely available data – data that anyone can access, share and use to develop new products and services – drives entrepreneurship, business growth, scientific innovation and programmes for public good,” Ms Upston said.

“When big companies or governments release non-personal data, it enables small businesses, citizens and researchers to develop resources which make crucial improvements to their communities.

“Data has no value until it is used. When we hold data close to our chests, its value is limited. But if we make it available for the public to reuse, the opportunities to create value from it multiply.

“I know it leads to more open and transparent government, more informed public debate and smarter services giving better results.

“It requires a new way of thinking, and the government is committed to maintaining New Zealand’s leadership in this area.”

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