Iwi forging closer relationship with Stats NZ
Iwi forging closer relationship with Stats NZ over Māori data solutions
The Data Iwi Leaders Group supports the findings of an independent review into the 2018 New Zealand Census – but says its failings provide a unique opportunity to co-design better data solutions for the future.
The review’s report was officially
released in Wellington today < The report also highlights failings in
relation to engagement with Māori over the census, and the
collection of data from iwi. It was announced at the
end of April that the 2018 Census would not be able to
provide official statistical counts of iwi information, due
to a significant level of missing iwi affiliation data. As a result, the Data Iwi Leaders Group – a subset of
the National Iwi Chairs Forum – has been liaising with
Stats NZ to develop solutions to remediate some of the data
gaps. Pou Tangata co-chair, and spokesperson for the
Data Iwi Leaders Group Chairs, Rahui Papa says the group has
been working extremely closely with Stats NZ to forge a
stronger relationship and develop innovative solutions that
will provide more effective data in the future. “Unfortunately, the 2018 Census was a big setback for
Māori data,” says Mr Papa. “But while we would
prefer not to be in this position, this situation has
created an important opportunity for ourselves, and Stats
NZ, to develop innovative solutions that will result in
better data outcomes – both for Iwi Māori, and for New
Zealand as a whole.
“It is clear that we cannot
afford to solely rely on one data source, like the Census.
This unfortunate situation will help ensure better
engagement with Iwi Māori going forward, along with data
sets that are driven across the wider Government
network. “This will mean we won’t need to rely
on a single Census project, every five years – we should
have access to greater information, across the whole of
Government.” Mr Papa says another important
outcome from the Census failings is an undertaking from
Stats NZ to work closer with Iwi Māori – and much sooner
– to co-design the next Census. “Ultimately, all
of this work will ensure that future Census’, and New
Zealand’s wider data ecosystem, is more robust and
responsive for Iwi Māori.” Today’s announcement
also included the resignation of Government Statistician and
CEO of Stats NZ, Liz MacPherson. Mr Papa says the
group is looking forward to working with Ms MacPherson
before she finishes with Stats NZ at the end of the
year. “It is clear that working with Māori and
developing solutions to remediate these gaps is a priority
for her. Despite the challenges with the 2018 Census, she
has been a strong advocate for Māori data outcomes. “Ultimately, we hope that the recommendations are
taken on board by Stats NZ and the whole of Government, and
that iwi are involved in a much greater level in key
Government data initiatives as Treaty partners.” -ends-