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Stats NZ And SPC Welcome Pacific Statistics And Planning Leaders To Wellington
The top statistics and planning minds from across the Pacific are in Wellington for the seventh Heads of Planning and Statistics (HOPS) event.
Being held in New Zealand for the first time, the event is co-hosted by The Pacific Community (SPC) and Stats NZ, with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
HOPS brings together more than 40 leaders of national statistical systems and planning agencies from more than 20 Pacific Island countries and territories, along with expert partners from Pacific and international organisations.
These include the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Asian Development Bank, the International Organisation for Migration, the Pacific Islands Forum, the United Nations and the World Bank.
Stats NZ Deputy Chief Executive Strategic Engagement, Māori Partnerships & Data Capability, Tia Warbrick, says HOPS is an opportunity to share information, discuss common challenges and explore areas for collaboration.
The theme for this year’s meeting is Setting the Trend: Co-operation on Pacific Planning and Statistics.
“It’s an incredibly important focus. Strong and connected data systems are vital in addressing the challenges we face in the Pacific, from demographic shifts to climate change or economic uncertainty,” Warbrick said.
“HOPS is all about enhancing how we work together, learn from one another, and how we use data and statistics to improve lives in the Pacific.
“It will be a powerful platform for connection and innovation, helping us continue to build our capability to support evidence-based policy and decision making.
“Stats NZ is proud to stand alongside our Pacific whānau, and we extend a warm welcome to all visiting delegates.”
The Pacific Community’s Director of Statistics for Development Peter Ellis says the 2025 theme reflects confidence in Pacific innovation, leadership and commitment to member-led, evidence-informed governance that drives resilient development.
“This week is about solving shared problems with Pacific leadership, innovation and collaboration,” MrEllis said.
“This is a region that knows its priorities, understands its communities, and is building the statistical and planning systems to meet its needs. HOPS7 is where this leadership comes together.”
More information and the agenda for HOPS7 can be found here: https://sdd.spc.int/events/2025/11/7th-regional-conference-heads-planning-and-statistics-hops7
Notes:
SPC’sStatistics for Development Divisionhelps develop statistical skills and systems in the Pacific, providing ‘hands-on’ assistance to national statistics agencies as well as coordination and training.
StatsNZ is NewZealand’s official data agency, supporting the Pacific’s statistical development in partnership with the NewZealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
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