Government agencies producing official statistics have a responsibility (under the leadership of Statistics New Zealand) to:
- coordinate the collection of statistics as effectively as possible
- disseminate statistics to maximum effect, providing easier and greater access for users, and value for the nation's investment.
In November 2002 the Ministers of Finance, State Services and Statistics commissioned a review to recommend and implement options for the future role of Statistics New Zealand and official statistics. The Cabinet Policy Committee agreed to the review's proposed model. The outcomes of the review are to:
- strengthen and develop the overall system of official statistics
- document and retain the most important official statistical data as an enduring national resource
- ensure greater access to this resource for a range of users
- more effectively manage respondent burden from official surveys, on a "whole-of-government basis".
Official statistics system
These outcomes will lead to an official statistics system that:
- is trusted, professional and internationally benchmarked
- is mandated through public legislation
- contains transparent and open processes
- engages statutory, professional and community agencies
and statistics that are:
- objectively compiled and analysed
- accurate and secure
- accessible through a range of sources
- fit for purpose.
Model for the official statistics system
Cabinet agreed with the review's proposed model which is to:
- broaden the coverage of official statistics by including other government agencies
- identify a set of important statistics that are key performance measures of New Zealand (to be known as Tier 1 statistics)
- develop and apply consistent standards, protocols and policies
- coordinate surveys through processes such as a Survey Notification System - the Minister of Statistics will approve all new or substantially revised Tier 1 surveys
- streamline access and release processes
- establish an independent ministerial advisory committee (ACOS)
- establish a research and data archive centre (OSRDAC)
- clarify terms for contract survey work undertaken by Statistics New Zealand
- establish a burden management process
- acknowledge the leadership of the Official Statistics System by the Government Statistician.
The Top Down Review report
Top Down Review of the Official Statistics System Phase 2 report (PDF, 269KB).
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