Maximise the use and value of existing data by integrating or aligning available statistics and administrative sources.
The value of statistics can be enhanced through integration, comparison, accumulation and innovation. Integration can occur at all stages of the statistical process. It can produce significant benefits by reducing the cost of statistical collections and the load on respondents, while also increasing the value of outputs. Data should not be collected if suitable data already exists. Over time, and across different collections, integration allows richer databases to be developed and used for more detailed and extensive analysis. However, integration can also carry risks and costs, including potential loss of privacy through unanticipated use of information and the danger of disclosing an individual’s information.
Key elements of this principle
- Statistical data are treated as an enduring national resource, with their value increasing through widespread and long-term use.
- Statistical systems are designed to maximise the potential to add value through data integration and comparison.
- The value of administrative data in producing official statistics is recognised, and statistical purposes are promoted in the design of administrative systems.
- Active data integration projects are publicly notified via government agency websites and annual reports.
- Data integration projects comply with the Privacy Act 1993 and the regulations and policies that govern the data-supplying agencies.
- Access to microdata is subject to strict confidentiality agreements.
- Statistical coordination is enhanced through various forums, including the Advisory Committee on Official Statistics (ACOS), the Official Statistics System Committee, and involvement with professional statistical associations.
- Statistical material likely to be of historical interest is archived, subject to security, confidentiality and statutory obligations.
- Unit record datasets for all Tier 1 surveys, and Statistics NZ’s holdings of Tier 1 administrative datasets and integrated statistical datasets, (including historical data and metadata) are deposited with the Data Archive for research and historical purposes.
Back to OSS principles for Tier 1 statistics producers.