The costs of compliance are kept to an acceptable level and data is collected only when the expected benefits of collection exceed the cost to providers.
Producers of official statistics are responsible for managing the collection of statistical information from data providers and minimising the load placed on individuals, households and businesses. Some respondents welcome the opportunity to participate, and accept the importance of providing data to help assess and manage society and the economy. Others may see surveys as an imposition and regard the request as unreasonable or irrelevant.
Producers of official statistics also recognise the importance of promoting the benefits of active participation in statistical collections to ensure that Māori survey responses are of high quality.
United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, Principle 5 states:
“Data for statistical purposes may be drawn from all types of sources, be they statistical surveys or administrative records. Statistical agencies are to choose the source with regard to quality, timeliness, costs and the burden on respondents.”
This is consistent with government initiatives to minimise compliance costs for business, particularly in supporting initiatives to reduce the burden on small businesses.
Back to the summary of official statistics protocols