Cross-government plan to deliver stronger data

Information collected by government agencies through their ordinary day-to-day interactions is to be made more useful, Statistics Minister Scott Simpson says. This week the Government commenced the Admin Data Improvement Plan to help ensure information collected by agencies can better guide decisions in areas like education, health services, housing and infrastructure. Administrative data – or admin data – is information collected by government agencies as part of their day-to-day interactions with people and businesses. This can include information provided when people access government services or apply for a licence or benefit. “The Plan means agencies like the Department of Internal Affairs and the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport can work with Stats NZ to ensure the information they collect can be used to improve the completeness, accuracy and timeliness of official statistics,” Mr Simpson says. “More reliable data means better decision making. Government, councils businesses and communities can plan services and invest with greater confidence.” The implementation of the Plan is underway, with agencies working alongside Stats NZ to deliver agreed improve