May 22, 2023
Iwi have say in number data collection
The Minister for Statistics says agreements between Stats NZ and individual iwi and hapū should lead to a better understanding of the data Māori need for planning.
The agency last week signed a relationship agreement with Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa Trust, the post-settlement organisation for the Wairoa region.
It’s part of a wider initiative to work with iwi-Māori launched after the failed 2018 Census, with about 20 groups signed up so far.
Deborah Russell says it’s important nothing is done for Māori without Maori being involved.
“Stats NZ has got a whole lot of expertise in collecting data and of course they want data themselves but so do iwi and hapu so they can develop a better understanding of where there people are and what issues matter to them and what needs they have,” Ms Russell says.
Ms Russell says part of the wider initiative involves working through issues of data sovereignty and who gets to use the data.
Meanwhile, Stats NZ has struck a deal so that people who turn up and complete their census forms at planned local events in Hawke’s Bay this week can get tickets to Saturday’s NRL fixture between the One New Zealand Warriors and Brisbane Broncos at McLean Park in Napier.