Government Data Strategy and Roadmap 2021

The refreshed Data Strategy and Roadmap for Aotearoa NZ, commissioned by the Government Chief Data Steward and published by Stats NZ in September 2021.

Government Data Strategy and Roadmap [PDF 1.32 MB]

Contents

• Foreword
• What is the Government Data Strategy and Roadmap
• Why are we refreshing the Government Data Strategy and Roadmap?
• What does the Government Strategy and Roadmap mean for Aotearoa NZ?
• Governance
• What do we want to achieve?
• How will we work?
• Focus areas of the Government Data Strategy and Roadmap
• Focus areas and outcomes
• Roadmap
• Appendix

Foreword

Data has the power to improve our lives - by making Aotearoa NZ a better place to live, work, visit, and do business. From the Beehive to the whare, good data can help all New Zealanders make informed choices about the things that matter most in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

Today government agencies hold a vast amount of data about and on behalf of Aotearoa NZ. Information that has the potential to drive innovation, and contribute to social, environmental, and economic progress.

But we can only fully realise that value if we take a joined-up, strategic approach to the way data is collected, shared, and used. And we must never forget that everything we do with that data is underpinned by the trust and confidence of the public.

New Zealanders are right to demand their data is stored safely and used ethically. And they are right to expect government will take an efficient, value-minded approach to investment in new and emerging uses of data. 

If we are to meet those expectations, we must continue to build and maintain an innovative, adaptable and robust government data system that will be up to the challenge. And that is what this refreshed strategy and roadmap is all about. 

In the wake of COVID-19, the world feels like rather a different place than it did in 2018, when the first data strategy was published. Recent events have only served to underline the necessity for an adaptive, responsive data system.

What you will find in this document is an ambitious, enthusiastic work programme for delivery over the next three years. There are big challenges ahead. Challenges we can only meet with collective action.

Progress, more than anything else, will require collaboration. Collaboration across agencies, collaboration with Māori and iwi partners, and with a range of experts, specialists, and interested groups.

For many Māori, data is a taonga. In honouring Te Tiriti, we must work in genuine partnership with iwi and Māori, taking a consensus view on our direction of travel and pace of change.

Success is a data system that is both inclusive and integrated. A system where anyone who wants to base their decisions on credible information can do so with ease. A system that generates the deepest insights and the best services, at the least effort to the people and organisations behind the data.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown only too well, good decisions rest on good data. Looking to the future, it is our responsibility to ensure New Zealand is equipped to meet whatever challenges lie ahead on a bedrock of data-driven insights and analysis.

As the functional lead of the data system, my role is to encourage and enable a spirit of collective advancement. I believe our data system can be among the most effective and responsive in the world. And I believe this strategy and roadmap puts us on course to make it happen.

Mark Sowden
Government Chief Data Steward

What is the Government Data Strategy and Roadmap?

The Government Data Strategy and Roadmap provides a shared direction and plan for Aotearoa NZ's government data system. The first Data Strategy and Roadmap was commissioned by the Government Chief Data Steward and published in 2018.

Why are we refreshing the Government Data Strategy and Roadmap?

The first Data Strategy and Roadmap was published more than three years ago. Agencies worked hard to realised the ambitions of that strategy which were:

• making the right data available
• building capability and good practice
• growing effective partnerships
• implementing open and transparent practices.

However, the data landscape is rapidly changing. Since the first Data Strategy and Roadmap was published, agencies have been working together on a 10-year Data Investment Plan. Stats NZ and Data Iwi Leaders Group have signed a Mana Ōrite Relationship Agreement to realise iwi data aspirations. A range of initiatives have been developed to increase trust in the data system, including the Data Protection and Use Policy and the Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa NZ. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed the context in which data is collected, managed, and used.

Where are we now?

Despite the progress made since 2018, there are some fundamental system issues to be resolved:

• data about and for some important topics and communities does not exist
• settings to realise the rights and interests of Māori and iwi do not exist
• many agencies lack capability to take advantage of the power of data
• it is difficult to find, retrieve and re-use data across the system.

Throughout the process of refreshing the strategy, key stakeholders from central and local government, business, community organisations and non-government organisation's (NGO's) have participated in workshops, providing guidance and technical expertise. They have tested the strategy and roadmap's direction to ensure it is future focused, robust, practical, and able to be adapted to different data sources and uses.

What does the Government Data Strategy and Roadmap mean for Aotearoa NZ?

Currently, a lack of integration between government services means New Zealanders may be required to provide the same information to multiple agencies in order to access services. There is limited visibility of what informaton agencies hold about New Zealanders and how it is used.

Where data is visible and usable, it can contain gaps. This makes it harder to access information or insights about important topics and communities. This lack of visibility and coverage, combined with current data system settings, also means the rights and interests of Māori and iwi are not realised.

The activities prioritised by the Government Data Strategy and Roadmap will give effect to the following objectives: 

• people trust the data they share with government will be collected, managed, and used safely and responsibly
• Māori and iwi have the data system they neet to fulfil their aspirations
• people and organisations have access to efficient, effective government services
• government decisions are informed by the right data at the right time
• government is held to account through a robust and transparent data system.

Governance

The Information Group are the key governance body for the Government Data Strategy and Roadmap. They are responsible for setting, implementing, monitoring, and reviewing the progress made against the strategy.

Fig 1. the governance roles of the Government Chief Data Steward, The Information Group and the Data System Leadership group within Stats NZ.

What do we want to achieve?

The refreshed Government Data Strategy and Roadmap is designed to create an inclusive and integrated data system that supports innovation safely.

An inclusive data system means anyone who wants to access data to inform decision-making can do so in a way that works for them. Inclusivity ensures that the people of Aotearoa NZ see themselves reflected in the data the system produces.

An integrated data system creates maximum insight with minimum burden for providers of data. Standards, guidance and protocols ensure data can be found, managed, shared, combined, and re-used. An integrated data system means data can be shared easily while also protecting privacy, security, and confidentiality.

As a living document, the roadmap will lay a responsive and flexible foundation for agencies to work together and align their data initiatives, ultimately leading to more effective and efficient use of data, reducing costs, and supporting innovation. It will be reviewed and updated regularly. 

Where we lack the knowledge to make a firm commitment to a particular approach immediately, we will use experiments and trials first to improve our understanding.

How will we work?

The Government Data Strategy and Roadmap will be brought to life through principles adapted from the Data Protection and Use Policy, the Mana Ōrite relationship agreement between Stats NZ and the Data Iwi Leaders Group, and the Public Service Act.

Manaakitanga

Respect and uphold the mana and dignity of the people, whānau, communities, and groups who share their data and information.

Mana whakahaere

Empower people by giving them a choice and enabling their access to, and the use of, their data and information.

Kaitiakitanga

A shared culture of respect, guardianship, care, and protection for data as a strategic and valued resource, recognising that for some Māori, Māori data is a taonga and iwi-Māori are kaitiaki over their taonga.

Rangatiratanga

Leadership that focuses on common purpose whilst also respecting the autonomy and independence of individuals, groups and agencies.

Whanaungatanga

Strong transparent relationships through respect, integrity, empathy, and commitment to the kaupapa.

Focus areas of the Government Data Strategy and Roadmap

The four fundamental components of an inclusive and integrated government data system are data, capability, infrastructure, and leadership. These are the focus areas of the Government Data Strategy and Roadmap. Each initiative in the Roadmap falls under one or more of these focus areas.

Importantly, all of the activity outlined in the Government Data Strategy and Roadmap is underpinned by a responsibility to uphold Te Tiriti and a commitment to maintaining and enhancing Public Trust and Confidence.

Focus areas and outcomes

Te Tiriti

The Data System is committed to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti.

Authentic partnership with Māori and an understanding of Te Ao Māori will play a fundamental role in the activity outlined in the Strategy and Roadmap.

Outcomes:

• The government data system gives effect to the expectations of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Co-design processes with iwi and Māori are in use.
• Māori Data Sovereignty is recognised and understood across the system.
• Ngā Tikanga Paihere guidelines are implemented across the data system.
• A reciprocal relationship exists between Crown, Māori, and iwi.

Year one initiatives and deliverables

Initial Delivery of iwi affiliation data

Support the collection and initial delivery of iwi affiliation data, including supporting the implementation of the Māori Descent and Iwi Affiliation Data statistical standards. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from the Ministry of Health.

Grow data capability through partnership with iwi and Māori

Provide data capability training and support through iwi and Māori partnerships. Co-create products that are beneficial to iwi and Māori. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward.

Provide implementation support for using Ngā Tikanga Paihere

Ngā Tikanga Paihere is a principles-based framework that guides thinking and actions to encourage a mindful, people-centred approach in how data is collected, managed, and used. The Government Chief Data Steward will support agencies to implement this framework. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Develop guidance for agencies on Te Ao Māori perspectives on cloud storage

Work is underway to finalise a paper outlining the benefits, risks, and mitigations of storing iwi and Māori data in the cloud, through a Te Ao Māori lens. The paper will guide the co-design and development of a Te Ao Māori framework that will be utilised by government agencies when considering offshore data storage. Lead by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Further develop and maintain innovative Māori data platforms

Work is underway to support a sustainable, enabling infrastructure through access to and development of more and better data for, by and about Māori and iwi. Lead by the Government Chief Data Steward.

Trust

Public trust and confidence are fundamental to unlocking the value of data for all New Zealanders. The data system relies on a high trust environment, where the public enables agencies and organisations to use and share data for individual and collective benefit.

The Government Data Strategy and Roadmap is designed to build and maintain trust and confidence in the data system.

Outcomes:

• Public trust in how government agencies use their personal information will be high and maintained over time.
• Guidance and regulatory settings for data to be used safely and ethically exist.
• Government sets a strong example through consistent use of data practices.
• Mechanisms for testing and understanding new and emerging uses of data are in use.

Year one initiatives and deliverables

Open Data Charter Implementation Plan

Open data is data that anyone can use or share. The Government Chief Data Steward will create an Open Data Charter Implementation Plan and report on progress and encourage agencies to participate in tasks in the plan. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Review Algorithm Charter and offer support to the system

Review the initial performance of the Algorithm Charter to inform work to refine and strengthen support to Charter signatories. Lead by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Provide implementation support for using Ngā Tikanga Paihere

Ngā Tikanga Paihere is a principles-based framework that guides thinking and actions to encourage a mindful, people-centred approach in how data is collected, managed, and used. The Government Chief Data Steward will support agencies to implement this framework. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Design and deliver a data system maturity assessment

Develop and implement the Data System Maturity Assessment for use at agency and system level. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Implement new suite of trust proposals in support of the Digital Strategy

To contribute towards the Trust Pillar of the Digital Strategy of Aotearoa NZ, the Government Chief Data Steward will implement a complementary suite of trust proposals. These will include a consistent approach to assessing public accessibility of emerging data use cases, and exploring and defining a data ethics advisory function for the system. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward.

Data

Provide the right data at the right time.

Outcomes:

• Current and future data needs across the system are captured and understood.
• The right decisions and investments are being made to improve the data system.
• Data is open, inclusive, accessible, and findable.
• Data quality is fit for purpose.
• Iwi and Māori have the data they need for governance.

Year one initiatives and deliverables

Data Investment Plan

Deliver a Data Investment Plan identifying data gaps across the system to enable government to invest in data strategically, by setting out a long-term view of the investment needs across the government data system. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government. 

Open Data Charter Implementation Plan

The Government Chief Data Steward will create an Open Data Charter Plan and report on progress and encourage agencies to participate with tasks in the plan. Open data is data that anyone can use or share. Lead by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Initial delivery of iwi affiliation data

Support the collection and initial delivery of iwi affiliation data, including supporting the implementation of the Māori Descent and Iwi Affiliation Data statistical standards. Lead by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Year two initiatives and deliverables

Update the Data Investment Plan

Updating the Data Investment Plan including a reviewed list of data gaps for investment as well as identifying potential gaps in capability and infrastructure across the system. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Data quality assessment framework

A data quality assessment framework will set forth an exemplar process to assess data quality along with useful tools and templates. This approach seeks to increase understanding of relevant data requirements and improve compatibility of data quality evaluation and reporting across the data system. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward.

Māori data stocktake

A Māori data stocktake includes an assessment and record of government Māori data collections and holdings to identify gaps for potential investment across the system.

Year three and onwards, initiatives and deliverables

Establish quality stamps on government data releases

Quality stamps will indicate quality level of the data used in any government data releases. Data quality will be assessed using the data quality assessment framework. This will assure transparency and consistency. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Establish an easy to use mechanism for anyone to identify a data need

An easy to use, online mechanism to identify new data needs. Assessment of the requests will determine emerging data needs and inform the Data Investment Plan. Lead by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Capability

Develop capability and skills within our people to create, collect, manage, and use data.

Outcomes:

• Workforce capabilities and career opportunities across the data system.
• The importance of data and what is being represented through the data is understood and respected.
• Iwi and Māori have the data capability they need.
• Upskilling opportunities, qualifications and credentials exist to continue to build capability.

Year one initiatives and deliverables

Grow data capability through partnership with iwi and Māori.

Provide data capability training and support through iwi and Māori partnerships; co-create products that are beneficial to iwi and Māori. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward.

Review Algorithm Charter and offer support to the system.

Review the initial performance of the Algorithm Charter to inform work to refine and strengthen support to Charter signatories. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Provide implementation support for using Ngā Tikanga Paihere

Ngā Tikanga Paihere is a principles-based framework that guides thinking and actions to encourage a mindful, people-centred approach in how data is collected, managed, and used. The Government Chief Data Steward will support agencies to implement this framework. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Design and deliver a data system maturity assessment

Develop and implement the Data System Maturity Assessment for use at agency and system level. Lead by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Implement the Government Chief Data Steward agency partnering model

The Government Chief Data Steward will develop an approach to assist agencies with data-related issues of high value to the data system to which a lack of expert capability and/ or capacity has been identified as a barrier. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward .

Continue Analytics and Research in Government intern programme

Continue the summer internship programme, placing interns within government departments to prepare them for a career working in data analytics. Led by the Ministry of Social Development with contribution from the Government Chief Data Steward.

Year two initiatives and deliverables

Develop Analytics and Research in Government graduate programme pilot

Establish the pilot Analytics and Research in Government graduate programme. Led by Stats NZ with contribution from the Government Chief Data Steward.

Create a micro-credential for data ethics

Develop a data ethics accreditation or short courses for data scientists working in partnership with tertiary education institutions. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Ensure consistent job families and descriptions are used across the system

Improve clarity of roles and responsibilities across the data system including standardisation of job descriptions. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Review Data Capability Framework

Review Data Capability Framework to assist with capability uplift. This review will include an implementation approach, benchmarking, tools and good data capability practice. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Year three and onwards, initiatives and deliverables

Roll out initiatives based on the data capability framework

After completing the review of the Data Capability Framework we will implement the approach to achieving good data capability practices. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Develop a data profession. This involves communities of practice, training, evaluation, and monitoring

Scope development of a professional body. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Leadership

Ensure leadership, clear rules, and system settings are in place and are well understood.

Outcomes:

• Approach to managing and mandating standards is fit for purpose.
• Māori data governance is embedded in the data system.
• Legislation, regulations, and rules are aligned across the data system.
• Design principles, protocols, and frameworks exist across the data system.
• Aotearoa NZ complies with international agreements for data collection, management, and use.
• Ethics and practices relating to data collection, management, and use are aligned across the data system.

Year one initiatives and deliverables

Revise system governance including advisory gaps

System governance reflects the processes and institutions that exist at all levels of decision-making. A review of the existing landscape and recommendations for greater alignment and effectiveness will be developed. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward and Inland Revenue.

Introduce Data and Statistics Act

Deliver modernised data and statistics legislation to replace the Statistics Act. Led by Stats NZ and the Government Chief Data Steward.

Implement new suite of trust proposals in support of the Digital Strategy

To contribute towards the Trust Pillar of the Digital Strategy for Aotearoa NZ, the Government Chief Data Steward will implement a complementary suite of trust proposals. This will include a consistent approach to assess public acceptability of emerging data use cases, and exploring and defining a data ethics advisory function for the system. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward.

Develop guidance for agencies on Te Ao Māori perspectives on cloud storage

Work is underway to finalise a paper outlining the benefits, risks, and mitigations of storing iwi and Māori data in the cloud, through a Te Ao Māori lens. The paper will guide the co-design and development of a Te Ao Māori framework that will be utilised by government agencies when considering offshore data storage. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Finalise and implement Māori Data Governance Model

Work is underway to develop an operational model for Māori Data Governance. Work will be initiated to embed this model across the system. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward.

Establish an updated approach to mandating and managing standards

Consistent standards are fundamental to effectively managing and sharing data between government agencies. An updated approach has been developed with the aim of making more data standards mandatory for agencies in how they collect, format, record, or store data across the system. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward. 

Develop Health of the Data System report

The Government Chief Data Steward will lead the development of the Health of the Data System report which brings together maturity assessments and Government Data Strategy and Roadmap initiative progress. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward.

Develop the Trust Framework for Digital Identity Services

The Government Chief Digital Officer will lead the development of a digital identity regulatory framework and legislation. Led by the Government Chief Digital Officer with contribution from the Government Chief Data Steward.

Year two initiatives and deliverables

Implement changes aligned to the new Data and Statistics Bill

Implement the Data and Statistics Act within Stats NZ and across agencies.

Co-develop guidance for Māori Data Sovereignty with Māori

Māori Data Sovereignty refers to the rights and interests that Māori have in relation to the collection, ownership, and application of Māori data. Guidance will be developed on Māori Data Sovereignty that is recognised across the system to help support decisions around governance and use of Māori data. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Establish inclusive data working group

Establish an inclusive data working group with members from communities of interest. The group will inform how to engage appropriately and efficiently as well as providing a resource for specific questions. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward.

Develop principles and protocols on the production and management of data system assets.

Develop principles and protocols on the production and management of data assets, including their design, use and management. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward.

Deliver next suite of mandated standards

Mandate the next suite of topics which include: sex and gender, iwi affiliation, Māori business definition, ethnicity, and Māori descent. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Year three and onwards, initiatives and deliverables

Implement the system settings for trust and data driven technologies

Look into what gaps need to be filled to support the uptake of new technologies through enhancing trust in order to support data ethics. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward.

Infrastructure

Build the infrastructure that enables effective data management and reuse.

Outcomes:

• Data can be integrated across government and with other holders of data.
• Data is shared safely with those who need it (and are authorised to use it).
• Data is published and easily accessed where appropriate.
• The right metadata (contextual information) exists to manage and use the data effectively.
• A system-wide architecture exists to optimise the creation, holding, and use of data.
• Infrastructure and support exists for iwi and Māori.
• Partnerships exist between the Government Chief Digital Officer and the Government Chief Data Steward.

Year one initiatives and deliverables

Develop strategic response and seek investment for future of integrated data

To respond to evolving system needs and to improve data equity through inclusive access to existing integrated data services, investment priorities for integrated data products, like the Integrated Data Infrastructure and data lab service, will be developed. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Develop system architecture

System architecture defines the structure and behaviours of a system and how these align to an inclusive set of design and operational principles. Work is underway to co-design and develop a data system architecture supporting interoperability and appropriate sharing and use of data, information, and analytics across government and Te Ao Māori perspectives. Led by the Government Chief Data steward.

Confirm feasability of a joint property data source

Research into development of an authoritative property data source between Stats NZ and Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand to assist with the move to a more administrative data source for statistical production and research. Led by Toitū te Whenua Land Information New Zealand with contribution from the Government Chief Data Steward.

Development of a joint data and analytics platform

Social Wellbeing Agency are developing a data and analytics platform to support the needs of a number of agencies with similar needs to provide data and insights at the right time for the right decisions to support the skills and capability of Aotearoa NZ. Led by the Social Wellbeing Agency.

Review data lab access requirements

The Data Lab provides access to the IDI for users across the data system. We will review access requirements and settings in order to expand safe access to the IDI. Lead by the Government Chief Data Steward.

Further Develop and maintain innovative Māori data platforms

Work is underway to support a sustainable, enabling infrastructure through access to and development of more and better data for, by, and about Māori and iwi. Lead by the Government Chief Data Steward.

Year two initiatives and deliverables

Establish the IDI Commons 

The IDI Commons will make it easier for IDI users to work together collaboratively and to share insights from their work with non-IDI users. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward.

Establish consistent approach to release protocols across the system

To support safe data sharing, release protocols will be developed to ensure that the appropriate assessments have been made before data is shared. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward.

Begin implementation of integrated data strategic response 

After development of the integrated data strategic response in year one, implementation will occur including securing investment and beginning the planning and delivery of initiatives should funding be secured. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Review and agree on consistent data sharing principles and protocols

Rules, principles, and ways to facilitate safe and privacy-conscious data sharing across the data system will be developed. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from Inland Revenue.

Implement agreed system architecture

The data exchange and shared infrastructure joined-up plan will implement a significant core of the co-designed system architecture. Significantly, this facilitates the implementation of an interoperable mechanism for the appropriate, safe sharing of data between agencies and wider data providers including Māori and iwi Te Tiriti partners. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward.

Year three and onwards, initiatives and deliverables

Scope system-wide data integration requirements

Work will happen across the system on the requirements for effective integration of data across domains and data ecosystems. Led by the Government Chief Data Steward with contribution from all of government.

Roadmap

The roadmap sets out a timeline of initiatives split into year one, year two, and year three onwards. These initiatives each align to one or more of the four focus areas of the Government Data Strategy and Roadmap.

Appendix

Fig 2. The relationship between the Objectives, Goals, Focus areas and underpinning concepts.

Contact us

If you'd like more information, have a question, or want to provide feedback, email datalead@stats.govt.nz.

Content last reviewed September 17 2021.