Data Investment Plan

This page provides a brief overview of the Data Investment Plan, published by the Government Chief Data Steward in December 2021. The Data Investment Plan supports a more systematic approach to government investment in data.

What is the Data Investment Plan?

The Data Investment Plan is a prioritised plan to guide government investment in data. 

The Data Investment Plan 2021 [HTML]

The Plan will support a more co-ordinated and systematic approach to data investment by:

• helping agencies to make baseline-funding investment decisions about existing assets
• helping agencies to identify opportunities to develop joint Budget bids
• supporting Ministers and system leads (Treasury, Government Chief Data Steward, Government Chief Digital Officer) to better understand the data asset investment environment.

Where are we now?

New Zealand’s government data system has many strengths, including robust statistical design, data standards and reliable economic datasets.

However, there are also gaps and areas for improvement. These limit how the data system supports government, community and individual decision-making.

Problems identified by the Data Investment Plan include:

• inconsistent, duplicate and patchy data
• critical gaps where no single programme has been able to make a case for investment
• delayed investments – despite it sometimes taking 10 years to build a data set
• issues that impact on the interoperability, accuracy and reliability of the data system.

The second iteration of the plan will be published by mid-late 2022. It will include more in-depth coverage of Māori data needs. It will also offer a blueprint for delivery which will include sequencing, areas for new investment, initial costings, and highlighting where priorities can be met within baseline funding.

You can view Cabinet papers and Minutes of decision relating to the development of the Data Investment Plan on the Stats NZ website.

Cabinet papers and Minutes

How does the Plan link to the Government Data Strategy and Roadmap 2021?

The Government Data Strategy and Roadmap 2021 offers a shared direction and plan for Aotearoa NZ's government data system. The Strategy provides a flexible foundation for agencies to work together and align their data initiatives. 

The project to create this Data Investment Plan is a key action within the Strategy’s data focus area.

The Data Investment Plan is a companion document to the Strategy and should be read alongside it.

Government Data Strategy and Roadmap 2021.

Contact us

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

Content last reviewed December 14 2021.