The upcoming 2023 Census theme Tatau tātou – All of us count resonates strongly with the Pacific Data Sovereignty (PDS) Committee’s rallying cry of Nothing about us, without us, an expression utilised by the group to convey their goals in data systems.

The Committee’s chairperson, Ivan Tava, wants to ensure that Pacific peoples are not only counted but are genuine participants and decision makers in data systems.

“We’ve long seen the need for legitimate partnerships that instil Pacific people’s trust in the census system,” says Tava.

“While there have been a range of disruptions in recent years, we are hoping for an improved response to the census while we strengthen Pacific responsiveness in data systems and in turn, help to rebuild trust.”

The Pacific Data Sovereignty Network signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tatauranga Aotearoa – Statistics New Zealand (Stats NZ) in August 2022 to help address key challenges with Pacific peoples’ data in Stats NZ systems and to improve self-determination of the use of their data. Their recent strategic planning workshop identified priority areas for 2023 with short to long-term outcomes that includes increased participation in Stats NZ’s data systems.

“Our strategic priorities are underway and if well supported, will make significant strides in Pacific peoples’ participation across SNZ systems including the census,” says Tava.

A long-serving member of the Committee, Associate-Professor Polly Atatoa Carr, remembers all too well the low turn-out of Pacific peoples in the 2018 Census and is welcoming increased efforts to improve accessibility to the census.

“An important objective of 2023 Census is to enable more people to be counted, and for the information collected to be high quality,” says Atatoa Carr.

“Without a successful census, meeting our collective responsibilities towards population health gain and equity of outcomes across our communities will not be achieved.

“Without our communities being able to be counted in the census, then understandings of the strengths of Pacific people, such as our languages, identity, and support structures within households are incomplete.”

The PDS Network’s Secretariat, support led by Malaetogia Jacinta Fa’alili-Fidow, has had a strong response from Pacific peoples across a range of sectors and communities, seeking to understand, participate and make decisions about data collection, storage and use.

“The inaugural PDS Conference held in November 2022 was evidence of a heightened interest in wanting to understand how data and data systems like the census can benefit Pacific communities and families,” says Fa’alili-Fidow.

“Efforts to increase response rates are of prime importance right now, but so too is what comes after the census.”

The nationwide 2023 Census takes place on 7 March 2023, but you and the whole household can complete your census forms as soon as you get them.  See www.census.govt.nz for more information.

The signing of three separate memorandum of understanding yesterday by Stats NZ, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, and the Pacific Data Sovereignty Network marks an important step in the right direction for driving positive outcomes for Pacific communities through data.

“Data, in particular quality data, is a vital asset that has the potential to positively impact the lives of all New Zealanders,” says Government Statistician and Stats NZ Chief Executive Mark Sowden.

“We understand that behind every number and statistic are real people with their own stories to tell – it’s crucial that we are doing everything we can to capture and understand the experiences of our Pacific communities in official data and statistics.”

“This signing commits all three parties to long-term work programmes that acknowledge the value of the Pacific voice in the data system. Nothing about us, as Pacific peoples, can be done without us,” says Pacific Data Sovereignty Network Chair Ivan Tava.

“The network celebrates a collaborative initial focus on securing higher response rates and engaging network members in the value of data among Pacific communities in Census 2023. This ensures our people are properly counted, and therefore represented, in our biggest national survey.”

Secretary for Pacific Peoples Laulu Mac Leauanae adds, “The partnerships formalised are significant in progressing critical work with the Pacific Data Sovereignty Network on the Long-Term Insights Briefing that the Ministry is leading on the topic Improving Pacific data equity – opportunities to enhance the future of Pacific wellbeing”.

“Further, our MoU with Stats NZ is a crucial milestone in supporting Pacific peoples’ participation in the 2023 Census, as well as strengthening our shared relationship across key data issues for our communities.”

Stats NZ, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, and the Pacific Data Sovereignty Network are committed to building enduring relationships to harness the power of data for Pacific communities. This signing formalises our dedication to work for and alongside Pacific peoples in Aotearoa.

About Stats NZ

Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa is New Zealand’s official data agency. We collect information from people and organisations through censuses and surveys. We use this information to publish insights and data about and for New Zealand, and support others to use the data.

About the Ministry for Pacific Peoples

The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is the Crown’s principal advisor on policies and interventions aimed at improving outcomes for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa. By using our extensive networks with Pacific communities across the country, as well as our knowledge and understanding of Pacific people, cultures, and values, we influence public policy, programme and service decisions affecting Pacific Aotearoa. 

About the Pacific Data Sovereignty Network

The Pacific Data Sovereignty Network was established in November 2019. We aim to establish a unified voice and collective guardianship and advocacy of data and information about Pacific peoples living in New Zealand. The Pacific Data Sovereignty Network is led by a committee consisting of 12 independent representatives from across the Pacific network and ex-officio members representing government agencies such as the Ministry for Pacific Peoples and Statistics New Zealand. 

Source- Stats NZ Media Release