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