Is the independence of Stats NZ under threat?

Is the independence of Stats NZ under threat?
Statistics minister David Clark is accused of making frivolous arguments in support of his data and statistics bill (Image: BusinessDesk)
Len Cook
Without notice by all but a scarce few, the independence of the government statistician (that is, the head of Statistics NZ) and the transparency of government data sharing and use in New Zealand could change after this year. Statistics minister David Clark has managed to avoid public scrutiny of the constitutional implications of his Data and Statistics Bill, despite transparency of this kind of change being a proper expectation of citizens in a democratic society.The bill Clark presented to parliament waters down the role of the governme...

More Policy

The cost of over-regulated banking: $10b to $14.4b a year
Finance

The cost of over-regulated banking: $10b to $14.4b a year

Critics claim a huge annual cost from 30 years of regulatory creep.

Pattrick Smellie 16 Apr 2025
Fast-track panels not out of blocks yet
Policy

Fast-track panels not out of blocks yet

The first three projects to go through the process are still waiting on panels.

Oliver Lewis 10 Apr 2025
Airfare reporting not ready for takeoff
Policy

Airfare reporting not ready for takeoff

Airport group says transparency measure should have a chilling effect on fares.

Oliver Lewis 09 Apr 2025
'The Great Privatisation': a NZ perspective
Economy

'The Great Privatisation': a NZ perspective

KPMG partner sees value in considering asset recycling to fund new infrastructure.

Oliver Lewis 09 Apr 2025