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

Fri, 10 Jun 2022

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...

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