This section outlines and includes:
- legislation and frameworks that guide Statistics New Zealand’s production of official statistics
- policies and protocols we adhere to in the production of official statistics.
Legislation and frameworks guiding official statistics
Our work and the work of other New Zealand government agencies who produce official statistics is guided by:
The United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics provides the basic framework for official statistics in member countries. Many of our statistics, particularly in the economic area, are produced according to international standards and frameworks allowing for comparisons between countries.
Protocols for Official Statistics
In 2005, a set of key official statistics were identified as performance measures of New Zealand. These statistics, known as Tier 1 statistics, are important in their own right, and need to be produced, analysed, and released to high statistical standards.
Principles and Protocols for Producers of Tier 1 statistics were developed in consultation with Tier 1 producing agencies. These protocols ensure that New Zealand’s official statistics are produced using methodologies and practices that are statistically sound. Although specifically developed for Tier 1 statistics, the application of these principles to all official statistics is encouraged.
More information and a list of current Tier 1 statistics and the agencies that produce them can be found on www.statisphere.govt.nz, New Zealand's official statistics portal.
Statistics New Zealand's policies and protocols
The policies and protocols below are included for general information about the way we operate and as a guide to other agencies who want to develop similar policies for their own use.