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Help move open data forward with NZ’s first open data framework for transport

We're building Aotearoa NZ's first, collaboratively-developed, voluntary open data framework, for the transport sector, and we want to hear from you!

By aimee whitcroft

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Open data workshop hosted by Stats NZ

The workshop featured 6 lightning talks on a range of open data topics, followed by discussions on open data gaps and barriers to releasing and accessing open data.

By Keely Gaskin
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Data.govt.nz upgrade – Thursday 18 November

On Thursday 18th November at 8pm we'll be releasing an updated version of data. govt. nz.
By Christian Linnell
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A club funded approach to IDI research

Earlier this year Motu released new research that breaks down the rate of driver licence holders among different groups in in Aotearoa New Zealand.
By Aravindh Rajendran, Deb Potter, Lox MacKay, Mark Lee
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Exploring Te Ao Māori perspectives on offshore data storage

In 2019, Stats NZ on behalf of the GCDS contracted Bell Gully to write a report outlining the benefits, risks, and mitigations of storing iwi and Māori data in the Cloud.

By Charlotte Hastie
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The Government Data Strategy and Roadmap

Earlier this month, the Government Chief Data Steward released the New Zealand Government Data Strategy and Roadmap – the guiding document for the government data system, outlining priorities for the next five years.

By Lox MacKay
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Annual feedback survey

Each year we invite users of data.govt.nz to complete a short survey about their experience using this website.

By Caleb Stone
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An informed use of facial recognition technology by NZ Police

Police are developing a suite of activities to ensure any emerging technologies, such as Facial Recognition Technology, are well understood, publicly accepted, and if need be, regulated. It is also critical that any impacts of technology are understood from a Te Ao Māori perspective.

By Craig Jones
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Gender, Sex and Variations of Sex Characteristics

On April 22, Stats NZ released an updated Statistical Standard for Gender, Sex and Variations of Sex Characteristics.

By Micah Davison
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Change to mandated data standards

The process for selecting mandated data standards (previously called Data Content Requirements, or DCRs) has been updated and approved by the Information Group.

By Sophie Austin
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Changes coming to the website

We drafted and tested possible changes to the way this website organises information. Based on that testing, we will make improvements to the website over the next few months. This blog is a heads up, so that you are best prepared for these planned changes. Also, we continue to welcome any feedback about the changes.

By Caleb Stone
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Data and Digital Standards Quarterly Event

On 11 February, 2021, the Data and Digital Standards Community of Practice will hold their first quarterly event of the year.

By Caleb Stone
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Where should we be going?

What do you think data.govt.nz should provide, now and in the future? Tell us what you think, and what you want, by completing our short survey – it will only take 3-5 minutes.

By Christian Linnell
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The OGP Leadership Network Pilot - the Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa NZ

Stats NZ and Transparency International NZ (TINZ) have been invited to join the pilot cohort of the international Open Government Partnership (OGP) Leaders Network.
By Rebecca Adams
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Having trouble finding the info you need?

To support your work with data, we have drafted changes to our website and want to make sure that it helps you find what you need.
By Caleb Stone
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Frameworks to move the data agenda forward

COVID provides an opportunity to adopt a broader perspective on core concepts, to reimagine how we approach the foundational frameworks behind data management and use, to catalyse meaningful change. Feel the same, join us.  

By Kevin Sweeney
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COVID-19 support and resources from the GCDS

The Government Chief Data Steward wants to connect you to the resources and information you need to respond in a prepared and co-ordinated manner alongside your peers in the data system. 

By Caleb Stone
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Co-ordinating COVID-19 data activity across the system

The 'COVID-19 data and information activity catalogue' describes data and information work currently underway across the system. The catalogue is managed by the Stats NZ COVID-19 data collaboration team.

By Issy Hall
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A treasure trove of data - GNS Science's contribution to the data catalogue

Historic geological maps, fossils, volcanos, geomagnetism and Pokemon Go... Learn about the treasure trove of data that GNS Science care for and have made discoverable for you.

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Join the Data and Digital Community of Practice

We’re looking for a diverse group of people to join an organising committee for the Data and Digital Community of Practice to improve the New Zealand data system. Join us!

By Ashleigh Maw
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The data capability framework proves valuable at MFAT

MFAT is the first organisation to pilot the data capability framework tgauge the depth and breadth of data and analytical skills within the Ministry. Stats NZ and MFAT analysed responses to the framework assessment questionnaire and identified overall strengths and gaps across the range of 26 capabilities, giving an indication of MFAT's skill set and the direction they should move in the future. 

By Emma Gilkison
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An open data sun rises, as another sets.

The open government information and data programme has concluded. But the lessons from the programme will inform our ongoing commitment and work toward open government data, which endures under the Chief Government Data Steward.

By Caleb Stone
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A more viable approach to capturing data maturity

If data maturity assessments are to be of value as a business tool, they must express their results with clarity, meaning, and relevance to the executive leadership responsible for investment decisions. With this in mind, we propose a high-level and qualitative model.

By Kevin Sweeney
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Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand

This week the Minister of Statistics James Shaw, launched the Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand. The charter has already been signed by more than 20 government agencies. The Charter signals that these agencies are committed to being consistent, transparent and accountable in their use of algorithms.

By Dr. Craig Jones
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Paving a clearer path to government data

We need your feedback - when looking for relevant data, what extra information would help? The draft government data register may give you some ideas.

By Jocelyn Morrison
Nasamarine

Compiling Data Inventories

There is growing realisation around the world of the value in carrying out data inventories as a key foundational step to a well-managed data infrastructure and transparency over data held…
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Data governance – now more than ever

Data governance norms can be the proverbial calm in the storm. It seems to me we need that now, more than ever.

By Kevin Sweeney
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Data needs of resilient communities

The New Zealand Open Data Meetups, despite COVID-19 lockdown, were able to safely gather and talk about experiences, data frustrations and ideas to help in these unusual times.

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Open Data, Open Potential 2020

An event held on 6 March 2020. At this gathering to celebrate Open Data Day we were informed, challenged, and inspired by speakers offering different perspectives.
NZ government procurement open data team

Making government procurement data more accessible

New open data files make it easier to analyse contract award notices published on the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS).

By Alison Goffin (MBIE)
Sprouts

A Framework and process for opening data, part 2

Following on from its first blog post, NZTA is now releasing in full its open data framework, toolkit and process overview.

Discussion

Charter helps to increase government algorithm transparency

Minister for Statistics James Shaw has announced a public consultation on a proposed algorithm charter for government agencies.

By Jocelyn Morrison
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Stats NZ convenes Data Ethics Advisory Group

A Data Ethics Advisory Group has been convened to provide advice on data use to the Government Chief Data Steward and government agencies.

By Jocelyn Morrison
data govt nz blog

A framework and processes for opening data

NZTA has been developing a simple open data framework and processes to help them release open data, and would love your feedback.

By aimee whitcroft
Digital Nation Plan

Measuring NZ’s digital transformation

A new Plan shows us what, when and how to measure digital development.

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Latest quarterly dashboard for leading NZ's data - now available

The latest quarterly data dashboard from Stats NZ (January to March 2019), highlighting key deliverables for their data leadership role, is now available.

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Videos help de-mystify the role of stewarding data

Stats NZ has produced a series of short videos to help de-mystify their role of stewarding data and raise awareness of how they're supporting agencies to use data more effectively.

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Update: Advisory Group on Trusted Data Use - EOI extended to 7 June

The expression of interest process for the Advisory Group on Trusted Data Use has been extended until 7 June.

Open Data Day Wellington 2019 attendees. Credit aimee whitcroft.

Open Data Day 2019 – a New Zealand-wide event

This year, groups from around the country took part in International Open Data Day, working on everything from writing tutorials and feedback, to building front ends, to sharing knowledge and discussing books.

By aimee whitcroft
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Help improve NZ’s 12 key datasets for resilience and climate change

As emergency response agencies sift through the embers of the recent Pigeon Valley Fire, the lessons are again clear: reliable information, consistent communication and open data are critical.
By aimee whitcroft
Photograph of a building under construction.

Our content strategy – why we’re here, and what we want to do

In January 2019, we published the content strategy and style guide for data.govt.nz. We'd love to get your feedback.

By aimee whitcroft
Dashboard Q2

Latest quarterly data dashboard available

The latest quarterly data dashboard from Stats NZ is now available.

Whiteboard and Datopolis game players - open data Wellington meetup, Feb 2019.

Wellington’s first open data meetup of the year: validating, creating, and playing

Last night we held the first open data meetup of the year in Wellington - here's what happened.

By aimee whitcroft
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International Open Data Day – Saturday, 2 March 2019

Data. govt. nz are proud to be a part of this year’s Open Data Day. We’ll be holding a ‘mini-hackathon’ at the National Library of New Zealand's net.
By aimee whitcroft
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Our plans for Wellington open data meetups this year

The Wellington open data meetup organisers been thinking and hearing lots about what the meetup series could look like / aim to achieve this year.

Here are our thoughts.

By aimee whitcroft
Photo of a brown vintage suitcase.

How are people using open data?

Inspire. Guide. Illuminate. Share. And get some credit for what you know.

By aimee whitcroft
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Coming soon: the makeover reveal for data.govt.nz

We’re excited to announce that the data.govt.nz makeover is very nearly finished – from early 2019, the site will look quite different, and have some more exciting (we think) changes under the hood.

By aimee whitcroft
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Thanks for your input: September 2018 data.govt.nz community feedback results

We look at the latest results from the data.govt.nz community feedback survey, to find out what works for you, what doesn't, and how we can improve the experience of using data.govt.nz.

By aimee whitcroft
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Open data implementation plan: looking back, looking forward

The Open Data NZ team is releasing two updates: one looking back over the last six months, and one looking at the next six.

By aimee whitcroft
Public lecture

Free public lecture | Decision-making: Human vs machine – register now

Register for a free public lecture by international algorithm ethics expert Lorena Jaume-Palasi (5 December, Auckland), co-sponsored by Stats NZ and AUT's Centre for Social Data Analytics. 

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New videos explore 'Are data taonga?'

New videos by Stats NZ brings panellists together to examine and debate Māori perspectives about the way we collect, share, and use data. 

 

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Datability - November 2018 issue available

Datability - Stats NZ's quarterly newsletter on the work being done to help government better manage data - is now available.

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Latest dashboard updates data direction

Stats NZ's data dashboard for Q1 2018/19 provides the latest snapshot of how their work across government supports their vision of enabling better outcomes for New Zealanders.

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Report provides valuable insights into algorithm use

A first-of-its-kind report provides valuable insights into the use of algorithms in government agencies.

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Data Roadmap: setting the direction for New Zealand's data

The Data Strategy and Roadmap provides a shared direction and plan for New Zealand’s data by enabling organisations to work together to align their data initiatives.

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Understanding data confidentiality

Organisations have different requirements for protecting data confidentiality, privacy, and security. A newly-released report documents best practice principles for technical experts and managers who supply and use data in New Zealand.

Stats Act

Statistics Act review - join the conversation

1975. The Corolla ruled, mix tapes were a ‘thing’ and the Stats Act became law. How things change! Actually… the legislation hardly has. It doesn’t even feature the word ‘data’. Far-out!

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Data Summit'18 - it's a wrap!

More than 250 data warriors, policy peeps, and those from across government, NGOs, business, and academia who want to know more about data, gathered in Wellington to talk data ethics.

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Open Data Maturity Dashboard

Our open data maturity dashboard aims to show progress in the final output of open data and tell the story of a growing maturity in the overall stewardship of New Zealand’s public data assets.

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Makeover underway for data.govt.nz

After 10 years dedicated service, data.govt.nz is undergoing a transformation to ensure it’s got the right resources to build data management know-how as New Zealand heads into its digital future.

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Help us improve data.govt.nz - 2018 community feedback survey

Help improve data.govt.nz by taking the 2018 community feedback survey.

data govt nz blog

Refreshing our navigation to help you find what you need

Data.govt.nz is changing and updating our navigation to help you find things easier. Read about what we found from our user research.

By Cam Findlay
data govt nz blog

Data.govt.nz product update: Faster, more robust data APIs

Data.govt.nz is rolling out new features to make the data APIs faster and more reliable.

By Cam Findlay
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Data Summit'18 - secure your ticket!

For the first time, Stats NZ will host a 2-day summit on informed decision-making through the ethical use of data.

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Dashboard documents data direction

As the agency leading New Zealand’s data, Stats NZ’s quarterly dashboard profiles what we’re doing to support our role as the lead agency for New Zealand’s data.

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Algorithm review underway to increase transparency and accountability

A cross-government review is underway to increase the transparency and accountability of how government uses algorithms – to help improve the lives of New Zealanders.

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Data visualisation workshop success!

Stats NZ hosted a series of 2-day Data Visualization workshops – in conjunction with the recent Open Data Meetups – in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Dunedin.

data govt nz blog

We need your help - test a design option

Thanks to everyone who participated in the card sort. Three design options have been created based on your feedback, and now we need you to test to determine the final structure.

data govt nz blog

Open Government Data Dashboard

The Open Government Data Dashboard shows progress in the maturity of management and release of data across government.

data govt nz blog

Help influence the direction of data.govt.nz

Data.govt.nz is being reshaped to make it more useful – and we’d like your input.

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Come along to the Open Data Meetups – Wellington and Dunedin

Open Data Meetups in NZ are for sharing the passion and success around the release of open data with like-minded people.

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Powering digital services from data.govt.nz data API - Family Services Directory

Read about the work involved to make a machine readable version of the Family Services Directory available on data.govt.nz and how it's being used to power other digital services.

By Pia Andrews
data govt nz blog

Open Data, Open Potential

Stats NZ and members of the open data community celebrated open data day by witnessing the Minister of Statistics and Government Chief Data Steward co-sign New Zealand’s Open Data Charter letter.

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Searching for more than datasets

We tested two concepts with a number of our users from the data community to extend the search so it includes results from both datasets and content. Read about our process and provide your feedback.

By Cam Findlay
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Thanks for your input: October 2017 data.govt.nz community feedback results

Our data and performance analyst reviews the results from the first data.govt.nz community feedback survey. Find out what users want and how we're planning to improve data.govt.nz.

By Bronwyn Beagle
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Creative Commons and NZGOAL: two of the essential ingredients of open data

Find out the role copyright plays in open data, and where training is available to learn how to apply open licensing in your work.

By Elizabeth Heritage
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Collaborating to make data easier to discover and use

The data.govt.nz, Open Data Programme and Stats NZ teams got together at the Service Innovation Lab last week to share experiences, compare notes and ideate around models that could serve users better in data discovery and use.

By Mark Kirkpatrick
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Help us improve data.govt.nz - Oct 2017 user survey

We are currently running an online survey to gather data on how we can improve our customer experience for Data.govt.nz.

By Bronwyn Beagle
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New Zealand adopts the International Open Data Charter

Read about the adoption of the International Open Data Charter by the New Zealand Government.

By Cam Findlay
data govt nz blog

Open government data dashboard prototype 2017

Give your feedback on the proposed open government data dashboard for the Open Government Partnership National Action Plan.

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Open data is coming of age

The sharing of open data stories raises awareness about open data and encourages new release and use. Recently Stats NZ commissioned engage2 to gather stories from current and potential users of open data.

By Amelia Loye, Dan Randow
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'Telling our open data stories' engagement

The sharing of open data stories raises awareness about open data and encourages new release and use. In 2017 Stats NZ commissioned engage2 to gather stories from current and potential users of open data.

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[video] GovHack Wellington wrap up

Watch the wrap up video from the GovHack Wellington instalment, 28-30 July 2017.

By Cam Findlay
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Open data powers affordability app

Developer Alex Raichev used open data to create a web application that helps you work out the most affordable suburb to rent in and commute from.

By Anne Nelson
Wellington Data

Wellington City Council’s open data journey through GovHack

Sean Audain, Innovation Officer (Smart City) at Wellington City Council, talks about their open data journey and what they've learnt over the years at GovHack.

By Sean Audain
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5 tips to opening your data

You've seen the pronouncements about the volumes of data that power the world around us and that this is increasing exponentially. But where’s all this data coming from?

By Rowan Smith
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Busting open data myths

Ellen Broad believes that the benefits from open data are potentially organisation changing, because of the culture that open data encourages. Open data will drive government to being more efficient and working collaboratively to solve common problems.

By Anne Nelson
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Your trusty sidekick at GovHack 2017

We’re ramping up for this year’s GovHack event at the moment and excited to be a national sponsor again this year.

By Cam Findlay
data govt nz blog

Getting our data out there

Government agencies are undergoing a culture change – they’re moving towards their data being ‘open by design’. At a recent workshop international expert Ellen Broad explained what open data is and outlined some of the considerations for agencies that are opening up their data.

By Anne Nelson
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Networking and learning for open data users

Stats NZ is holding workshops for open data users next week: come along to share, learn and rub shoulders with other people who share your interest in open data.

By Anne Nelson
data govt nz blog

Two opportunities to share your open government data story

Engagement with data users is a key part of the Open Government Data Action Plan, because it helps to understand and prioritise what data users want.

By Rochelle Stewart-Allen
data govt nz blog

Strong foundations for open government data

Some big changes are underway that will have very positive impacts on open government data in New Zealand.

By Anne Nelson
data govt nz blog

Meetup: Sorting fact from fiction: open data myths, mysteries & misconceptions

When: Wednesday, June 28, 2017, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

By Rochelle Stewart-Allen
data govt nz blog

The Power of Stories

What will things look like when open data is “working”? Entrepreneurs, businesses, researchers, community groups and individuals will be innovating, creating new insights and acting as informed participants in government decisions.

data govt nz blog

Open by design

"Open by default" is a term bandied around when talking about open data policy. I find the phrase often helps lift the barriers rather than bring them down but if...

data govt nz blog

Automated metadata harvesting of Auckland Council's open transport data

Early in April (prior to our launch of data.govt.nz), I met with Stu Smith and Helen Donaldson from the Auckland Council open data Community of Practice to demo and discuss...

By Cam Findlay
data govt nz blog

[video] International Open Data Day 2017, Wellington New Zealand

A summary video of the Wellington, New Zealand hackathon held at the National Library of New Zealand for the 2017 International Open Data Day

By Cam Findlay
data govt nz blog

Rapid prototyping with environmental datasets – International Open Data Day 2017

International Open Data Day, Wellington was held in the National Library of New Zealand on Saturday, 4th March.

By Cam Findlay
data govt nz blog

Connect the dots - using the government A to Z API for data.govt.nz

Ok, so I'm in the middle of data migration for the new data.govt.nz open data portal at the moment and thought I'd take a moment to highlight something that:

By Cam Findlay
data govt nz blog

International open data day - Saturday, 4th March 2017

Data.govt.nz are proud to be a part of this years Open Data Day hosted at the National Library of New Zealand's Net.work space on Saturday, 4th March 2017 (mark it...

By Cam Findlay
data govt nz blog

The Open Data Game Surprise

I take my hat off to PwC Wellington and Auckland for appreciating the value of data and being bold enough to try new ways to help others learn about it.

data govt nz blog

Preparing to launch a new data.govt.nz catalogue service

The data.govt team will be migrating currently listed datasets across to CKAN - the internationally recognised open data catalogue platform - as part of the release of the new data.govt.nz.

By Cam Findlay
data govt nz blog

Open Data Charter

Open data is a core component of our world’s increasing digital economy, providing opportunity to generate significant social and economic benefits to our society.

By Rochelle Stewart-Allen
data govt nz blog

Top 10 datasets

In June 2016, the Open Government Information & Data Programme conducted a nationwide survey asking people the top 10 datasets they would like to see released.

By Rochelle Stewart-Allen
data govt nz blog

What's on the international open data agenda?

At the recent International Open Data Conference in Madrid, more than 1,500 people arrived from the far corners of the earth to share knowledge, spark ideas, and set forth new...

By Rochelle Stewart-Allen
data govt nz blog

Open data events with Pia Waugh

Pia gave presentations outlining her thoughts on the broad data agenda across New Zealand, with some recommendations, suggestions drawing on successes from government open data release across the Tasman.

By Mark Kirkpatrick
data govt nz blog

Iterating data.govt.nz

TLDR: We've updated beta.data.govt.nz, added some more data (old and new, records and hosted data) for testing, and need your feedback to help us decide whether to proceed and what...

By Mark Kirkpatrick
data govt nz blog

Draft Technical Quality Framework

As such we are considering implementing a basic technical quality framework on data.govt.nz and would like your feedback on whether this approach would be useful, whether you are a data...

By Pia Waugh
data govt nz blog

GovHack 2016

The Department of Internal Affairs has sponsored $2,000 bounties for the each of the two following national challenge questions.

By Nadia Webster
data govt nz blog

Beth Noveck hangout

In February and March 2016 Open Data NZ held a series of conversations with leading international open data experts, including Beth Noveck.

By Rochelle Stewart-Allen
data govt nz blog

Richard Stirling hangout

In February and March 2016 Open Data NZ held a series of conversations with leading international open data experts, including Richard Stirling.

By Rochelle Stewart-Allen
data govt nz blog

Joel Gurin hangout

In February and March 2016 Open Data NZ held a series of conversations with leading international open data experts, including Joel Gurin.

By Rochelle Stewart-Allen
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