More knowledge, more trust

People with a good understanding of Stats NZ are much more likely to trust us. Thirty-three percent said they know Stats NZ well or reasonably well, and 57 percent agreed we are an organisation they trust. Those who have used our data, visited our website, or followed us on social media report the most positive attitudes.

Understanding of data use is low

Only 22 percent of people said they have a good understanding of what happens to their data once Stats NZ collects it, while half have limited or no understanding.

Many would participate more if they knew more

Over one-third of respondents said they would be more willing to take part in surveys if they knew more about how their data is used, and nearly half said "maybe". This demonstrates a strong opportunity for education to lift participation.

Privacy and security concerns stand out

Concerns about privacy were high, with 60 percent worried about whether personal data could be sold, and more than half concerned about who has access or how information is kept anonymous. These concerns were higher than in 2021, but still lower than the peak seen in 2020.

Social licence work

Stats NZ's social licence for data stewardship November 2022 reports on the September-October 2022 survey of our social licence. It reflects changes from:

We define social licence as the permission we have to make decisions about the management and use of the public's data. It's about ensuring New Zealanders have trust and confidence in the way their data is managed.