NZ adopts International Open Data Charter

The New Zealand government has confirmed its commitment to the principle of openness in government by adopting the International Open Data Charter.

Statistics Minister James Shaw signed a letter on Friday with New Zealand’s Government Chief Data Steward Liz MacPherson officially adopting the charter.

The letter was signed during an event in Wellington organised by Stats NZ entitled Open Data, Open Potential. By signing the charter, New Zealand has joined 17 other countries including Australia in making a commitment to make government data open by default.

The charter also calls for the timely and comprehensive release of data in an accessible, usable comparable and interoperable format for both improved governance and citizen engagement and fostering inclusive development and innovation.

Shaw said the government plans to encourage openness as the default position for government agencies for non-personal, unclassified and non-confidential data.

“As well as meeting increased user demand for open data to drive innovation, this will ensure we are accountable, transparent and resilient in our use of data,” he said.

Stats NZ has been tasked with implementing an Open Data Action Plan to set the direction of the charter's implementation in New Zealand. This will involve equipping agencies with better tools and resources while providing transparency about data the government holds.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Exentia

Follow us and share on Twitter and Facebook