Public inquiry needed

StatsNZ has announced an independent inquiry into allegations about illegal use of census data at Manuwera Marae:

Stats NZ has asked an independent external party to investigate allegations of misuse of census data collected for the 2023 Census.

Last year Stats NZ partnered with Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency to lift low response rates from Māori in Auckland. The collection operations with non-responding and partial-responding Māori households were led by Te Pae Herenga o Tāmaki. As part of this, Whānau Ora worked with Manurewa Marae.

Late last week Stats NZ received allegations relating to the inappropriate use of census data collected at Manurewa Marae.

“We are taking these allegations very seriously,” Government Statistician and Stats NZ Chief Executive Mark Sowden said.

“It is paramount that the information collected via census forms or any Stats NZ survey is kept private, secure, and confidential, and that it is only used for the purposes in which it is collected.”

The security of this information is so important it is protected by the Data and Statistics Act 2022 and the Privacy Act 2020.

Sowden is encouraging anyone with information relating to the allegations to contact Stats NZ.

“We would encourage anyone with concerns of this nature to contact me via OfficeoftheGSCE@stats.govt.nz. Alternatively, they can contact the Police or the Office of the Privacy Commissioner,” Sowden said. . . 

The Taxpayers’ Union is calling for a public inquiry :

The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Government to form a public inquiry under the Inquiries Act to ensure that MSD and Stats NZ are not tasked with reviewing their, alleged, lack of action following complaints from whistleblowers that the Manurewa Marae illegally used census data collation to booster the Māori Party’s electoral data gathering.

“These allegations are on the most serious end in terms of misuse of census information,” said Jordan Williams, a Spokesperson for the Taxpayers’ Union.

“It warrants an independent review to establish both what has happened, and whether agencies have responded with appropriate urgency.”

“Public inquiries have the power to require the production of evidence, to compel witnesses, and to take evidence on oath. Given the seriousness of the allegations reported by the Sunday Star Times over the weekend, that looks to be justified, and necessary to ensure continued public confidence.”

There has been no announcement of action from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) or the Electoral Commission, both of which were mentioned in Andrea Vance’s publicising the allegations.

But Peeni Henare who lost the seat by just 42 votes, is considering his options and may complain to the Electoral Commission.

The Commission shouldn’t wait for a complaint, there are enough serious allegations in the public arena to make one necessary already.

Other very serious allegations were made yesterday which must prompt MSD into a full and public inquiry.