Policy

Guidelines for accessing data

In today’s data-driven world, quantitative data plays a crucial role in research, decision-making, and policy development. However, accessing and using data comes with significant responsibilities, particularly in the context of Aotearoa.

Guidelines and tikanga for accessing quantitative population data are essential to ensure data sovereignty, retain confidentiality and privacy, maintain data integrity, and promote ethical use.

These guidelines must also respect Māori data sovereignty and tikanga, recognising the unique rights and interests of Māori in relation to their data. (Click a link to Maori data sovereignty principles – https://www.otago.ac.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/321044/tmr-maori-data-sovereignty-principles-october-2018-832194.pdf )

These guidelines not only safeguard sensitive information but will also help researchers and organisations navigate the complex landscape of data management, legal requirements, tikanga, and ethical considerations. This approach leads to more reliable, responsible, and culturally appropriate data-driven insights that benefit all of society while honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

These guidelines are designed to assist people working with quantitative population data. They outline principles for responsible and respectful data usage.

Data Explanation

Our data dashboards compile publicly available data to provide insights into various aspects of the Wairoa community. The primary sources include:

• Local Service Providers: We collaborate with healthcare centers, educational institutions, environmental agencies, and community organizations within Wairoa to gather localized data. This includes information on service utilization, community health indicators, environmental monitoring, and feedback from whānau.
• Ministry of Health (MOH): Provides data on mortality rates, referrals, and births.
• Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC): Offers information on injury claims within the community.
• New Zealand Police: Supplies data on events and occurrences to understand safety and social issues.
• Statistics New Zealand (Stats NZ): Gives census data on housing, ethnicities, and demographics.
• Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA): Provides environmental data on water quality.
• Ministry of Social Development (MSD): Shares unemployment statistics.
• Dot Loves Data: Offers quarterly reports on social well-being, housing, education, and health.

Our dashboards are interactive, allowing users to filter and select specific data points for a more detailed analysis. They are designed to compare Wairoa’s statistics with Hawke’s Bay averages and national averages, offering a contextual understanding of where our community stands.

Responsible Data Sharing

Exercise caution when sharing and using data. Only share with trusted entities that demonstrate a commitment to proper data usage.  Only use data when you are clear about what the purpose is – this data has been collated and provided to support collaborative decision making, strategic investment and planning and to monitor change over time for the Wairoa community.  Use this data if your purpose is to improve wellbeing outcomes for whānau in Wairoa. 

Preventing Misuse

Use data as a starting point for collaborative discussions rather than a drawing conclusion. When interpreting population statistics, engage with community members to gain insights into what this data might mean. (For example data may indicate that whānau in Wairoa are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease that the rest of New Zealand, the data does not tell us why this is occurring).  Emphasise strengths and opportunities for growth instead of reinforcing negative stereotypes or stigmas. 

Preventing Misuse

When sharing or using data, ensure that it has been de-identified to protect individual privacy, particularly for sensitive topics. This is particularly important in small communities where even limited information might compromise identification.

Adhering to Data Sovereignty

Ensure you are complying with relevant data protection legislation, such as the New Zealand Privacy Act and Māori Data Sovereignty principles. All the data shared on this web site is publicly available from other sites, we have collated this data and brought it together in one place.

Acknowledge Māori rights and control over their own data. Treat data pertaining to Māori as taonga (treasure) requiring special consideration and care.

Māori data sovereignty is grounded in the principle of tino rangatiratanga, which emphasises Māori self-determination. This concept views data as a taonga (treasure), necessitating its protection and governance in ways that align with Māori values and aspirations. Key principles of Māori data sovereignty include whanaungatanga (relationship building), kotahitanga (collective benefit), and kaitiakitanga (guardianship), all advocating for collaborative and ethical stewardship of data that reflects Māori interests and rights.

Recognizing and Addressing Data Limitations

Limitations of Quantitative Data

It is important to acknowledge and understand the limitations of quantitative data:

• It may not provide sufficient context or explanation for observed trends or outcomes
• It cannot capture nuanced personal experiences or sentiments
• It risks oversimplifying complex issues, reducing important subtleties or dynamics to numbers
• Certain groups or demographics may be underrepresented due to barriers in accessing or participating in the data collection process (e.g. rangatahi, whānau with disabilities, kaumatua)
• Quantitative data often fails to account for cultural, social, or historical factors that shape behaviours and outcomes.
• Aggregated data may obscure diversity within populations, leading to inappropriate generalisations.

To develop a more comprehensive understanding of this data, consider complementing quantitative data with qualitative information, such as interviews or family narratives.

General Data Limitations

While we strive for accuracy and comprehensiveness, there are limitations to consider:

1. Timeliness: There may be a lag between data collection and publication, meaning some data might not reflect the most current situation.
2. Data Quality: The accuracy depends on the methodologies of the original data collectors. There may be inconsistencies or errors beyond our control.
3. Granularity: Some data may not be available at the district level, limiting the specificity of insights for Wairoa.
4. Privacy Restrictions: To protect individual privacy, certain data is aggregated or anonymized, which can obscure specific trends.
5. Interpretation: Data visualizations can be misinterpreted if not viewed with consideration of the broader context. Correlation does not imply causation.

By adhering to these guidelines, we can ensure data usage that respects individual privacy, cultural values, and the inherent complexity of real-world situations.