Statistics New Zealand

Statistics New Zealand (In Māori, Tatauranga Aotearoa) is the state sector organisation of New Zealand which is responsible for the country's official statistics, under the authority of the 1975 Statistics Act. Until 1994 it was known as the Department of Statistics. New Zealand's Minister of Statistics is the Hon. Clayton Cosgrove.



Responsibilities
Besides its overall leadership role, the department conducts many statistical programmes including the five-yearly census. Many of the resulting statistics are available free of charge on its website. In addition, the department develops statistical classifications and standards for New Zealand, and conducts ongoing research and development into relevant statistical methods. It also provides technical assistance to developing countries in the Pacific rim, with a special focus on Pacific Island nations. Statistics New Zealand is entrusted with leading the development and promotion of all government statistics that make up New Zealand's Official Statistics System, a role that will see it co-ordinating New Zealand's first integrated programme of Official Social Statistics.

Government Statistician
The chief executive officer of Statistics New Zealand is called the Government Statistician.
 * 1980 - 1984: John Darwin
 * 1984 - 1992: Steve Kuzmicich
 * 1992 - 1999: Len Cook
 * 1999 - 2007: Brian Pink
 * 2007 -    : Geoff Bascand

graduate Leadership Development Programme (gLDP)
In 2005 Statistics New Zealand was the 18th most desirable employer for graduates in Australasia. For the most part, this is attributed to their graduate Leadership Development Programme (gLDP).

The gLDP is designed to increase and develop the future leadership capability of Statistics New Zealand and the wider New Zealand Public Service. It encourages graduates to develop their leadership skills through a structured, well supported and innovative programme.

Analysts on the gLDP are given social and technical support networks, monthly workshops, peer-mentoring, action learning groups and team corporate projects. In year one on the programme graduates complete three rotations to learn more about the organisation and as they progress are given more opportunities of responsibility and project management.

As a learning organisation, Statistics New Zealand is well known for its people development and the gLDP is no exception.

Copyright
The Statistics New Zealand website states that "Information obtained from Statistics New Zealand may be freely used, reproduced, or quoted unless otherwise specified. In all cases Statistics New Zealand must be acknowledged as the source."