New Government Statistician looks forward to challenge

New Government Statistician looks forward to challenge

26 August 2013

New Government Statistician Liz MacPherson takes up her role at Statistics New Zealand today and is looking forward to leading the organisation as it continues its 10-year transformation programme.

Ms MacPherson was most recently a deputy chief executive at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), and previously held other senior roles at MBIE, and its predecessors the Ministry of Economic Development and the Department of Labour.

“I’ve had 24 years in the public service and in every one of my roles information from Statistics NZ has been extremely important. Official independent information provides context to our labour market and economy, the environment, and social and population issues.

“It is pivotal to government making good policy decisions and other organisations knowing where to focus their efforts. Businesses, families, and students also need this information.

“Statistics NZ is about two years into its transformation programme, Statistics 2020 Te Kāpehu Whetū. I’m looking forward to leading the organisation towards its goal of ensuring New Zealand has the information it needs to grow and prosper.

“Greater accessibility and usability of data is a high priority. At the same time, we must continue to safeguard privacy and security. We have great information and we want people to use it. Amazing new technology and ways of portraying data can help the country to improve people’s lives. It’s an exciting time to be coming into this work.”

Ms MacPherson is the latest in a long line of New Zealand Government Statisticians that dates back to WM Wright in 1910 – and she’s the first woman appointed to the role.

ENDS

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