Getting privacy right in our data future – Privacy Commissioner
28 July 2014
Privacy Commissioner John Edwards welcomes the release of the New Zealand Data Futures Forum’s report.
Mr Edwards says the report makes an important contribution by recognising that the country needs to build the right data
environment to maximise the business, social, cultural, education and health opportunities for all New Zealanders.
“This is an inclusive, forward-looking document that emphasises adding value to our economy and society through good
data management. It is a much needed marker in the development of a national data strategy,” he said.
“What is particularly pleasing is that the Forum recognises the role that good privacy regulation plays. People need to
have confidence and trust that information about them is stored securely and used in ways that they are happy with.
Without that trust, any plan or vision for the country’s data-sharing environment would be flawed.
“Adding privacy to the New Zealand brand of data management makes us more competitive in a global market. If you let
your customers know that you protect and use personal information about them to the highest of privacy standards, it can
only help you attract more.”
Mr Edwards says the establishment of an independent data council would ensure a considered and deliberate approach to
new ways of extracting maximum value from data, while a review of the country’s information legislation could lead to
the creation of a very modern framework for data storage and sharing.
The way that the world uses data is changing rapidly, said Mr Edwards, and New Zealand has to be ready to make the most
of that change.
ENDS
Note for Editors
The New Zealand Data Futures Forum report – Harnessing the economic and social power of data – is available here. The Forum was established in December 2013, by the Ministers of Finance and Statistics, to explore the benefits and
risks for New Zealand of sharing, linking and using data.
Read the Privacy Commissioner’s submission to the Data Futures Forum here.