Stats NZ is seeking feedback on its plans to introduce an infringement scheme (fees and fines) to support its mandatory requests for information.
Responses to data and information requests from people, organisations, and businesses are critical to producing quality data and statistics for New Zealand. The Data and Statistics Act 2022 means that Stats NZ can make mandatory requests from people and organisations.
Stats NZ's General Manager - Policy Tennille Maxey explains that right now, if people deliberately refuse to participate in a survey or respond to a data request, the only enforcement tool is prosecution.
"Prosecution can result in a criminal conviction, but the Data and Statistics Act 2022 gives Stats NZ the ability to use infringement notices (fees and fines) as a more appropriate alternative.
"Expanding our enforcement toolkit will help create a fair, balanced, and effective system that strengthens our data collection and supports high-quality official statistics now and into the future," says Tennille.
The public consultation seeks feedback on the proposed design of the infringement scheme, including fee and fine amounts.
General Manager - Data Collections Lorna Curran reiterates that Stats NZ's approach to encouraging people to respond will continue to focus on education, understanding, and support.
"We aim to help people understand how the data they provide helps New Zealand and how the information they share is collected, protected, and used."
Stats NZ is also working to make it easier for people to provide their information by moving surveys online and using more of the information already collected by government (known as admin data).
"Enforcement tools will continue to be used only as a last resort for people who deliberately avoid their obligation to participate," explains Lorna.
"Fees and fines will only be used after careful consideration, in limited cases, and only for those who actively refuse to provide information, not for those who are unable to take part due to things like sickness or bereavement," says Lorna.
Implementing an infringement scheme to support our mandatory data requests: Consultation includes the discussion document and information on how you can have your say.
Submissions close at 5pm on Sunday 6 April 2026.
