Ensuring government-held data is used to help achieve better outcomes for New Zealanders is a key reason why the government is officially adopting the international Open Data Charter, says Statistics Minister James Shaw. By opening up public agencies’ data, Shaw says the government is encouraging openness as the default setting for government agencies to make non-personal, unclassified and non-confidential data freely available to anyone to use and share. Confidential and private information will remain protected and safeguarded, he says. Related reading: Stats NZ CEO Liz MacPherson: ‘We are absolutely focused on unleashing the power of data to change lives’ DataKind founder Jake Porway: Use data for good, not just to ‘sell stuff’ Paul Stone, NZ Open Government Data Programme Leader: ‘Get the data out there, so when it is needed to solve a problem, it is available’ “As well as meeting increased user demand for open data to drive innovation, this will ensure we are accountable, transparent, and resilient in our use of data.” An Open Data Action Plan, implemented by Stats NZ, will set the direction for the Charter’s implementation in New Zealand. The action plan will provide transparency about the data the government holds, equip agencies with better tools and resources, and connect citizens and government. Online tools and resources and training will lift people’s capability to innovate, to inform decision-making, and to provide evidence-based policy through data, says Shaw. Learn from your peers: Check out ourState of the CIO report on the challenges and concerns of CIOs today.Sign up forCIO newsletters for regular updates on CIO news, career tips, views and events.Follow CIO New Zealand on Twitter:@cio_nzJoin us on Facebook. Send news tips and comments to divina_paredes@idg.co.nz Follow Divina Paredes on Twitter:@divinap Related content news Concerns remain even as the EU reaches a landmark deal to govern AI Experts believe the new regulation would add a significant compliance burden on businesses as some argue it could even stifle the growth of the rapidly developing technology. By Gagandeep Kaur Dec 11, 2023 7 mins Regulation Regulation Government feature CIOs grapple with the ethics of implementing AI With ethical considerations around AI use increasingly top of mind, IT leaders are developing governance frameworks, establishing review boards, and coming to terms with the difficult discussions and decisions ahead. By Esther Shein Dec 11, 2023 13 mins Generative AI Data Governance IT Governance feature Reed Smith turns to AI for lawyer staffing solution The legal firm’s Smart Resourcing tool helps balance workloads and ensure partners find associates with the right skills and experience, while empowering employees to make connections across the firm’s global footprint. By Sarah K. White Dec 11, 2023 8 mins CIO 100 Legal Digital Transformation news Emirates NBD drives sustainability goals with Microsoft partnership By Andrea Benito Dec 10, 2023 2 mins CIO Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe