Stats NZ Probes Alleged Misuse of 2023 Census Data by Manurewa Marae

Stats NZ has launched an investigation into claims that Manurewa Marae misused 2023 census data to support Te Pāti Māori's election campaign in the Tāmaki Makaurau electorate. The allegations suggest that private information from census forms was photocopied and entered into a database to target voters.

The investigation follows reports by ex-marae workers who collected census forms, alleging that the data was used inappropriately. Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere has denied these allegations, demanding 'hard evidence' and calling the sources 'unsubstantiated.'

Why this matters: The alleged misuse of census data has significant implications for the integrity of the electoral process and public trust in government institutions. If true, it could lead to a loss of confidence in the census and potentially undermine the accuracy of future census data.

The chief executive of Manurewa Marae, Takutai Tarsh Kemp, who is also a Te Pāti Māori MP, stepped down from her role at the marae after winning the Tāmaki Makaurau seat last year. Despite the allegations, Kemp continues to have the 'full support and confidence' of Te Pāti Māori.

Stats NZ Chief Executive Mark Sowden emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, stating, 'We are taking these allegations very seriously.' He stressed that census data is protected by the Data and Statistics Act 2022 and the Privacy Act 2020, and should only be used for its intended purposes.

The investigation has prompted calls for a broader inquiry. Employment advocate Allan Halse, representing a group of ex-marae staff and a whistleblower at the Ministry of Social Development, has called for a multi-party inquiry into the entire process. Taxpayers' Union spokesperson Jordan Williams and Labour leader Chris Hipkins have also called for an independent review.

Williams described the allegations as being 'on the most serious end in terms of misuse of census information,' advocating for a public inquiry with the power to compel witnesses and take evidence on oath. Hipkins added, 'Filling in your census is a compulsory thing - everybody has to do it - but part of the deal there is that your privacy is very jealously guarded.'

The investigation by Stats NZ is ongoing, and the agency has brought in an external party to ensure an unbiased review. Sowden has encouraged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public trust in the census process.

The investigation's ongoing efforts concentrate on ensuring that census data is used appropriately and that any breaches of privacy are thoroughly addressed. The outcome of the inquiry will likely have significant implications for how census data is handled in the future.

Key Takeaways

• Stats NZ investigates Manurewa Marae for alleged misuse of 2023 census data.
• Data allegedly used to support Te Pāti Māori's election campaign in Tāmaki Makaurau.
• Allegations suggest private info from census forms was photocopied and entered into a database.
• Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere denies allegations, demands "hard evidence".
• Investigation ongoing, with calls for broader inquiry and independent review.