Data Lab

The Data Lab provides secure computer facilities in Statistics New Zealand's offices where researchers can work with anonymised microdata. Statistics NZ is legally required to protect confidential individual and corporate informaton. A rigorous application process and strict eligibility criteria apply based on the requirements of the Statistics Act 1975 and Statistics New Zealand's microdata access protocols.

Government departments and other researchers (with backing from a recognised institution) undertaking research for public benefit can be granted access to microdata in the Data Lab.

Current research projects include:

• Housing Affordability in New Zealand
• Firm and Household Behaviour
• Cancer Trends
• The Effect of Immigration on the New Zealand Labour Market
• Understanding Adjustment & Inequality
• Measuring Homelessness

Use of the Data Lab is carefully monitored to ensure that data is not misused and respondents' confidentiality is protected. All material taken into the Data Lab must be declared, and all outputs are checked before being released from the Data Lab.  

Facilities

Location and access hours

The Data Labs are open Monday - Friday from 8.30am - 5pm and are located at the following venues:

Data Lab facilities are not currently available in Statistics New Zealand's Christchurch office, as Dollan House is undergoing repair and refit following the February 2011 earthquake. It is anticipated that Dollan House will be ready for use again from May 2012.

Researchers are provided with:

• A work space with a computer, use of a printer and access to a telephone.
• Software supplied by Statistics NZ (Microsoft Office, SAS, Stata and other software by negotiation). 
• Use of the staff break-out area.
• Dedicated meeting room (Wellington only).  

Researchers using the data labs need to be experienced in statistical research and in the use of analytical tools, including statistical software. Statistics New Zealand cannot commit to providing assistance with statistical aspects of research projects.

Eligibility

All access to microdata follows given protocols and is at the discretion of the Government Statistician.  

Applications by government departments

Under the Statistics Act 1975, access to microdata can be granted to government departments in some situations. Applications made by government departments to use the Data Lab will be considered if they meet the following criteria:

• The proposed research is "solely for bona fide research or statistical purposes pursuant to the functions and duties of that Government Department".
• The research will be undertaken separately from any regulatory function of the department.
• The researchers have a proven history of research, or will be supervised by someone with a proven history of research.

All other applications

Under the Statistics Act 1975, individuals from a non-government department background can be contracted to Statistics New Zealand. This provision enables Statistics New Zealand to provide researchers who are not employed in a government department with access to microdata. Applications will be considered if they meet the following criteria:

• The proposed research is considered by Statistics New Zealand to fit with the purpose of Statistics NZ and will produce outputs of significant benefit to Statistics NZ.
• The proposed research is of significant public interest.
• Only projects with a statistical purpose may be granted access to the Data Lab.
• The researchers have a proven history of research, or will be supervised by someone with a proven history of research.
• The researchers have the support of the organisation that employs them (e.g., university or independent research firm).

top

Applying for access

A rigorous application process applies to requests to access microdata in the Data Lab.

1. Contact Statistics New Zealand to discuss your proposed research. 
2. Determine if you are seeking access on behalf of a government department. The eligibility criteria for government departments are different than those for all other applicants.
3. Complete the Data Lab Application (Word, 160kb).
4. Statistics New Zealand will assess the application within 15 business days. It is desirable if you can be available during this period to provide further clarification, if needed.
5. If the application is approved, a contract is negotiated covering the detailed conditions of access and the data is prepared for use in the Data Lab.
6. Researchers are required to attend an induction session and familiarise themselves with the contents of the Data Lab Output Guide (PDF, 2.87mb).
7. The researcher may then start work in the Data Lab.

top

Pricing

The Data Lab operates on a cost-recovery basis. Typical total costs for a Data Lab project are between $5,000 and $15,000. Unsuccessful applications to use the Data Lab do not incur any charge.

Please note the prices above exclude GST.

top