18 September 2024
Miss T Nicol
[FYI request #28127 email]
Tēnā koe Miss T Nicol
Official Information Act (OIA) request: Information from the 2023 Disability Survey
On 21 August 2024, you contacted Stats NZ requesting, under the Official Information
Act 1982 (the Act), the following information:
1. The date on which the entire survey will be made publicly accessible.
2. If advance access to the general statistic for the percentage of New
Zealanders that identify as disabled is possible by way of response to this
request (i.e. the new version of the statistic since the 2013 survey, which
found that 24% of New Zealanders identified as disabled).
Regarding part one of your request, results from the 2023 Disability Survey will be shared
in an upcoming statistical release, Disability Statistics (2023). The original date for
release was Wednesday, 4 December 2024 but publication will now occur at a later date
(likely early next year).
We will advise a new date soon on our onlin
e Release calendar | Stats NZ. If you would
to like to stay updated, you can subscribe to receive notifications at
Subscribe to
information release notifications | Stats NZ.
Once they are published, you will be able to access the Disability Statistics (2023) via our
Release calendar (which will link you through to the relevant web page).
We are refusing part two of your request under section 18(d) of the Act on the grounds
that it will soon be made publicly available (at the date and location mentioned above).
Unfortunately, we do not generally allow anyone advanced access to statistics prior to
publication, as we operate on the principle of providing equal access to official statistics
for al users at the same time.
As an exception, topical or market-sensitive statistical releases may be released under
strict embargo to key stakeholders (such as ministers and media representatives) up to
24 hours before they are published, at the discretion of the Government Statistician. The
[email address]
tol -free 0508 525 525
stats.govt.nz
8 Willis Street, Wellington
PO Box 2922, Wellington 6140
reason for this is to allow key stakeholder to get across content and be ready to respond
if approached for comment straight after publication.
Our website has more information on our
release policy, a
nd release practices –
includin
g what releases are provided under embargo and who receives them.
Should you wish to discuss this response with us, please feel free to contact Stats NZ at:
[email address].
If you are not satisfied with this response, you have the right to seek an investigation and
review by the Ombudsman. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or 0800 802 602.
It is Stats NZ’s policy to proactively release its responses to official information requests
where possible. This letter, with your personal details removed, will be published on the
Stats NZ website. Publishing responses creates greater openness and transparency of
government decision-making and helps better inform public understanding of the reasons
for decisions.
Nāku noa, nā
Matt Phimmavanh
Principal Advisor – Executive & Government Relations | Office of the Chief Executive
Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa
stats.govt.nz
[email address]
tol -free 0508 525 525
stats.govt.nz
8 Willis Street, Wellington
PO Box 2922, Wellington 6140
