Is the Plain Language Act working? Why repeal might spark genuine change

The Government has announced its intention to repeal the Plain Language Act, legislation introduced to ensure public sector communications are written in clear, accessible English. On the surface, most commentary around this move seems to agree; the change sounds like a backward move. After all, who would argue against making government information easier for people […]

NZ’s Digital Public Service Summit calls for more agility to meet future challenges.

In his opening keynote, David Clark, New Zealand’s Minister for the Digital Economy and Communications, challenged the attendees at the 2022 Summit for a Digital Public Service. “We need to be ambitious and leverage the opportunity that digital technology can bring for the tech sector, for our wider business community, and the well-being of all New […]

NZ Public Service improves data sustainability with Data and Statistics Bill

The New Zealand Data and Statistics Bill has passed Royal Assent, completing its passage through parliament to become an official Act. The Data and Statistics Act replaces The Statistics Act 1975, becoming the legislative framework covering government data and statistics from 1 September 2022. The Statistics Act 1975 (the 1975 Act) was drafted in an environment that predates modern technology, focusing on […]