Issue No 155 December 2005
Statisphere
How many of us have given up trying to find the statistics we need because there are simply too many government websites to search? Help is finally on its way. Statisphere is a website produced by Statistics New Zealand that has been designed to simplify the process of locating any statistical information gathered or produced by the New Zealand government. Content is still being added to the site, so it does not yet have everything that it aims to have, but it is much easier to use than anything previously available.
There are various ways to find information on this site including both basic and advanced search options, an alphabetical subject listing and an alphabetical listing of the agencies who produce the information. True, many of the subjects are yet to have actual statistics attached and there are frustratingly circular patterns of links, but you can already find data on employment conditions, local authorities, pensions and manufacturing industries should you be interested and as more content is added the circles should start to close.
If you struggle to locate official statistics then this is a website that you should add to your favourites because as it grows it is likely to become a very helpful tool.
