Statistics New Zealand is now delivering never before published data on Maori to government departments.
Atawhai Tibble. Photo: RNZ / Gareth Thomas
Agencies have been asking for the information, so they can plan how to cater for Maori.
After six years in the planning, Statistics New Zealand has compiled Te Kupenga - a survey on Maori health and happiness, with a strong focus on culture.
Te Kupenga project manager Atawhai Tibble said the data was invaluable. He said the Ministry of Education did a lot of work with families, but Statistics New Zealand was the first agency to do a statistical report on whanau and whanau well-being.
Mr Tibble said the ministry wanted to know and understand how they might increase demands by parents for education, rather than gathering the information from schools.
He said he was also working with the Ministry of Culture and Heritage to share figures about the number of people who attend performance events, such as Te Matatini.
