Stats NZ's goal is to unleash the power of data to change lives. We gather data on a wide range of topics such as income, housing, the environment, education and social well-being. This rich information helps people decide where to locate a business, what products to sell, where we need roads, schools and hospitals as well as measuring environmental progress, quality of life and how families are doing. Statistics are used by government, local councils, Māori and business to help make decisions so that New Zealand's economy, people and communities can thrive.