A new Stats NZ programme will begin moving more than 60 business survey forms to an online tool from August, following a successful shift of the Quarterly Building Activity Survey.
Statistics Minister Dr Shane Reti and Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk say the programme will help reduce the traditional survey burden on businesses.
“This is a milestone in improving and modernising the technology used to collect vital information from and about New Zealand businesses. Many of these surveys use older, less efficient digital tools or are paper-based,” Dr Reti says.
“Businesses have asked the Government to reduce the burden on them and we’re delivering. They can expect a smoother, faster way to provide their data and a more standardised experience with the new tool. Other benefits include the ability to save progress and resume filling out survey forms later.
“In reducing the burden on businesses and making it easier for them to complete surveys, the Government is fixing the basics and building the future, allowing businesses to focus more on what matters most to them.”
Minister Penk said digitising government surveys would be particularly beneficial for firms with fewer than 20 employees, which make up 97% of all New Zealand enterprises.
“Small businesses often have fewer dedicated admin staff, and sometimes none at all, so every hour spent on paperwork is an hour away from serving customers and focusing on the work needed to grow the business,” he said.
“Moving surveys online makes it faster and more straightforward to share their valuable experiences and perspectives quickly and conveniently, without adding to their workload or disrupting their day-to-day operations.
“It’s a simple change that reduces friction, improves response rates, and ensures policy is shaped by timely, real-world insights from the small business community.”
The programme will begin with forms for priority economic surveys, including the Labour Cost Index and Business Price Index, which are scheduled to move online in August.
