Introduction

This standards document complements, and should be read in conjunction with, the "New Zealand Government Data Management Policies" document.

As noted in the Policies document, the standards emphasise best practice and minimum quality levels for implementation of these policies, rather than prescribing technological solutions which could be beyond the reach of smaller agencies. Government agencies who provided early input to the development advised that the policies and standards should avoid going beyond generic best practice into business, legal and technology specific areas (these are typically low-level, operational policies and standards).

The Policies and Standards should be regarded as living documents, to be improved by regular reviews based on feedback from the Public Service, legislative changes, developments in international standards etc. It is unlikely that any government agency will be fully compliant from day one, however every agency will be required to demonstrate reasonable progress towards compliance.