New Zealand Moves Business Surveys Online to Reduce Administrative Burden
The New Zealand Government plans to move more than 60 business survey forms to an online platform from August 2026, aiming to simplify how firms provide information to official statistics agencies. The initiative, led by Stats NZ, is intended to reduce administrative workload for businesses while modernising the systems used to collect economic data. Details of the programme were outlined in a government announcement available on the Beehive website.
The shift follows the successful digital transition of the Quarterly Building Activity Survey. Officials say moving additional surveys online will replace a mix of older digital tools and paper-based forms, helping standardise the experience for businesses submitting data.
Modernising the Collection of Business Data
Statistics Minister Dr Shane Reti said the change represents a step forward in updating the infrastructure used to gather economic information from businesses across the country. The programme is part of broader efforts to improve digital public services and support a growing digitally connected business environment, reflected in wider developments such as New Zealand’s expanding digital business landscape.
“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 Shane Reti, Statistics Minister, New Zealand Government
Dr Reti said businesses have long asked government agencies to reduce the time and effort required to complete official surveys. The new system is designed to provide a more consistent digital experience while enabling respondents to save progress and return later to complete submissions.
“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,” — Dr Shane Reti, Statistics Minister, New Zealand Government
Reducing Administrative Pressure on Small Firms
Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk emphasised that simplifying survey processes could have a significant impact on smaller firms. Businesses with fewer than 20 employees account for around 97% of all enterprises in New Zealand, and many operate without dedicated administrative staff.
“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,” — Chris Penk, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister, New Zealand Government
According to Mr Penk, moving surveys online should make it easier for firms to share operational insights with government agencies without disrupting daily operations. Such data helps inform policy decisions and economic analysis.
“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,” — Chris Penk, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister, New Zealand Government
Initial Rollout Focuses on Priority Economic Surveys
The first phase of the programme will prioritise key economic indicators. Surveys including the Labour Cost Index and the Business Price Index are scheduled to transition to the new online platform in August 2026.
The initiative aligns with ongoing government efforts to improve digital service delivery and data collection practices across sectors, similar to broader public-sector innovation highlighted in initiatives such as New Zealand’s digital innovation across infrastructure and services. By simplifying compliance and improving the usability of survey systems, officials expect businesses to spend less time on administrative tasks while still contributing essential data used in economic policy and planning.
