The Conversation: Yes, data can produce better policy – but it’s no substitute for real-world experience

THREE KEY FACTS Data-driven policies can overlook biases and lack context, leading to centralised decision-making. The Social Investment Agency is one New Zealand’s best-known data-driven initiatives, it was established to improve the efficiency of social services using data and predictive analytics. Initiatives like Healthy Families NZ show the importance of community-led actions for lasting health improvements.

Governments like to boast that “data-driven” policies are the best way to make fair, efficient decisions. They collect statistics, set targets and adjust strategies to suit. But while data can be useful, it’s not neutral.



There are biases and blind spots in the systems that produce the data. Worse, data often lacks the depth, context and responsiveness needed to drive real-world change. The real questions are about who decides which data matter, how it’s interpreted – and what the change based on the data might look like.

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