In a significant milestone for the National Statistical System of the Cook Islands, the first-ever Working with Data Community of Practice was launched. The inaugural workshop training on Data analysis and data dissemination took place from the 4th to the 6th of March, bringing together data or statistics managers and practitioners passionate about harnessing the power of data.
Organized in collaboration between the Cook Islands Statistics Office and Stats New Zealand, the event featured diverse sessions covering topics from Data in Government to understanding the Generic Statistics Business Process Model and Data analysis and dissemination.
With over 30 participants from various Government Agencies, the workshop served as a collaborative platform for knowledge exchange and skill development in the rapidly evolving field of data and official statistics. The highlight of the event was the interactive group exercises where experts shared insights into data analysis and dissemination best practices, fostering engaging discussions and presentations among participants.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing enthusiasm for future events and continued collaboration within the Working with Data Community of Practice. This success sets a promising precedent for fostering a culture of learning, collaboration, and professional development in the data and statistics domain.
As the Community of Practice looks toward the future, organizers are already planning additional workshops, webinars, and networking opportunities to further empower individuals and organizations passionate about working with data.
On behalf of the Cook Islands Government, Ministry of Finance and Economic Management we would like to show our appreciation to the team of experts and facilitators, Dr Ofa Ketu’u, Manager for Statistics New Zealand Pacific Program, Mr Jonathan Palmer, former Deputy Government Statistician for Australian Bureau of Statistics and lead consultant for the development of the Cook Islands Strategy for the Development of Statistics, Ms Sophie Flynn, Principal Analyst, Data Capability and Collaborations at Statistics New Zealand, Ms Ana Soakai, World Bank Project coordinator, Tonga Statistics Department, Mr Tuaine Unuia Jnr, Senior Statistician, Cook Islands Statistics Office, Mr Lualua Tua-Trood, Deputy Government Statistician, Cook Islands Statistics Office.
Gratitude is also extended to Statistics New Zealand for their continuous support and funding of this initiative.
Kia orana, e kia manuia.
Taggy Tangimetua
Government Statistician & Chief Electoral
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Please contact the Statistics Office at [email protected] or call 29511