The Waikato Data Portal team has broken down silos to better leverage and improve access to data generated by our region’s councils.

There are 12 councils in the Waikato, all collecting information to support their legislated activities. People wanting to access this data have previously had to approach councils individually to get what they need. Aligned with Open Government Data Programme goals, the Waikato Data Portal has so far gathered 369 datasets into a searchable, self-service database, providing a one-stop regional information shop for internal or external use. The database has been designed so that each council still has control over its own data – it doesn’t get ‘lost in the mix’. Data from the site can be downloaded in a variety of formats, including spreadsheets; files for GIS software and for Google Earth. In many cases app interfaces are available. The portal is designed to evolve as new datasets are added and new public or council data needs emerge.

The Waikato Data Portal

Getting smarter with data

Hamilton City Council ICT Award

The Waikato Data Portal team has broken down silos to better leverage and improve access to data generated by our region’s councils.

There are 12 councils in the Waikato, all collecting information to support their legislated activities. People wanting to access this data have previously had to approach councils individually to get what they need. Aligned with Open Government Data Programme goals, the Waikato Data Portal has so far gathered 369 datasets into a searchable, self-service database, providing a one-stop regional information shop for internal or external use. The database has been designed so that each council still has control over its own data – it doesn’t get ‘lost in the mix’. Data from the site can be downloaded in a variety of formats, including spreadsheets; files for GIS software and for Google Earth. In many cases app interfaces are available. The portal is designed to evolve as new datasets are added and new public or council data needs emerge.