A new standard for Government agencies handling data will be set after today's bombshell report.

The Public Service Commission has released a report detailing failures by Stats NZ, Health NZ and the Ministry of Health. 

It's after allegations surfaced in June that Census and Covid vaccination data was inappropriately used at Manurewa Marae.

It's highlighted a lack of safeguards - even when concerns were raised within Stats NZ, whose acting head is now stepping down. 

It found agencies also failed to address conflicts-of-interest by providers working with Covid data. 

Commissioner Sir Brian Roche says contracting requirements for third-parties will change. 

"We are just being clear about the duty of care required on people who access public money to discharge services."

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