Personal data is used and shared across public and private sectors every day and a new study wants to find out how you want this information utilised.
More than 20 people attended a recent Our Data, Our Way workshop at the Palmerston North City Library where they engaged in face-to-face conversations to determine their reaction to different scenarios.
Data Futures Partnership's have created the online tool Our Data, Our Way and are holding 27 workshops nationwide alongside the launch.
After advances in data collection and sharing, Data Futures Partnership chairwoman Dame Diane Robertson says this is the first time New Zealanders have been asked how they feel about it.
"We know people feel uncomfortable about how information about them is used and shared. There are important questions around privacy, security and trust which must be addressed by those using people's personal information."
Dame Diane says it's important people understand data sharing is a positive thing, presenting exciting opportunities and benefits for New Zealanders including new business opportunities, improved public services and medical breakthroughs.
"Our data is like land or water, it's an asset and can make life easier for all of us. However, it's important people feel confident about where their information is held and who has access to it."
The partnership will use the information to develop a social licence which will give New Zealanders peace of mind their data will be used in an acceptable and valuable way.
The online tool gives users three data sharing examples and asks them to rate how comfortable they are with each scenario. They are able to compare answers with other participants.
The study will continue until April with the partnership hoping a broad range of New Zealanders will offer their view.
"We know some organisations are unsure about what is permissible when collecting and using people's data," Dame Diane says. "The more people we can talk to, the better we can guide these organisations to share our data in a safe and trusted manner."
To take part visit ourdataourway.nz.