Frequently asked questions
What is included in DataHub?
DataHub provides a range of data types and more data is added as it becomes available. The DataHub Catalogue provides an overview of available data types.
Why do I need to login to access data?
A DataHub account is a free account that enables you to access data and data products (Data) from DataHub, including the option to purchase Data from us. Requiring logins helps us verify users’ identities and protect against unauthorised access, as well as improve the services we offer and make informed business decisions based on the information we collect from use of the platform. It also enables us to report on how the data is used as required under relevant funding obligations. We limit the personal information collected via your account to what is necessary for business purposes and only ever use such information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Why am I asked about the purpose of my data use?
We collect the information provided to us about data use for:
- Compliance purposes. This is to confirm the correct licensing terms and charges are applied, to check compliance with licence terms and, where relevant, to comply with reporting requirements under our funding agreements).
- To improve the data provisioning services we offer.
We ensure that this information is kept confidential and not disclosed to any third party without the relevant user’s prior written consent or to the extent required to comply with law or relevant funding obligations.
Why am I asked about my country of origin?
User information helps us verify users’ identities and protect against unauthorised access. It improves the services we offer and helps us to make informed business decisions based on the information we collect from use of the platform. It also enables us to report on how the data is used. It identifies New Zealand vs overseas use. We limit the personal information collected via your account to what is necessary for business purposes and only ever use such information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Why is access to some data limited?
Some of the data available on DataHub is capped to a certain amount and/or location over a period (e.g., a maximum of 30 datasets per region per year) or for a certain project to protect its commercial interests.
Access to larger amounts of the data or access for multiple projects will be by individual negotiation, with the pricing and access terms dependent on factors such as the data use, how the data is supplied and nature of the user where relevant.
Why is station / sensor data only available with a delay?
The National Climate Database (CLIDB) is designed and operated as New Zealand's Climate Data Archive, and consequently DataHub only provides archived data (about one month old) for download. More current 'operational data' is available (as API) at request through commercial arrangements.
Why is some data charged for?
As the costs of data collection, management and provisioning are not fully publicly funded, We rely on commercial revenue to support our data services and to ensure that we can continue to operate as a successful going concern as required under our enabling legislation. This means that access to certain datasets is charged for to ensure we can continue to collect, maintain and provide that data and that our scientific research and work is sustainable. Our general fee structure is based on account and licence, with a 0 fee tier for personal / non-commercial use, a reduced fee tier for public / non - commercial use and a full fee tier for business / commercial use.
What are the principles for charging for data?
The fee structure applies a 'tiered' principle, a limited amount of data is made available at no cost to individuals for personal use, reduced fees are charged for public, non-commercial use and full fees apply for business, commercial use.
Is NIWA not a government-funded organisation?
NIWA is an independent Crown Research Institute and limited liability company. While owned by the Crown, currently less than 25% of NIWA’s revenue comes from government funding. NIWA relies on commercial revenue and contestable funding sources to maintain financial viability in accordance with our statutory requirements.