Open Government, New Zealand

API

Free open data API for New Zealand government datasets

Overview

The Open Government New Zealand API offers RESTful access to thousands of public datasets from New Zealand government agencies. Responses include JSON for metadata/search results and CSV for dataset downloads. Key endpoints enable filtered dataset searches (by category, organization, date), metadata retrieval, and direct data links. Use cases: Researchers analyzing policy impacts, developers building civic apps (e.g., traffic or climate tools), journalists verifying public info, and businesses using stats for market planning. No API key is needed for public datasets, simplifying integration into transparency-focused projects.

Example Integration (JavaScript)

script.js JS


fetch('https://www.data.govt.nz/')
  .then(res => res.json())
  .then(data => console.log(data))
  .catch(err => console.error(err));

Key Features

RESTful
JSON/CSV support
No Auth required
Search filters
Metadata access

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Open Government New Zealand API free to use?

Yes, all public datasets are accessible for free without any cost or subscription.

? Does it require an API Key?

No, authentication is not needed for accessing public datasets via the API endpoints.

? What response formats are supported?

JSON for metadata and search results; CSV for dataset data downloads (where available).

Top Alternatives

Data.gov (US) Search Google

Gov.uk Open Data Portal Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free

Category Government

Platform Public API

Pros

⊕ Free access to all public datasets
⊕ Wide sector coverage (health, education, environment)
⊕ Easy integration
⊕ Regular dataset updates

Cons

⊖ Rate limits for high-volume requests
⊖ Some datasets require manual CSV downloads
⊖ Limited advanced query parameters