7 Sep 2010

Official statistics delayed by quake

7:46 pm on 7 September 2010

Statistics New Zealand is delaying a series of economic statistics that were due to be issued this week, as its two offices in Christchurch were closed by the earthquake.

Official figures for manufacturing, the value of building work, electronic card transactions, overseas trade and accommodation for the June quarter are now delayed until further notice.

Statistics NZ says the figures were all due to be processed and issued from Christchurch, but its IT systems and servers remain down.

The agency says one office was damaged by the quake, while the other remains closed until it can be inspected by a structural engineer.

Wholesale trade figures for the June quarter will still be released on Wednesday as scheduled. GDP and balance of payments figures due later this month are also expected to be published on time.