Disability Support Services Bill

How MSD will analyse submissions

What this is about

The Disability Support Services Bill is now open for submissions. Submissions will close at 1.00pm on Friday, 12 June 2026.

When you make a submission to the Social Services and Community select committee it is reviewed by MSD, and we then provide advice to the select committee.  

We may use software tools to help us with the analysis when there are large numbers of submissions. This message explains what that means for you.

How we analyse submissions 

MSD will usually read all submissions and analyse them to understand the opinions, experiences and concepts being expressed. The range of views expressed through submissions are then reflected in the report we provide to the select committee.  

Given the large number of submissions expected for the Disability Support Services Bill, we may be using a software tool (MAXQDA) for certain steps in analysis. We will only be using the automation features of MAXQDA. While MAXQDA contains some AI features, those will not be used for this consultation.

Your view is important to us, and we want to ensure that your voice is captured as accurately as possible

The MAXQDA software supports our work - it does not replace it.  

How MAXQDA supports analysis 

MAXQDA is designed to organise and review large amounts of written information more efficiently, consistently, and accurately, and helps ensure we reflect the views shared with us. 

All results from MAXQDA are suggestions only. Our analysts review the outputs and compare them with the original submissions.  

We will check accuracy, apply context, and ensure that the gathering of the information reflect the breadth of views before drawing conclusions and finalising our report to the Social Services and Community Select Committee. 

We selected MAXQDA because it supports structured analysis. Following our assessment, we are confident that it is secure and safe for us to use for submissions analysis. 

You can find information on the transparency notice here

Review and reporting done by MSD analysts 

People at MSD remain responsible for all analysis.

All content is developed and reviewed by our people. They are responsible for interpreting the information, drawing conclusions, and clearly presenting the findings. 

Our analysts write the final advice to the select committee. 

Privacy and data protection

We handle submissions in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and MSD’s information policies.

  • Access to submissions and analysis tools is restricted to authorised staff.
  • Information will be analysed in aggregated form where appropriate.
  • Information is stored, protected, and retained in line with MSD policies.
  • Submitters right to access or correct their information will be managed by the organisation running the process – this will be Office of the Clerk for Select Committee submissions or MSD for consultations.

Contact us

If you have questions about how submissions are analysed, or how your information is used, you can contact us:

MSD Policy Branch
Policy_Office@msd.govt.nz
Ministry of Social Development
The Aurora Centre, 56 The Terrace, Wellington 6011