In parallel to the data stocktake (link to the article on the stocktake), an online survey (link to the actual survey) and a hui/wananga process (link to the related article) were conducted. The survey was aimed at individuals and organizations/groups active in the land and water (L&W) data space. The aim of the initial survey was to enable the research team to better understand the characteristics of both creators and users of L&W data, including what their roles are in the organizations/institutions they represent, the data sources and platforms they currently use, etc.

In early April 2023, more than 400 responses were received to the initial survey, with 250 people from various agencies and organizations signing up to receive updates. This registered group will have access to prototypes of the Gateway as they are developed and will help co-design the Gateway through ongoing survey feedback. Illuminating feedback was gathered from the initial survey; some key findings are shown below.