1. Survey of Adult Skills: NZ high level results

2. The big picture
NZ scores above the OECD average in literacy, numeracy and problem solving in technology-rich environments
Differences in skills proficiency related to age, gender, education and social background are less pronounced in NZ than in other countries but sharp ethnic differences exist, particularly for Māori and Pacific peoples
NZ-born adults who speak English as a second language are over-represented among adults with low proficiency
In NZ, higher proficiency in literacy and numeracy has a positive impact on labour force participation and wages
There is a relationship between literacy levels and levels of trust in others, political efficacy, participation in volunteer activities and self-reported health

3. How NZ stacks up against other countries

4. Literacy levels: Selected countries

5. Numeracy levels: Selected countries

6. Problem solving: Selected countries

7. Change over time Literacy skills of NZ adults:
increased for the total population since 1996, with small increase
increased at a faster rate for Māori and Pasifika since 2006
Numeracy skills of NZ adults:
increased for Māori and Pasifika since 2006
remained static for the total population since 2006

8. Discussion Is it enough to say we rank highly in the OECD?
Do we have enough people with high skills that will enable them to access better jobs, higher income and greater well-being?
What can we do to improve the literacy, numeracy, and problem solving skills of those who score below or at Level 1 and at Level 2?
What can we do to ensure the literacy, numeracy, and problem solving skills of Māori and Pasifika continue to increase at a faster rate than the general population?

9. Methodology PIAAC measures adults’ skills in:
Literacy
Numeracy
Problem-solving in technology-rich environments
PIAAC gathers background data on education, employment, skills and qualifications required for work and used at home
PIAAC enables us to explore relationships between skills, education and employment, controlling for linguistic and socio-demographic factors

10. Where to find more information
NZ PIAAC reports:
Skills in New Zealand and Around the World
Skills and Work
Skills and Education
Available at:

11. Where this information comes from
Ministry of Education, & Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment. (2016a). Skills and Education: Survey of Adult Skills. Ministry of Education, & Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment. (2016b). Skills at Work: Survey of Adult Skills. Ministry of Education, & Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment. (2016c). Skills in New Zealand and Around the World: Survey of Adult Skills. OECD. (2016). Skills Matter New Zealand.

12. How to find out more for yourself
Information on ‘Public Data & Analysis’: OECD’s ‘PIAAC Gateway’ website ‘Data Tools › Datasets and Tools’ has tools to analyse the dataset Guide: What You Need to Consider:

13. The Industry Training Federation gratefully acknowledges the work of
Acknowledgements
The Industry Training Federation gratefully acknowledges the work of
The National Centre of Literacy and Numeracy for Adults and the Ministry of Education in developing this resource.