Lay summary
Aotearoa has a world-class resource in the linked microdata of the StatisticsNZ Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI). Our team has built an individual-based contagion model for simulating the spread of COVID-19 on contact networks, constructed from the IDI and other data. By explicitly including individual demographic and economic attributes in the model we can provide policy advice about vulnerability, what factors lead to increased risk, and what effective and equitable interventions would be. These range from behavioural changes and social support measures, to mitigate factors which increase transmission risk and inequities, to design of strategies for targeted testing and vaccination. The efficacy of the model is only as good as the data and assumptions that inform it. Poor quality official statistics are an issue that affect a number of communities. Hence, this project will use both qualitative and quantitative methods to identify and address data quality, equity and availability issues.