Thought that this (from The Times) might interest the Geeks! (Note - to turn the GBP figures into NZ$, roughly double them)

"Insurers are to analyse motorists’ Facebook pages to set premiums under plans to screen out the riskiest drivers.

The car insurance company Admiral will request permission to access social media sites from today to create a “personality-based” profile of first-time motorists.

The service will use an algorithm to search for evidence that drivers are “conscientious” and therefore less likely to be involved in an accident. This includes analysis of writing styles and whether users make extensive use of calendars or accounting apps.

The company insisted that the “big data” system — dubbed Firstcarquote — would be used only to provide motorists with discounts of up to 15 per cent. Information would not lead to a rise in premiums, it said.

It said the “reputational record” of first-time motorists was being created in the absence of a driving history or no-claims bonus, which could be applied to older motorists to bring down quotes.

Figures from the price comparison website Confused.com show that 18-year-old drivers are charged an average of £2,106 for comprehensive cover, three times the amount for most other drivers."