Managing the flow of data in National Statistical Offices (NSOs) and other organizations is becoming more complex. There can be multiple sources of data for a dataset, with multiple owners and differing levels of quality. Datasets can move through organizations in multiple ways. There is pressure to release data earlier than traditionally. This is too complex for the traditional data custodian model. A Data Governance Framework which is being developed for New Zealand manages this new world by: instilling data governance capabilities for everyone and by capturing quality decision points throughout the data life cycle. DDI quality standards and statements can be used to record decision points throughout the data life cycle. Using DDI quality objects enables an organization to see which measures are being used by which steady states and for which datasets. It enables governance by requiring approval to move on to the next steady state. Identifying steady states also enables datasets to be shared at the most optimum steady state. DDI provides a practical way to implement this new approach to data governance throughout the data life cycle.