Stats NZ is seeking feedback on the proposed data collection and content for the next census. The consultation shares Stats NZ’s current thinking for the next census and invites feedback on the proposed data collection approach and content by Friday 19 December.
New Zealand is moving to a census model that prioritises the use of information already collected by the government, known as administrative (admin) data, supported by information collected through a new annual census survey and other tailored approaches.
TINZ has been consulting with Stats NZ over the census proposal and also over other data ethics related matters. Leonie Walker, Member with Delegated Authority is attending consultations and has drafted our submission which will be on our website as soon as it gets governance approval.
Census results are fundamental to the provision of valid, timely, and comprehensive data to inform policy and planning decisions that impact services and society. Completing the census has (since fully inclusive in 1945) formed part of the social contract responsibility of citizens – like active voting, it reinforces citizen participation. It also informs our collective and individual whakapapa over time.
Previous methodology relied on “social licence,” reflecting the public’s willingness to have their data contribute to national knowledge. While legally mandated by the Data and Statistics Acts 2022, increased use and linking of official data sources to produce a census is a significant change which must be justified, well explained and widely communicated.
We encourage you to respond to the consultation. There is a great deal of information available on the Stats NZ website.
Other voices in this space are:
- New Zealand Academics, including analysis on impacts for Māori
- Len Cook – previous chief statistician
