Statistics NZ seeks views on 2018 Census

Religion, gender, and ethnicity in spotlight as Statistics NZ seeks views on 2018 Census

New Zealanders are speaking loud and clear that they want the census to keep asking about religion.

Statistics New Zealand will today begin accepting formal submissions on content for the 2018 Census, following the first two weeks of an online discussion forum.

In that time, most feedback has supported keeping religious affiliation questions in the census, while gender identity has emerged as one of the main talking points, accounting for over one-third of online engagement so far. Whether ‘New Zealander’ should have its own tick box as an ethnicity is also proving popular.

Census General Manager Denise McGregor says it has been encouraging to see a range of people getting online to discuss issues they care about and what information they need from census.

“We have seen some really informed thinking – and heated debate – around many of the hot topics that are brought up each census cycle, such as sex, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and ‘New Zealander’ as an ethnicity.

“So far, over one-third of the online discussion has been about gender identity, but we’ve also had a fair bit of discussion on the data collected about transport – in particular the number of motor vehicles people own.”

Mrs McGregor said other issues where Statistics NZ was expecting people to engage had been quieter than expected. “We’re interested to hear what people think about key social issues for New Zealand today, like housing and family structures.”

Statistics NZ has been using the online forum to encourage a wide range of people to talk about the census and shape their views ahead of the formal submission period. The formal submission period opens today, and will run until 30 June.

“The best opportunity to influence census content is to make a formal submission,” Mrs McGregor said.

Statistics NZ will analyse emerging themes from the online forum alongside the formal submissions to help with making decisions on 2018 Census content. Factors such as statistical quality, and the length and complexity of the questionnaire will be taken into account before making any changes.

“The census needs to reflect the changing nature of society, and we have to balance that with being able to compare data over time and track trends.”

2018 Census has information about how to join the discussion or make a formal submission.

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