Census update – collector pay

Statistics New Zealand media release
25 February 2011

Census update – collector pay

“This morning at a media conference announcing the decision not to proceed with the census on Tuesday, 8 March, I was asked whether census collectors would get paid for the remaining time under their contracts," said Government Statistician Geoff Bascand.

“I replied that given we’d just made this decision, we hadn't yet worked out all the implications, but would honour our contractual obligations.

"I am pleased to say that we will pay collectors for the work they would have done for the entire period through to the end of their contracts on March 27.

"We have already started the process of contacting all our census collectors with this news.

"I acknowledge and regret the impact the census decision has on collectors who are passionate about their work in the community. I know for many people this comes on top of what they are already dealing with in the earthquake’s aftermath.

“The decision about the census wasn't taken lightly, but was based on my concern that we could not successfully deliver the census due to the earthquake.

“The collectors had completed their training and were just a few days into the delivery of forms when this happened. I thank them for their commitment and hard work up to that point.”

ENDS.

To see the media release announcing the census decision visit www.stats.govt.nz

© Scoop Media