4 February 2014

Latest results from the 2013 Census show that the Tasman region is home to the highest proportion of people with no religion in the country, and the lowest proportion of regular smokers.

2013 Census regional summary tables – part 2, released today, gives an interesting impression of the Tasman region and its districts.

“For instance, 51.4 percent of Tasman residents marked the ‘no religion’ box in the 2013 Census. Nationally, 41.9 percent of people indicated they have no religion, up from 34.6 percent in 2006,” Census General Manager Sarah Minson said.

The Tasman region also had the lowest proportion of people identifying with a Christian religion – 42.0 percent in the 2013 Census, compared with 47.7 percent nationwide.

The Tasman region had the lowest proportion of smokers in New Zealand. In the 2013 Census, 12.9 percent of Tasman residents aged 15 years or over reported smoking regularly, down from 18.2 percent in 2006. Nationally, 15.1 percent of the adult population reported being regular smokers in 2013.

Tasman also had the second-highest proportion of former smokers, behind Northland. In the 2013 Census, 28.1 percent of Tasman residents reported being ex-smokers, up from 26.4 percent in 2006.

The Tasman region had the highest proportion of married people in the country. In the 2013 Census, 54.7 percent of Tasman residents aged 15 years or over said they were legally married, compared with 48.1 percent nationwide.

“This local breakdown of census information is some of the most important, as it will help communities and service providers plan for the future,” Ms Minson said. “Providers of local services such as health, education, community, and recreational facilities can use census data to form a picture of the region and what it needs to succeed.”

2013 Census regional summary tables – part 2 has more information on topics such as religion, relationship status, occupation, and smoking.

ENDS

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