2006 Census – Recruitment: October 2005

Regional Recruitment for 2006 Census Intensifies

Statistics New Zealand is stepping up its recruitment drive in the build-up to the 2006 Census of Population and Dwellings on 7 March next year. Advertisements have now been posted for more than 400 district supervisors, who will each supervise a team of up to 18 census collectors.

Government Statistician Brian Pink said, "We are now looking for 412 district supervisors, who are the team leaders that manage the census collection teams in their local districts."

For the purposes of the census collection, Statistics New Zealand has divided the country into 22 areas. Managers for these areas have been appointed already. Up to 21 district supervisors will work in each area.

As well as being experienced at leading teams, district supervisors need to have a good understanding of their local area and communities. “District supervisors play a key role in the success of the census,” said Brian Pink. “Their teams will be working to ensure we get the fullest participation from all groups within their local communities. This work is central to ensuring the information produced from the census is reliable."

Faye Parsons, who has worked as a district supervisor in previous censuses, has returned to work on the development of processes for the 2006 Census. She found the challenge and responsibility of managing the census collection in her community rewarding. "It was a great opportunity to work closely with people in my local district on a project that produces information that is vital to help communities, businesses and government to make important decisions," said Faye.

District supervisor positions are half-time during December and full-time from January to mid-April 2006. By mid-February 2006, Statistics New Zealand will have a team of around 7,000 regional staff in place to carry out the delivery and collection of census forms to and from approximately 4.2 million people and 1.6 million dwellings.

The census is New Zealand's official count of population and dwellings and relies on all New Zealanders' participation. Information gathered by the census helps community organisations and policy-makers make decisions about where to locate roads, schools, parks and other amenities and services. It also assists businesses in making informed decisions when planning to meet customer needs.

Under the Statistics Act 1975, all information collected is used only for statistical purposes and individual data is kept confidential.

For more information, or to apply for a district supervisor role, please call 0508 Census (0508 236 787).

Brian Pink

Government Statistician

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