Photo: RNZ
Data and statistics experts warn the costs of getting administrative data up to scratch, building the infrastructure need, the potential costs of getting it wrong ... could far outweigh the cost of undertaking a traditional census.
Stats NZ confirmed it would scrap the census earlier this year, and replace it with data collected already via other government and non-government entities, as well as some smaller surveys.
The decision was made against advice provided by the expert advisory group that Stats NZ convened.
The advisory group was not asked to consider the cost implications of its recommendations.
But cost was a factor in Stats NZ's decision to not proceed with another census.
Polly Atatoa-Carr is Associate Professor at Te Ngira Institute for Population Research which is part of Waikato University and Tahu Kukutai - also with Te Ngira Institute - is a Professor of Demography and specialises in indigenous data and policy discuss with Kathryn.
Attributable to Sean Broughton, Stats NZ General Manager - Statistical Delivery, Population & Housing
In the future, census data will be produced every year, providing more relevant and timely data for New Zealand. To do this, we will make better use of information already collected by government and other organisations (known as admin data). It’s important to note the new census model is admin data-first, not admin data-only. Surveys, including an annual census survey of a small percentage of the population, will continue to play an important role in producing accurate and reliable census statistics. Stats NZ is also working closely with Māori, Pacific, and other priority communities to develop tailored solutions to help meet their data needs. The census needed to change. A traditional census was no longer efficient and wasn’t meeting New Zealand’s modern data needs. More relevant, useful, and frequent data will help communities and government understand emerging needs and deliver services where and when they’re needed most. In relation to costs, Stats NZ has a five-year appropriation of $227.120 million (between 2024 and 2029,) to fund the delivery of the next census. By comparison, the 2023 Census cost New Zealand approximately $325 million over five years. Running a traditional survey-led census again in 2028 was projected to reach $400 million as we looked to address cost pressures and declining response rates. The new approach strengthens the resilience and long-term financial sustainability of the census, by making better use of technology and admin data. We are well-placed to make the shift to an admin data-first census. In some cases, admin data already provides better coverage than survey data. For example, we know that the best way to count the population, which is a key part of the census, is through admin data. In addition, about half of census variables can already be collected through admin data. We have high-quality admin data about age, birthplace, number of years in New Zealand (for migrants), number of children born, location and mobility, income, work, and education. Stats NZ is working with relevant government agencies to plan the necessary improvements to admin data that will support the next census. This includes improvements to the collection, supply, and quality of admin data. There are areas where there is work to do, and Stats NZ is focused on addressing these as we move ahead with the detailed design. We welcome the involvement of community representatives, data experts, and stakeholders as we continue to build and implement the new approach and encourage people to have their say through the public consultation that’s now open at www.stats.govt.nz/census-consultation.
