The Data and Statistics (Census) Amendment Bill passed
its first reading today, marking an important step in
delivering a modern census for New Zealand.
The Census
Bill supports Stats NZ’s shift to an annual census and the
publishing of critical population and housing statistics
every year from 2030.
Government Statistician Colin
Lynch says this is a significant milestone in our work to
deliver a more efficient census model that provides more
timely insights and value for New Zealand.
“The
Census Bill supports the changes announced last year to move
from a traditional survey-led model to make better use of
the information already collected by government, so we can
provide more timely, frequent, and relevant data,” says
Colin.
The new admin data-first approach will be
supplemented by a new annual census survey that will reach a
small percentage of the population each year. This will be
set up to be highly flexible with opportunities to change
content and topics much more frequently and meet emerging
information needs.
Stats NZ will also work with
communities to develop tailored solutions, like targeted
surveys, that help ensure census data reflects their
needs.
The Census Bill will require Stats NZ to
publish census data and statistics every year and confirms
that New Zealand’s next census will take place in
2030.
It also outlines when Stats NZ must consult on
census content, when census operations must be reviewed, and
other technical changes needed to support the new
approach.
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“Moving the next census to 2030 means we
can introduce these changes smoothly and gives New
Zealanders time to become familiar with what the modern
census will look like.
“2026 is a critical year as
we prepare for this shift, and ensure we have the systems in
place to successfully deliver a modern census.
“We
are working towards several key milestones, including
confirming the content and high-level design for the next
census, and publishingthefirst set
oftransitionalcensus data,” says
Colin.
