Rising costs have prompted Statistics New Zealand to propose major changes to how the 2028 census is conducted, including relying more heavily on existing government data.
The agency is consulting the public on whether shifting away from its long-standing door-to-door approach and using “administrative data” instead could deliver the same information faster, more efficiently, and at a significantly lower cost.
Under the current model, census forms are delivered to every household, with residents asked to provide both individual and household information. Officials then return to collect the completed forms.
“Changes in technology mean we can get data from different places and can link that data together,” a document from Stats NZ states.
From Forms to Data Links
The agency already uses a “combined model” that supplements census surveys with administrative data to provide a more complete picture of the nation.
The proposal now on the table would formalise an “admin-data-first” approach, where existing records become the primary source for population statistics.
“Sometimes this admin data is shared with us,” the document explains.
“Admin data can give us good information without us having to always ask every question in surveys like the census.”
Stats NZ says this approach would not only save hundreds of millions of dollars but also allow it to publish data more frequently and respond more flexibly to emerging needs, such as tracking the aftermath of natural disasters.
“We know we have good admin data about New Zealanders’ age, where [they] live, and sex,” Stats NZ said.
What Happens to the Census?
However, admin data is still lacking in areas such as religion or housing quality, and there will still need to be surveys on those topics.There are several options for this, including retaining a census every five years, but limiting the questions to topics where admin data is lacking.
Another proposal would involve surveying only a representative sample of the population for those missing data points. A third option suggests conducting smaller, annual surveys, with results grouped across five years to maintain statistical robustness.
Stats NZ is currently seeking public feedback, with an expert panel evaluating the survey options based on cost, data quality, risk, and alignment with the needs of New Zealanders, including Māori communities.
A second round of consultation is due to take place later in 2025, after which a final proposal will go to Cabinet for approval.
