New Zealand Passes Bill for Annual Census and Timelier Population Data

Legislation to support a more efficient census and provide timelier data for New Zealand has passed its first reading today, Statistics Minister Dr Shane Reti and Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith say.

The Data and Statistics (Census) Amendment Bill will move New Zealand from the traditional five-yearly, survey-led census to a more efficient annual approach that draws on existing government data, supported by a smaller annual survey and targeted data collection, to better meet the country’s needs, Dr Reti says.

Rising costs, declining response rates, and disruptions from events such as natural disasters have shown the traditional approach is no longer sustainable.

Accurate population data is essential for planning hospitals, schools, transport, and other core services. The census remains critical to understanding who we are as a nation and to providing the data needed to fix the basics and build the future.

The Data and Statistics (Census) Amendment Bill confirms the first annual census will take place in 2030 and requires Stats NZ to publish census data every year thereafter, providing government, businesses, and communities with more timely and useful information.

It also sets requirements for public consultation on census content, including harder-to-reach groups, and establishes review processes to support the new approach.

In light of these changes, we’re also progressing legislation which alters the timing of electoral boundary reviews, Mr Goldsmith says.

Reviews currently take place following every census, however, to do so every year is not necessary.

Therefore, from 2030 they’ll now be required to take place after every second general election. This will ensure reviews remain regular and on a predictable basis, to ensure electorates reflect population changes.