- New system blends government records with yearly surveys to deliver faster, cheaper population statistics.
- Monthly inflation index from 2027 aims to sharpen decisions on rates, benefits, and budgets nationwide.
- Minister says overhaul will restore confidence in Stats NZ by “measuring what matters” for every community.
New Zealanders have filled out their last traditional census form. From 2030 the nationwide five-yearly head-count will be replaced by administrative data already held by public agencies, backed by a slimmed-down annual survey and targeted field work to cover gaps. Statistics Minister Dr Shane Reti says the shift will trim costs and boost the timeliness of insights that guide everything from school rolls to electorate borders.
“Relying solely on a nationwide census day is no longer financially viable. In 2013, the census cost $104 million. In 2023, costs had risen astronomically to $325 million and the next was expected to come in at $400 million over five years.”
A review after the 2023 count—when only 88 percent of households responded—concluded that better use of tax, health and education records could deliver the same core numbers every year. “By leveraging data already collected by government agencies, we can produce key census statistics every year, better informing decisions that affect people’s lives.”
Smaller surveys will still be run to confirm data quality, especially for remote or minority communities, while Stats NZ staff will work directly with local groups to maintain trust. Critics have warned that administrative datasets may miss nuances such as household composition, but officials insist the blended model will strike the right balance.
The overhaul is part of a wider “reset” for Stats NZ. A separate $16.5 million package will introduce a monthly Consumer Price Index from 2027, bringing New Zealand into line with several OECD economies. “Inflation affects interest rates, benefit adjustments, and household budgets. Timely data helps ensure Kiwis are better supported in a fast-changing environment.”
Dr Reti adds that new international macro-economic standards will also be adopted. “Modern, internationally aligned statistics will support trade and investment, helping drive economic growth and job creation … Our goal is a modern, efficient, and reliable data system that delivers the insights New Zealand needs now and into the future.”