1. Evaluate feedback from consultation and engagement

The submission period and online engagement both closed on 30 June 2015. We have summarised all of the submissions and online discussions and are now evaluating them using our content determination framework.

2. Develop survey, test content, and research complex topics

The next phase of content development is survey development, cognitive testing of the recommended content, and further research on the complex topics. We will focus on how new content and the recommended changes affect data quality, and what effect they will have on census systems and processes.

For a few topics and where appropriate we will be going back to customers for clarification and further information. As part of the research we will be considering decisions relating to other collections in Statistics NZ.

3. Run Census Test: March 2016

The next major public event is the Census Test in March 2016, where we will be visiting approximately 20,000 dwellings. The main focus of this field test is to test our new collection processes, so only selected topics will be included on the forms.

4. Test recommended content

Cognitive testing of content will mostly be occurring from November 2015 to May 2016. Following this, we will run a test for recommended content in June next year. The test will have a large sample size – though the exact size is yet to be determined.

5. Run complete test: March 2017

The final major test will be taking place in March 2017. This is a complete test of all our processes, systems, and questionnaires.

6. Sign off and publish decision on final content

Soon after the 2017 test, the Government Statistician will sign off the final content for 2018 Census. We will publish a report about this final content on our website.