Report of the Review of Official Family Statistics
Statistics New Zealand has produced the Report of the Review of Official Family Statistics. The report identifies family statistics information needs, where these are currently met and recommends how information gaps can be filled. It focuses on family information relevant to the official statistics system.
Two key information needs identified were:
- the need for more detailed information on family structure and
- information on social and economic support arrangements within and across households.
Significant recommendations include:
- the development of a conceptual framework for families which will provide a clear and explicit foundation for the collection of consistent and relevant statistics on families across official statistics
- a Household and Family Classifications Review to improve definitions and collection of data on shared living arrangements, the ability to distinguish step-families and types of social and economic support
- the development of a survey about families focused on family structure and support arrangements.
Acknowledgement is given to other important information needs, identified through the review process, which fall outside the scope of the official statistics system. These issues will be better addressed through specific social research or require further development before being suitable for inclusion in official statistics.
This report concludes the Review of Official Family Statistics. The implementation plan for the review recommendations will form a new project.
Statistics New Zealand will continue to consult with key stakeholders during the implementation of the recommendations and looks forward to continuing discussions with family statistics users.
Background information
Reviews of official statistics are undertaken periodically to ensure that the statistics are sufficiently relevant and robust to meet the current and future needs of users.
A review of family statistics was last undertaken in 1978. Significant changes in the nature and circumstances of families in New Zealand and in statistical information needs warranted another review.
The Report of the Review of Official Family Statistics follows two background papers. The Review of Official Family Statistics Consultation Paper1 highlighted family statistics needs in New Zealand (submissions received September 2006) and an information paper on International Developments in Family Statistics.
Printable versions
The Report of the Review of Official Family Statistics.pdf (486 KB)
The Review of Official Family Statistics Consultation Paper.pdf (439 KB)
International Developments in Family Statistics.pdf (214KB)
The contents of this file are in Adobe Acrobat Reader format. If you do not have the Adobe Acrobat Reader you may download the reader to view or print this file.
1 The consultation paper was updated following information received through the
submissions process. Updates include corrections to factual information which were true at the time of first publication in August 2006.
Contact Information
For more information regarding the project, please contact:
Email: social.conditions@stats.govt.nz
Phone: (04) 931-4600
Fax: (04) 931-4044
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