Who uses statistics?

A census counts!

A census was held in the Babylonian Empire nearly 6,000 years ago and people have been counting each other ever since. That’s because a census is a very useful thing.

The first New Zealand census was in 1851 and there has been one every five years since 1881… well almost.

Look here to find out:

• Which census in the 1930s was abandoned? It was the time of the Great Depression and the Government didn’t have much money;
• Which census in the 1940s was not held because of World War 2?

A census gives us very real data that can be used in all sorts of ways. Let’s look at some data from the last census and find out who might use it and why. Team up with a classmate and work it out together.

1. Look here to compare the number of people living in the North island and the South Island.
   
   How could the power generating industry use this information?
   
   
2. The New Plymouth District Council thinks a skate park in Oakura may be a good idea but are there enough young people there to make good use of it. Check it out.
   • Go to this table (http://xtabs.stats.govt.nz/eng/TableViewer/Wdsview/dispviewp.asp?ReportId=15)
   • Click Regional Council
   • Click total 
   • Check out the number of likely skateboarders from the 2001 Census. For example the 5 year old children in 2001 might all be likely skateboarders now.
   
   
3. Look here to find out what a dwelling is.
   
   Look here to find out about the numbers of dwellings in New Zealand and whether we are getting more or less.
   
   Why would the building industry be interested in these statistics?
   
   
4. Check out this table to find out about the studies people do when they have left school.How could the Kiwi Careers people use that information to help them?
   
   
5. This table tells us how many hours people work in a week.
   • Click TOTAL in the Hours main job row
   • How many hours do most people work?
   • How will statistics like these help the people who set activities like these http://www.sparc.org.nz/getting-active
   
   
6. The Wiggles are coming to New Zealand and you are their business manager!
   • Look here and click on 2001 age group total.
   • How many Kiwi kids would have been likely Wiggles fans in 2001.
   • Are any of them still likely to be Wiggles fans?
   
   
7. It’s your turn! Find a table from the census that people who work at the Ministry of Education in New Zealand might need.  It’s simple. Just look here and find detailed statistics. Now click the subject box to find the information these people like to have.