The Census of Population and Dwellings uses Māori Descent as a prerequisite input variable for Iwi, ie a respondent must have NZ Māori descent in order to indicate an iwi affiliation. Any changes to the Māori Descent standard may have an effect on the Iwi standard or on statistics on iwi affiliation (see Iwi).
This standard is not used by any other part of the official statistical system in New Zealand although the definition of Māori descent, as used in this standard, matches the definitions of the Electoral Act and the Māori Affairs Act.
This standard is not based on any international standard or the standard of any other country.