Confidentialised unit record files (CURFs) are unit record data that has been modified to protect the confidentiality of respondents while also maintaining the integrity of the data. Modification involves applying methods such as top-coding, data swapping, and collapsing categorical variables to the unit records. The end result is a dataset that can be made available to researchers.
Methods of access
Confidentialised unit record files (CURFs) on a CD-ROM
All CURFs are supplied on CD-ROM. Researchers can use the CURF at their workplace. CD-ROMs are delivered to researchers once their application is approved. Researchers must keep the CURF secure and ensure that the CURF is only accessible to approved researchers. The CD-ROM and any copies of the data it contains must be destroyed at the end of the research project.
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Eligibility
All access to microdata is at the discretion of the Government Statistician.
Consideration will be given to applications for basic confidentialised unit record files (CURFs) that meet the following criteria:
- the research is for a statistical purpose
- the CURF will only be used within New Zealand
- the researchers have a proven history of research, or will be supervised by someone with a proven history of research
- the researchers have the support of the organisation that employs them (eg government department, university, or independent research firm).
Applying for access
Confidentialised unit record files (CURFs) can be accessed through the following process. Please contact us if you need help at any stage:
- Contact Statistics New Zealand to discuss your proposed research.
- Complete and send a formal application to Statistics NZ
- see attached form for Basic CURFs.
- Statistics NZ will assess the application and will ask you to provide further information if necessary.
- The application is considered by a Deputy Government Statistician.
- If the application is approved:
- the appropriate CURF licence must be signed by a person authorised to sign on behalf of the researcher's organisation
- each researcher who will have access to the CURF must sign the appropriate researcher undertaking
- Statistics NZ will send an invoice for the CURF fee once the licence has been signed. Payment should be made within 30 days.
- The basic CURF is supplied on CD-ROM.
- The researcher may start using the CURF for their research.
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Pricing
All CURFs cost $495 + GST
Available confidentialised unit record files
- New Zealand Alcohol and Drug Use Survey 2007 (Ministry of Health)
- Household Labour Force Survey / New Zealand Income Survey, 2004
- Household Labour Force Survey / New Zealand Income Survey, 2005
- Household Labour Force Survey / New Zealand Income Survey, 2006
- Household Labour Force Survey / New Zealand Income Survey, 2007
- Household Savings Survey 2001
- National Childrens' Nutrition Survey 2002 (Ministry of Health)
- National Nutrition Survey 1997 (Ministry of Health)
- New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings, 2001
- New Zealand General Social Survey 2008
- New Zealand General Social Survey 2010
- New Zealand Health Survey 1996 (Ministry of Health)
- New Zealand Health Survey 2002 (Ministry of Health)
- New Zealand Health Survey 2006 Adults (Ministry of Health)
- New Zealand Health Survey 2006 Children (Ministry of Health)
- New Zealand Income Survey, 2002
- New Zealand Income Survey, 2003
- New Zealand Oral Health Survey 2009 (Ministry of Health)
- New Zealand Tobacco Use Survey 2006 (Ministry of Health)
- New Zealand Tobacco Use Survey 2008 (Ministry of Health)
- New Zealand Tobacco Use Survey 2009 (Ministry of Health)
- Survey of Dynamics and Motivations for Migration in New Zealand, 2007
- World Health Organisation Study of Oral Health Outcomes (SOHO) 1988 New Zealand data (Ministry of Health)
You can download PDF versions of some User guides for confidentialised unit record files.