Content Report
The next census of population and dwellings will be held on 8 March 2011. The 2011 Census Content Report outlines the decisions of the Government Statistician on the content for the 2011 Census of Population and Dwellings.
The decisions are based on a comprehensive process of consultation, evaluation, questionnaire development, testing, and classification reviews. Overall, the decisions are consistent with the content strategy for the 2011 Census: minimal change, no new topics, and improving data quality; with a continued emphasis on addressing the needs of users for continuity and comparability with previous census outputs.
The 2010 Census Dress Rehearsal provides the last opportunity to test and evaluate the content decisions that have been made by the Government Statistician ahead of the 2011 Census. Some minor changes may occur as a result of Dress Rehearsal evaluation or as a result of the outcomes of previously scheduled Statistics New Zealand reviews of classifications and/or standards.
Review of the Official Ethnicity Statistical Standard
Official ethnicity statistics count the number of people in different ethnic groups in New Zealand, such as Māori, Pacific peoples, Chinese, and Indian. This information is used by communities, government, and service providers to plan programmes, particularly in the health, education, and social service sectors.
The Review of the Official Ethnicity Statistical Standard (ROESS) was undertaken following a significant increase in the level of 'New Zealander' responses to the ethnicity question in the 2006 Census. Leading up to the census there was public debate about the format of the question and the purpose of the statistics. The review focussed on the treatment of the 'New Zealander' response in the official ethnicity statistical standard, and involved extensive consultation with stakeholders, experts, and the public, as well as a research programme.