Census as we know it to cease

Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Stats NZ will replace its five-yearly national census with a more targeted annual survey, in a bid to save money and time.

That survey will combine the results with data that’s already collected by government agencies through, for example, tax records, education enrolments and health data.

The sweeping changes were announced this morning by Statistics Minister Shane Reti and will mark a major new direction for the survey, which has been running regularly since 1851 with few exceptions.

The traditional paper-based census will be replaced with the smaller annual survey from 2030. The data it will be combined with is already used to produce statistics on things like migration, household incomes and child poverty.

Reti said the change would save time and money and give more timely information on New Zealand.

“Relying solely on a nationwide census day is no longer financially viable,” he said.

The census had cost $104 million in 2013 but 10 years later, costs had risen “astronomically”, Reti said, to $325m. The estimated cost of the next one was $400m.

“Despite the unsustainable and escalating costs, successive censuses have been beset with issues or failed to meet expectations,” said Reti.

The Census of Population Dwellings occurs on a specific day every five years to create a demographic snapshot for governments to help them create policy and decide where money is spent.

In recent years it has struggled with issues including low uptake. The last census was held in March 2023, with data released periodically, in 2024 and 2025. The most recent response rate was 87.6%, up from 85.8% in 2018 but well below rates of 93.2% in 2013 and 95.1% in 2006.

Reti said by using data already collected by government agencies, Stats NZ could produce key census statistics every year.

Administrative data would form “the backbone” of the new approach, but surveys would still be carried out to ensure data quality and fill any gaps, he said.

Stats NZ would work closely with communities to ensure smaller population groups were accurately represented. Stats NZ previously admitted its 2018 census had unacceptably low uptake among Māori and Pasifika.

To modernise its data collection the Government also intended a monthly Consumer Price Index to be delivered from 2027, which would provide more timely inflation data, at a cost of $16.5m, Reti said.

“Inflation affects interest rates, benefit adjustments, and household budgets. Timely data helps ensure Kiwis are better supported in a fast-changing environment.”

Funding was also being allocated to align Stats NZ’s reporting with updated international macroeconomic standards.

“Modern, internationally aligned statistics will support trade and investment, helping drive economic growth and job creation.“

Reti said these changes reflected a broader reset for Stats NZ.

“Some outputs have not met the standard expected of a world-class statistics agency. We’re getting back to basics – measuring what matters. Our goal is a modern, efficient, and reliable data system that delivers the insights New Zealand needs now and into the future.”

Green MP Francisco Hernandez said the census was “a critical tool” and the changes risked missing critical data from population groups that were historically under-represented. “This is another stealthy cut from a Government that is hell-bent on degrading the public service. Our communities deserve to be heard, they deserve to be seen and they deserve a Government that puts their wellbeing first.'