Census transformation in New Zealand: Using administrative data without a population register

Abstract

While the importance and high value of census and population statistics is well recognised in New Zealand, there are pressures on the sustainability of the current 5 yearly census model. In response to these pressures and to new opportunities, Statistics NZ has developed a census transformation strategy to shape the future direction of census-taking in New Zealand. The strategy consists of two parallel strands: a short to medium term focus on modernising the current full enumeration census; and investigating the feasibility of producing census information from administrative data sources in the longer-term. We contrast the administrative data available in New Zealand with those typically found in countries that have moved to register-based censuses. The paper provides early results for population estimates constructed from the linked administrative sources available at present, and outlines the approaches being taken to improve the quality of statistical outputs derived from administrative data.