This page provides an overview of the 2026 updates to the ethnicity data standard and classification, and links to the review report and supporting documents.
Stats NZ's 2026 review resulted in updates to the ethnicity data standard and classification to better reflect New Zealand's increasingly diverse population. In response to feedback from experts, community groups, and government agencies, the standard provides for more detailed ethnicity data to improve visibility of smaller, more diverse communities.
Explore the publications
The following publications provide more information about the 2026 updates to the ethnicity data standard and classification:
- Report on the 2026 review of the ethnicity standard and classification provides background to the review, a summary of feedback, details of decisions, and next steps.
- 2026 changes to the ethnicity standard classification summarises the changes in V3.0.0.
- Data standard for ethnicity 2026 is the new version of the standard.
- Ethnicity New Zealand Standard Classification 2005 V3.0.0 is effective from 30 July 2026.
- Terms of reference for Expert Group - Ethnicity Standard Review includes a list of organisations represented.
What the updates mean
For communities
Community groups will be able to see more detailed information about themselves as data will be collected at the most detailed level (level 4) of the ethnicity classification. This extra detail may not show in official reports which often use higher-level groupings (levels 1 to 3) to protect privacy. However, the detailed level 4 data will be available when needed.
For government agencies
Government agencies will be supported to collect ethnicity information at the most detailed level (level 4). This will help make smaller and more diverse communities visible in the data.
We will work closely with these agencies to support the changes and provide clear guidance. The standard will also allow flexible ways to group ethnicity data, so it can be used to meet different needs. One example is the classification of ethnic groups used by the Ministry for Ethnic Communities.
About the updated standard and classification
Decisions focused on practical updates that make ethnicity data easier to use, more consistent, and better at showing the diversity of our communities.
Updates are at the most detailed level of ethnicity data - supporting government agencies to collect data at that level and providing guidance on flexible ways to present ethnicity data for different needs.
The updated standard will be used in future Stats NZ data collections, including surveys and administrative data that contribute to the census, helping deliver better insights to support communities across New Zealand.
We will keep working with partners and communities to better understand their data needs and continue improving how ethnicity data is collected and used.
Changes to level 4 of the classification
We made targeted updates to level 4 (the most detailed level) of the Ethnicity New Zealand Standard Classification 2005.
The ethnicity classification has four levels, moving from broad to detailed. Level 1 groups ethnicity into broad groups, and level 3 adds further detail. Level 4 is the most detailed level, where individual ethnicities are recorded as precisely as possible. This structure allows data to be collected in detail and then grouped in different ways to meet reporting and privacy needs.
There are no changes to levels 1 to 3, or any structural changes (such as moving categories from one major group to another, or changes to the hierarchies). This will ensure historical data remains directly comparable with newly collected data.
Background to the review
Ethnicity standard classification: Findings from public consultation November 2019 helped shape work to improve the way ethnicity information is defined, collected, and used.
From 2022, Stats NZ worked with experts, communities, and government agencies to look at how ethnicity data could be improved.
In late 2024, the focus shifted based on expert feedback, changes to future census plans, and what agencies were realistically able to do. This led to wider engagement in 2025 to better understand how ethnicity data is currently used and decide the best way forward.
Engagement and consultation
Stats NZ engaged extensively with government agencies, iwi Māori, imi Moriori, a range of ethnic community groups, and an ethnicity expert group to help shape the review of the ethnicity standard and classification. The expert group included representatives from government agencies, academia, and Māori and Pacific data experts.
These targeted conversations focused on how ethnicity data is currently collected and used, and whether it meets emerging needs. This confirmed strong support for more detailed ethnicity data to better reflect New Zealand's diverse communities and improve visibility of smaller population groups. This feedback directly shaped the changes made to the ethnicity standard and classification.
Report on the 2026 review of the ethnicity standard and classification includes a summary of feedback and decisions.
Terms of reference for Expert Group - Ethnicity Standard Review includes a list of organisations represented.
Scope and next steps
The current updates address many of the things people raised through engagement. Some other matters will continue to be looked at through ongoing work outside this review.
Some matters cannot be fixed by updating the standard alone. Others need more work with partners and communities. Stats NZ will set up a separate programme to continue this work. It is expected to begin in 2027.
The next phase will work through what the programme will cover, how it will be resourced, and how partnerships will work. This approach allows ethnicity‑related issues to be raised and explored outside formal review cycles, using more flexible ways of working.
Enquiries
Contact us for more information, including any technical questions.
Standards team
[email protected]
