Stats NZ is seeking feedback on the information to be collected for the next census.
About this consultation
This consultation shares our current thinking for the next census and invites your feedback on the proposed data collection approach and content. We are collecting feedback on four things:
- How we introduce the new admin data-first census model
Your feedback will help inform our planning and design work, including our work to ensure the census continues to meet information needs. - Collecting census information and potential impacts for priority communities
We would like your feedback on some of the census variables that will be affected by the change in model - and how we could collect this information. Your feedback will help inform how we can best work with communities. - The data we collect for the next census
We welcome your views on the proposed content for the next census - the topics we propose to collect information about using admin data and the new annual census survey. This includes proposed changes to existing content and adding new content. - How we can meet broader information needs
We are interested in understanding your wider data needs - beyond what the census alone can provide. This includes how Stats NZ's other surveys could help meet those needs.
The discussion document provides detailed information about how the census is evolving and the questions we are asking. Your feedback will support our work to prepare for the census and introduce the new model.
The summary document is a shorter overview of the full discussion document.
Alternate formats and translations
Our apologies! We are experiencing a short delay with the production of the alternate formats and translations for this consultation. We expect most formats to be available by Monday 10 November, and we will publish them as they become available. For more information, or to request an alternate format or translation be sent to you when it is available, freephone 0508 525 525 (within NZ) or [email protected]
Alternate formats for the census consultation - proposed data collection approach and content will have downloadable files in Audio, Braille, Easy Read, and Large Print, and links to view videos in NZSL.
Translations for the census consultation - proposed data collection approach and content has a downloadable file in te reo Māori, and will have files in Cook Islands Māori, Fijian, Niuean, Samoan, Tokelauan, Tongan, and Tuvaluan.
We'd like to know what you think
Please read the consultation documents and choose the consultation questions of interest to you. Questions are included in the text at the end of each section.
Share your feedback on this consultation by completing the online questionnaire.
The questionnaire is in four sections. Each section is optional. You can answer every question, or just some questions.
Stats NZ is using an AI tool to support the analysis of all submissions received through this consultation. Privacy statement and submissions analysis contains more information.
Next steps
We will use your feedback to help shape how the new admin data-first census model is implemented and determine the content for the next census. Insights will also inform our wider work to produce population and social statistics for Aotearoa New Zealand.
A report outlining final decisions on the content for the next census, and a summary report of the feedback received through this consultation, will be published on our website in mid-2026.
More information
0508 525 525 (freephone within NZ)
[email protected]
