What is the charter for?
The charter sets out the relationship between Statistics New Zealand and members of the public who give us information about themselves and/or their households.
About us
Statistics NZ is the major producer of official statistics in New Zealand. We keep New Zealanders informed about changes in our society, economy, and environment. We also lead the Official Statistics System. Through this we ensure that an efficient and coordinated statistics system is in place across all government agencies.
We collect, compile, analyse, and communicate information on a wide range of social and economic matters. We produce statistics almost every working day. These statistics include such vital measures of our economy as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the Consumers Price Index (CPI), as well as a vast range of other statistics including results from the five-yearly Census of Population and Dwellings.
Our statistics help governments, community organisations, businesses, industry organisations, academics, and others to understand our society and economy and to make key decisions.
Producing quality statistics requires the cooperation and goodwill of people and organisations who supply information.
How we collect information
We collect information about people and households in a variety of ways. Sometimes we can get information from existing data sources, and if appropriate, we use that information.
We collect some information through surveys. Statistics NZ’s sample surveys are designed to select only the number of people or households needed to produce reliable statistics. Each person or household selected for the sample represents other people or households like them in the community.
Our interviewers usually carry out these sample surveys in person or over the telephone. Once every five years, we hold a Census of Population and Dwellings. Everyone must either complete a census form or be included on one.
Our commitment to you
- We will value your time and ask for information only when we need to get it directly from you
- We will explain how we will use the information we collect before you share your information with us
- We will set up a time that suits you, and let you know how long the interview is likely to take
- We will take your circumstances into account when we collect information from you
- We will arrange an interpreter if necessary
- We will listen, and respond quickly and fairly to any issue that you raise
- We will keep the information you give us secure and confidential.
Our survey interviewers and census collectors
We conduct our household surveys across New Zealand using a team of professional interviewers.
We do most interviews using an encrypted laptop computer, which means that the text is converted into code that only Statistics NZ can retrieve. We use standard interviewing procedures to ensure interviews are conducted professionally, and to minimise the amount of time needed.
The census employs specifically trained collectors to deliver and collect census forms from all dwellings across New Zealand. Our interviewers and, our collectors are legally obliged to keep the information they collect confidential, and will be penalised if they break confidentialty.
What to expect from our interviewers and collectors
Statistics NZ interviewers and census collectors are bound by a Code of Conduct.
When conducting interviews with you or collecting information from you, they will:
- show their official identification badge which authorises them to collect survey information
- uphold best practice standards to ensure that high quality data is collected
- give contact details should you have any follow up questions.
How you can help us
To help us to produce high quality statistics, we ask that you:
- answer the questions as accurately as possible
- provide a suitable place for the interviewer to use their laptop computer (if the interviewer visits in person).
We rely on the cooperation of the public – most people provide information willingly as they realise the importance of statistics. (Under the provisions of the Statistics Act 1975, if an authorised interviewer or census collector asks you to provide the information, you are legally obliged to do so).
Minimising costs to you and your community
We make every effort not to take up too much of your time by:
- using alternative sources of information instead of surveying, wherever possible
- seeking information in an efficient way
- taking your needs into account when arranging a time to conduct the interview
- telling you in advance if we need you to refer to your household or personal records
- testing our questions thoroughly before running a survey
Contact Us
We welcome contact from you. If you have any feedback about our surveys or general inquiries you can contact us by phone, email, fax, or letter during normal business hours.
This Charter for Individual and Household Surveys is reviewed regularly and updated if necessary. We monitor our performance against this charter and it is publicly reported in our Annual Report.
Date of publication: June 2009