1. New website coming
In July the Statistics New Zealand website will be relaunched with new features and a new look. It's part of our commitment to offer you the right information in the right way.
Improvements include:
- an advanced search functionality using more than just key words
- a better browsing experience
- new look and feel to aid navigation and readability
- easier access to tables and data.
URLs are going to change, so you will need to update your bookmarks and links when the new site goes live. Please be aware there will be no redirects to the new site.
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2. Review of culture and identity statistics
Statistics NZ is undertaking a review of culture and identity statistics and is seeking submissions from data users and people with an interest in culture-and identity-related policy or research. A consultation paper, Culture and Identity Statistics Domain Plan Draft for Consultation, is available for public feedback until Friday 14 August 2009.
The review is part of the Programme of Official Social Statistics (POSS), which identified culture and identity as one of 12 topics of importance for individual and societal wellbeing requiring development for statistical information purposes. Information on culture and identity is vital for understanding fundamental social outcomes for different groups in the New Zealand population, and can assist policies aimed at maximising social cohesion without losing the benefits that flow from social and cultural diversity.
The consultation paper for the review identifies information needs for culture and identity statistics and determines gaps in existing data sources for addressing those needs. A stocktake of existing official surveys relevant to culture and identity is included in the appendix.
Topics covered in the paper include:
- social cohesion and national identity
- cultural expression and wellbeing
- cultural experiences and cross-cultural participation
- active citizenship
- Māori identities and culture
- sexual orientation
- immigrant settlement.
Submitters are asked to address the following questions:
- Which information needs and subject areas identified in the draft domain plan do you feel are most important?
- Are there any areas where you feel significant information needs for culture and identity statistics have been missed in the scope of the draft domain plan?
- What information do you or your organisation require on culture and identity in New Zealand that is currently of poor quality or difficult to access in official social statistics (including administrative data)?
- Do you know of any additions to the stocktake of existing official information sources for culture and identity?
For further information, please email social.conditions@stats.govt.nz or check out the 'Review of culture and identity statistics' webpage.
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3. New report: The Differences Within, Diversity in Age Structure Between and Within Ethnic Groups
The Differences Within, Diversity in Age Structure Between and Within Ethnic Groups is a new report released by Statistics NZ that shows considerable diversity exists with ethnic groups, which the high level ethnic groupings often mask. This report is a guide to some of the issues that researchers face when dealing with ethnic data. Ethnicity is a variable that is used frequently to examine diversity of outcomes within a population, often as a proxy for disadvantage. It is however, a very complex variable, with profound diversity below the highest level ethnic categories.
By taking one single variable, in this case age, and examining how it differs underneath the highest level of the ethnic classification (European, Māori, Pacific peoples, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American and African (MELAA) and Other Ethnicity) and in responses to other factors such as birthplace, we are able to understand some of this diversity. Information in this paper is useful for anyone working with ethnic data, such as medical or social researchers and aims to raise awareness of the dangers of making broad assumptions about ethnic groups. Care should be particularly applied to the Asian and MELAA groups as the data revealed in this paper shows huge diversity within these groups, beneath the highest level of the ethnic classifications.
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4. OSS seminar: Mapping Trends in the Auckland Region
Speakers: Richard Speirs and Sarah Johnson, Statistics NZ
When: Tuesday 23 June 2009, 10.30am to 11.30am
Where: Committee Room 1, ground floor, Auckland Regional Council, 21 Pitt Street, Auckland City.
Mapping Trends in the Auckland Region is a new web-based report by Statistics NZ that will be released on 22 June 2009. It focuses on the region’s geographical patterns and how they are changing. Topics include population density, ethnicity, education, labour force, and commuting. The report uses data from the Census of Population and Dwellings, and population projections to look at social, demographic, and economic trends affecting people in the Auckland Region. The information is mainly presented through the use of downloadable, coloured maps, with an emphasis on comparing trends over time.
This presentation will cover the motivation for the report, and a more in-depth look at some of the key findings, as well as a discussion of the use of maps as an analytical tool.
To attend this seminar, please complete the online registration form. All attendees will need to report to reception on the entry level.
Numbers are limited and places will be allocated on a first come – first served basis.
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5. 2009 Complementary tickets to the Wellington Business Expo
After a successful expo in Auckland the Bizzone Business Expo is coming to Wellington. As the sponsor of the Statistics NZ Business Information Zone, we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to attend the Wellington Business Expo free of charge. Simply register on the Bizzone expo registration webpage for your complimentary ticket. You can also use this link to register for the Christchurch Business Expo, which is held later this year.
The Wellington Business Expo is held over three days at the TSB Arena, Queen's Wharf. Opening hours are: Wednesday 22 July 9am–4pm, Thursday 23 July 9am–8pm and Friday 24 July 9am–4pm. For more information about the expo go to the Bizzone website.
If you have any questions, please email the Statistics NZ marketing team at marketing.services@stats.govt.nz
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6. Recent and upcoming releases
For a list of recent and upcoming releases, see the Statistics NZ release calendar.
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7. Personal assistance
For information queries please phone 0508 525 525 (toll free) or email info@stats.govt.nz
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