1 February 2023
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Census 2023
Enquiry
I'm writing up a bit of an explainer on what the census is and how it impacts on decisions made locally etc.
I know the basics in how it does, i.e. informing for policies/decisions on housing, transport, education, healthcare, but is someone able to please provide some info about the kinds of things - local examples - the census helps to provide info for?
What issues associated with the last census, which was heavily criticised including for lots not taking part, impacted on council work?
How did this impact in decision making/informing council about the city?
Were there any specific projects or programmes of work that were impacted because of issues relating to the last census? (If so, what were they?)
Did council convey any concerns of the last census to the government? (If yes, details)
What are the hopes for this year's census?
Does council consider it an important tool?
Any message for the public?
Response
From DCE District Development Jean-Paul Gaston:
We strongly encourage everyone to participate in this year’s Census.
Data from Census provides important information and insights for organisations like ours to help us understand our community and guide what we do. Along with other data it helps, for example, in our thinking and planning for the likes of infrastructure and helps us to understand growth trends and where need may be greatest.
Data doesn’t dictate projects, work programmes or decisions but obviously the more accurate and complete the information we use is, the more accurate a picture we have.
As with other data, Census data doesn’t become available immediately after it is collected – it takes some time to analyse before it is released – so we use the most up to date information available at any given time.
Regarding current Census information, we continue to use it, as does everyone else, understanding the issues that were experienced.