From the 2023 Census, to the Disability Survey

The collection phase of the 2023 Census has now closed. Census collections began in mid-February, and by the close on 30 June over 4.56 million people are estimated to have returned an individual census form.

We have received positive feedback about the accessibility of the online census form, the range of alternate formats provided, and from people who attended census support events...

The information collected now goes into months of secure processing and analysis to produce statistics for the country. The 2023 Census data about the population and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand will start to be published from May next year.

“Thank you to everyone who did their part and completed their census forms by 30 June. We designed the 2023 Census to better support disabled people to take part and be represented in census data. Once available, the data will be used to support people and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand, including the allocation of funding for services used by disabled people,” said Simon Mason, Deputy Government Statistician and Deputy Chief Executive Census and Collection Operations.

While people will need to wait for data from the census, Stats NZ is currently evaluating how the collection period of the census went. “We have received positive feedback about the accessibility of the online census form, the range of alternate formats provided, and from people who attended census support events,” said Ronelle Baker, Accessibility Lead for the 2023 Census.

“There were less barriers to participation than in 2018, and disabled communities were better supported to take part this time.”

There is a high need for disability data to support future planning for disability services and support. Stats NZ plans to release more disability data than in the previous census. Planning is also underway for the 2023 Disability Survey which starts in late August.

The Disability Survey is New Zealand’s primary source of data on the prevalence of disability, the experiences and needs of disabled people, and how well they are faring compared with non-disabled people. A sample of 25,000 people have been selected from the census to take part in the survey.

“The last Disability Survey was held in 2013, which makes this 10-year collection cycle very important for the disability sector. This survey will inform important decisions for our communities for years to come,” said Ronelle Baker.

More information about the topics covered in the Disability Survey can be found on the Stats NZ website.

Article and photo courtesy of StatsNew Zealand.