The Census: Explained

You might have heard about the Census. You might even have heard the recent news about the booming Māori population, as shown in the Census data.

But what is the Census? Why does it matter?

The Census

The New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings (referred to as the Census) is the official national survey. Every five years, we are asked to provide information about our household and those within it, including ages, gender, occupation, income, religion and iwi affiliations. 

Essentially, the Census is a nationwide headcount of the population. It helps us understand how, as a country, we are changing over time.

Government agencies, iwi, local authorities, businesses, and community organisations use the information collected to develop and implement new policies, research, planning, and decisions about services in areas like health, education, housing, and transport.

Why this Census was special

The data recently released is from the 2023 Census.

A change in the way the data was collected, specifically to gauge the Māori population, resulted in the big increase in the number of people with iwi affiliation.

That number increased by 46.3 percent since the 2013 Census.

Kirikowhai Mikaere – lead technician for the Data Iwi Leaders Group and pou ārahi of its operating arm Te Kāhui Raraunga – says whānau Māori were, for the first time in the Census, able to provide their whakapapa in greater detail.

She explains that Māori had a role in shaping the questions, meaning the collected data is more comprehensive and of greater value to iwi as they plan for now and for the future. Those doing the Census online were able to select up to 16 iwi affiliations, up from the previous five.

Another Te Kāhui Raraunga initiative designed to assist with accurate data collection was an interactive map that allowed whānau to click on different regions, displaying iwi names and all available options.

To explore the 2023 Census Māori descent and Iwi affiliation data go to Te Whata – the public data platform built by iwi for iwi.

What about Ngāi Tahu?

Ngāi Tahu is, according to the Census data, the fifth largest iwi in New Zealand with a population of 84,969. More than half of our population is aged younger than 30.

Tokona Te Raki executive director Eruera Tarena told 1News that Ngāi Tahu is “an iwi of young people”.

“We are fast growing, and I think that has huge positive implications for our future."

Click here to explore the Ngāi Tahu data dashboard, which has statistics across a range of economic, cultural and social measures.

Eruera Tarena says the data enables us to understand the barriers holding Māori back, as well as what causes them.