The questions to be asked in Census 2001 on March 6 reflect the changing interests of New Zealanders.
"From 1861 to 1971 we asked how many chickens each household owned," Government Statistician Brian Pink said. "That's a sharp contrast to this year's question about how many people have access to the internet."
The five-yearly census is the only survey that covers the total population, and the information collected is used in decisions that affect every city, town, suburb, rural area and neighbourhood.
Statistics New Zealand says it realises the importance of keeping information confidential, and adds:
* Only people authorised by the Statistics Act 1975 are allowed to see your information, and they must only use it for statistical purposes.
* Statistics New Zealand does not share individual information with other Government departments.
* Names are not stored as part of the final computerised information.
* We try to avoid having the people who distribute and collect census forms (enumerators) working in the area where they live. However, if you want to take extra steps for more privacy within your household, ask your enumerator for a privacy envelope.
* If you give your consent, your individual form can be kept after the census for 100 years. Anybody who wants to see it will be allowed to after this period.
Links:
www.stats.govt.nz
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