Youth focus for Census work

Government number-crunchers are hoping to get more young people to fill out their Census forms next year - by offering them jobs.

The five-yearly census takes place on March 7, 2006.

Despite the legal requirement for every person in the country on that date to complete Census forms, young people often don't bother, said Statistics New Zealand spokesman Adam Kearney. Last Census, people aged 15 to 29 were undercounted by 3.1 per cent, or some 116,000 people.

Mr Kearney hopes a good number of the 6394 reliable, outgoing people needed to work part-time as collectors from mid-February to late March will be in the 18 to 20-something age group. "Young people are more likely to respond to a young person coming to their doorstep."

Collectors have to be over 18 and pay for the period will vary from $850 to $1800 depending on workload.

Research carried out by Statistics NZ last year found that apathy, a belief that the Census was irrelevant to them and ignorance prevented young people engaging. "Only 58 per cent of young people had even heard of the Census," said Mr Kearney.

Some felt the form-filling was like an exam - and too hard. Some didn't trust the Government not to use the information to their detriment.

"Choice is the driver for many in this category, not compulsion or civic duty," said Mr Kearney. "They don't see the benefit when a lot of other age groups can.

"With young people it's about 'me'."

But without youth population figures, planners can't make provision for facilities young people appreciate.

"In short, no numbers, no funding, no stuff."


Why have a census?
* Counting the population provides an accurate snapshot of who New Zealanders are, and helps in planning and decision-making - for example, where to site schools and hospitals.
* The next Census, run by Statistics New Zealand, takes place on Tuesday, March 7, 2006. This Census will be the first to allow on-line returns.
* Everyone in New Zealand on Census day must take part - even tourists.
* No other Government organisations, including the police, can see your answers - and no one can be identified from the information made public.
* People who have access to your answers have to be authorised and each must sign a secrecy pact.
Source: Statistics New Zealand


* For information about working as a Census enumerator, phone 0508 census (0508 236-787) or visit the Statistics New Zealand website (see link below).