Recruitment Drive for 2006 Census Begins

Recruitment Drive for 2006 Census Begins

Recruiting for regional staff to collect data for New Zealand’s next census in March 2006 has begun, Statistics New Zealand announced today. In the first round of recruitment, managers will be sought for 22 different locations across the country.

Government Statistician Brian Pink said, "We're starting by finding 22 area managers who will be the linchpin of census collection. They will eventually lead a team of 7,000 staff around the country. "We're looking for well-organised people who have staff management experience and the skills and background to recruit, manage and supervise large field teams. They will be the local face of Statistics New Zealand and the 2006 Census," Brian Pink said.

"Because of the challenge this role presents, we're confident of attracting 22 high-calibre New Zealanders, despite the current labour market being tight. The opportunity to work with local communities to identify the best people for the teams who will deliver and collect census forms from every person in their area is a significant one.”

Past area census managers have gained considerably from their experience in the role, Brian Pink said.

One area manager for the 2001 Census who has stayed on with Statistics New Zealand is Phillippa Kidd. Now leading the 2006 Census field management team, she believes the area manager role offers significant benefits.

“Management opportunities like this only come up every five years,” she said. “If you’re looking for a challenging short-term opportunity coupled with an unrivalled sense of community and personal achievement, this role is for you.”

Each area manager will lead a team of 15 to 21 district supervisors. Positions for supervisors will be advertised in November, with their work beginning in December. They will supervise about 15 collectors each for six weeks during February and March.

@ The census is New Zealand's official count of population and dwellings and relies on all New Zealanders' participation. Information gathered by the census helps community organisations and policy makers make decisions about where to locate roads, schools, parks and other amenities and services. It also assists businesses in making informed decisions when planning to meet customer needs.

Under the Statistics Act 1975 all information collected is used only for statistical purposes and individual data is kept confidential.

Brian Pink

Government Statistician

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