Independent reviewers of 2018 Census appointed

11 October 2018

A comprehensive independent Review of the 2018 Census will be carried out by leading New Zealand management consultant Murray Jack and Canadian census expert, Connie Graziadei, Stats NZ said today.

The objective of the Review is to consider the design, implementation, and operation of the 2018 Census, with a focus on participation in and the coverage of the census.

See Terms of reference for an independent review of the 2018 Census for the full terms of reference.

The Government Statistician is seeking robust independent advice on the 2018 Census, with a particular focus on understanding what factors contributed to the lower-than-expected participation rate, so that future censuses and other household surveys can be as effective as possible.

“We want to know what worked well and what did not work well, and why,” Government Statistician Liz MacPherson said. “We need to be clear about what we should have done better.”

Murray Jack is an independent director and advisor. He has over 25 years of experience consulting some of New Zealand’s largest corporates and government agencies and has worked extensively across Asia. He has served on advisory boards and Ministerial committees and has carried out a number of independent reviews for Ministers and government agencies. He regularly advises on governance and large-scale business transformation programmes.

Connie Graziadei recently retired as Assistant Chief Statistician, Census, Operations and Communications Field at Statistics Canada. The peak of her public service career was leading Canada in 2016 to the most successful census in its history.

“I’m delighted that two such highly experienced people will carry out this detailed Review. I’m sure they will leave no stone unturned,” Ms MacPherson said.

A final report of the Review will be delivered by July 2019. The Review will report back to the Government Statistician. A copy of the report will be provided to the Minister of Statistics and the State Services Commissioner at the same time. The final report will be released to the public.

“We know how important census information is for decision-makers across New Zealand, and so it is vital that we maintain public trust and confidence in the census. I’m determined to do that, and the independent review, as well as the external data quality panel, announced in early September, are key steps on the way,” Ms MacPherson said.

See also 2018 Census update and 2018 Census external data quality panel confirmed.

The Government Statistician authorises all statistics and data we publish.

For more information about these statistics:

• Visit Independent reviewers of 2018 Census appointed

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