Thousands Sought For Front Line Census 2001 Jobs

Statistics New Zealand has stepped up its recruitment campaign for next year's census. This week the search began for around 5900 enumerators (those who deliver and collect census forms) to work for six weeks over February and March next year.

"The enumerator is our person on the doorstep on Census Night, Tuesday 6 March 2001. They are at the forefront of this massive operation to contact almost 4 million people," says Government Statistician Brian Pink.

Successful applicants will be good communicators, with a strong community spirit, an interest in helping people and the ability to adhere to strict confidentiality rules.

"They will also need to be well organised, methodical, have their own transport and be fit enough to cope with challenges such as steep drives, lots of steps and enthusiastic dogs," Mr Pink says.

The work will involve mainly evenings and weekends to catch people when they're at home. It is suitable for those people returning to work, or perhaps wanting to earn some extra cash. Full training is provided.

People interested in applying for an enumerator position should phone 0800 32 31 32 toll-free.

The census is New Zealand's official five-yearly count of population and dwellings. It relies on everyone filling in their forms carefully and fully, so accurate statistics are produced.

The information gathered in a census is a national resource, Brian Pink says. Community organisations and policy makers use it to make sound decisions about the siting of facilities such as roads, schools, parks and other amenities and services. It also assists businesses to make informed decisions when planning to meet customer needs.

The information people provide in the census is totally confidential. Only aggregated statistics are published so individuals remain anonymous. The secrecy provisions of the Statistics Act ensure personal details cannot be passed on to anyone else.

Brian Pink

GOVERNMENT STATISTICIAN

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