12 December 2023
T Scrimgeour
[FYI request #24886 email]
Tēnā koe T Scrimgeour
Official Information Act (OIA) request: Duplicate 2023 census responses, and
incentives
On Monday, 27 November 2023, you made the following request under the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act):
I would like to know the number of duplicate responses to the 2023 census, that is,
forms filled out multiple times by the same person.
I would also like to see any documentation relating to correlating duplicate census
forms, with incentives to complete the census.
I will answer each part of your question, in turn.
1. I would like to know the number of duplicate responses to the 2023 census, that is,
forms filled out multiple times by the same person.
Stats NZ is currently processing and analysing 2023 Census data in preparation for releasing
counts of the population in May 2024. Duplicate responses, where forms have been filled out
multiple times by the same person, are an expected outcome of a large-scale collection
operation and therefore there are several processes used to identify instances of duplicate
responses. While some of these processes have been completed, others are still in progress,
so we are not able to confirm the number of duplicate responses in the 2023 Census.
As such, this aspect of your request is refused under 18(e) of the Act as the information does
not exist.
2. I would also like to see any documentation relating to correlating duplicate census
forms, with incentives to complete the census.
I can confirm that Stats NZ does not hold any documentation relating to correlating duplicate
census forms with incentives to complete the census. Therefore, this part of your request is
also refused under 18(e) of the Act as the information does not exist.
Should you wish to discuss this response with us, please feel free to contact Stats NZ at:
[email address].
If you are not satisfied with this response, please do not hesitate to contact us or you have
the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman. Information about how to
make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or 0800 802 602.
It is Stats NZ’s policy to proactively release our responses to official information requests
where possible. This letter, with your personal details removed, will be published on the Stats
NZ website. Publishing responses creates greater openness and transparency of
government decision-making and helps better inform public understanding of the reasons for
decisions.
Nāku noa, nā
Mike Webb
Senior Manager – Executive & Government Relations | Office of the Chief Executive
Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa
stats.govt.nz
[Statistics New Zealand request email]
toll-free 0508 525 525
stats.govt.nz
8 Willis Street, Wellington
PO Box 2922, Wellington 6140
