Abstract

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of disability across population subgroups and disability rates for specific impairment types. Information is also available from the survey on barriers that disabled people encounter in their everyday lives, including their use of and need for support services and assistive devices.

Reference Period: Year, month, census day

Periodicity of Data Collection: Quarterly

Geographic coverage

Whole country

Analysis unit

Individuals

Universe

Population groups: All age groups

Total population covered: The survey covers almost the total population in NZ - those groups that are excluded from the survey make up only a very small percentage of the population, probably less than 2%

Economic activities: All economic activities

Sectors covered: All sectors

Labor force status: Employed persons, unemployed persons, persons outside labour force

Status in Employment: Employees, employers, own-account workers, contributing family workers, members of producers' cooperatives

Establishments: NR

Other limitations: People on offshore islands were excluded together with those living in prisons and psychiatric institutions

Classifications: Sex, age, level of education, other personal characteristics (e.g. marital status), status in employment, occupation, economic activity

Cross-classification: Highest educational qualification by disability status and sex, labour force status by disability status and sex, occupation by disability status, etc…

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Frequency of data collection

Periodicity of Data collection: Quarterly

Labour market statistics (disability) provides comparisons between labour market measures for disabled and non-disabled people in New Zealand. Information includes labour market participation and employment rates as well as differences in wages and salaries received.

Measuring inequality for disabled New Zealanders: 2018 brings together data from three Stats NZ surveys to explore differences between the lives of disabled and non-disabled people in Aotearoa.

The goal of government policy and international agreements about disability is the improvement of disabled people’s lives. Monitoring the difference between disabled and non-disabled people in a consistent way, and over a wide range of outcomes, is a key step towards achieving this goal.

Dataset contains counts and measures for individuals from the 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses. Data is available by statistical area 1.

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The variables included in this dataset are for the census usually resident population count (unless otherwise stated). All data is for level 1 of the classification.

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The variables for part 2 of the dataset are:

• Individual home ownership for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Usual residence 1 year ago indicator
• Usual residence 5 years ago indicator
• Years at usual residence
• Average years at usual residence
• Years since arrival in New Zealand for the overseas-born census usually resident population count
• Average years since arrival in New Zealand for the overseas-born census usually resident population count
• Study participation
• Main means of travel to education, by usual residence address for the census usually resident population who are studying
• Main means of travel to education, by education address for the census usually resident population who are studying
• Highest qualification for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Post-school qualification in New Zealand indicator for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Highest secondary school qualification for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Post-school qualification level of attainment for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Sources of personal income (total responses) for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Total personal income for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Median ($) total personal income for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Work and labour force status for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Job search methods (total responses) for the unemployed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Status in employment for the employed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Unpaid activities (total responses) for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Hours worked in employment per week for the employed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Average hours worked in employment per week for the employed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Industry, by usual residence address for the employed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Industry, by workplace address for the employed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Occupation, by usual residence address for the employed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Occupation, by workplace address for the employed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Main means of travel to work, by usual residence address for the employed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Main means of travel to work, by workplace address for the employed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Sector of ownership for the employed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Individual unit data source.

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Download lookup file for part 2 from Stats NZ ArcGIS Online or embedded attachment in Stats NZ geographic data service. Download data table (excluding the geometry column for CSV files) using the instructions in the Koordinates help guide.

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Footnotes

Te Whata

Under the Mana Ōrite Relationship Agreement, Te Kāhui Raraunga (TKR) will be publishing Māori descent and iwi affiliation data from the 2023 Census in partnership with Stats NZ. This will be available on Te Whata, a TKR platform.

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Geographical boundaries

Statistical standard for geographic areas 2023 (updated December 2023) has information about geographic boundaries as of 1 January 2023. Address data from 2013 and 2018 Censuses was updated to be consistent with the 2023 areas. Due to the changes in area boundaries and coding methodologies, 2013 and 2018 counts published in 2023 may be slightly different to those published in 2013 or 2018.

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Subnational census usually resident population

The census usually resident population count of an area (subnational count) is a count of all people who usually live in that area and were present in New Zealand on census night. It excludes visitors from overseas, visitors from elsewhere in New Zealand, and residents temporarily overseas on census night. For example, a person who usually lives in Christchurch city and is visiting Wellington city on census night will be included in the census usually resident population count of Christchurch city.

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Population counts

Stats NZ publishes a number of different population counts, each using a different definition and methodology. Population statistics – user guide has more information about different counts.

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Caution using time series

Time series data should be interpreted with care due to changes in census methodology and differences in response rates between censuses. The 2023 and 2018 Censuses used a combined census methodology (using census responses and administrative data), while the 2013 Census used a full-field enumeration methodology (with no use of administrative data).

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Study participation time series

In the 2013 Census study participation was only collected for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over.

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About the 2023 Census dataset

For information on the 2023 dataset see Using a combined census model for the 2023 Census. We combined data from the census forms with administrative data to create the 2023 Census dataset, which meets Stats NZ's quality criteria for population structure information. We added real data about real people to the dataset where we were confident the people who hadn’t completed a census form (which is known as admin enumeration) will be counted. We also used data from the 2018 and 2013 Censuses, administrative data sources, and statistical imputation methods to fill in some missing characteristics of people and dwellings.

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Data quality

The quality of data in the 2023 Census is assessed using the quality rating scale and the quality assurance framework to determine whether data is fit for purpose and suitable for release. Data quality assurance in the 2023 Census has more information.

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Concept descriptions and quality ratings

Data quality ratings for 2023 Census variables has additional details about variables found within totals by topic, for example, definitions and data quality.

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Disability indicator

This data should not be used as an official measure of disability prevalence. Disability prevalence estimates are only available from the 2023 Household Disability Survey. Household Disability Survey 2023: Final content has more information about the survey.

Activity limitations are measured using the Washington Group Short Set (WGSS). The WGSS asks about six basic activities that a person might have difficulty with: seeing, hearing, walking or climbing stairs, remembering or concentrating, washing all over or dressing, and communicating. A person was classified as disabled in the 2023 Census if there was at least one of these activities that they had a lot of difficulty with or could not do at all.

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Using data for good

Stats NZ expects that, when working with census data, it is done so with a positive purpose, as outlined in the Māori Data Governance Model (Data Iwi Leaders Group, 2023). This model states that "data should support transformative outcomes and should uplift and strengthen our relationships with each other and with our environments. The avoidance of harm is the minimum expectation for data use. Māori data should also contribute to iwi and hapū tino rangatiratanga”.

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Confidentiality

The 2023 Census confidentiality rules have been applied to 2013, 2018, and 2023 data. These rules protect the confidentiality of individuals, families, households, dwellings, and undertakings in 2023 Census data. Counts are calculated using fixed random rounding to base 3 (FRR3) and suppression of ‘sensitive’ counts less than six, where tables report multiple geographic variables and/or small populations. Individual figures may not always sum to stated totals. Applying confidentiality rules to 2023 Census data and summary of changes since 2018 and 2013 Censuses has more information about 2023 Census confidentiality rules.

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Measures

Measures like averages, medians, and other quantiles are calculated from unrounded counts, with input noise added to or subtracted from each contributing value

Labour market statistics (disability) provides comparisons between labour market measures for disabled and non-disabled people in New Zealand. Information includes labour market participation and employment rates as well as differences in wages and salaries received.

The COVID-19 pandemic heightened the focus on health and social services, benefiting the industry through increased government funding and overall demand. However, subsequent to the pandemic, particularly through 2023-24, the Personal Welfare Services industry encountered mounting pressures as economic strains drove more individuals and families to seek support. Despite rising demand, government funding tightened sharply under new fiscal constraints, particularly impacting broad-based community services. While targeted areas like family violence prevention received increased backing, eligibility rules for housing support became stricter, limiting access for many. With more organisations competing for shrinking pools of government and philanthropic funding, the industry has faced growing uncertainty and must adapt to continued funding volatility even as the need for its core services remains elevated. As a result, revenue for the Personal Welfare Services industry is expected to drop at an annualised 1.3% over the five years through 2025-26, to total $2.5 billion.Ongoing issues like a marked increase in substance use have amplified the need for personal welfare services, particularly in drug rehabilitation and counselling. Although inflation and cost-of-living pressures were severe from 2022 to early 2024, recent easing has provided some relief. However, the lingering impacts still weigh heavily on children and vulnerable groups, whose hardship has been exacerbated by reduced welfare support.Looking ahead, personal welfare services will face a more selective funding environment shaped by fiscal restraint and intensified competition. Government spending is expected to prioritise targeted programs, particularly in mental health and family violence prevention, while general community support services risk stagnating or losing ground if they cannot demonstrate clear results. With the population ageing and public funds set to be capped, industry providers will need to adapt by diversifying their income streams beyond government funding and strengthening private sector partnerships, particularly as workforce gaps and rising demand for elder care add further strain. This is will likely culminate in revenue falling at an annualised 1.5% over the five years through 2030-31 to $2.3 billion.

The variables included in this dataset are for the census usually resident population count (unless otherwise stated). All data is for level 1 of the classification (unless otherwise stated).The variables for part 1 of the dataset are:Census usually resident population countCensus night population countAge (5-year groups)Age (life cycle groups)Median age Birthplace (NZ born/overseas born)Birthplace (broad geographic areas)Ethnicity (total responses) for level 1 and ‘Other Ethnicity’ grouped by ‘New Zealander’ and ‘Other Ethnicity nec’Māori descent indicatorLanguages spoken (total responses)Official language indicatorGenderSex at birthRainbow/LGBTIQ+ indicator for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and overSexual identity for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and overLegally registered relationship status for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and overPartnership status in current relationship for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and overNumber of children born for the sex at birth female census usually resident population count aged 15 years and overAverage number of children born for the sex at birth female census usually resident population count aged 15 years and overReligious affiliation (total responses) Cigarette smoking behaviour for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and overDisability indicator for the census usually resident population count aged 5 years and overDifficulty communicating for the census usually resident population count aged 5 years and overDifficulty hearing for the census usually resident population count aged 5 years and overDifficulty remembering or concentrating for the census usually resident population count aged 5 years and overDifficulty seeing for the census usually resident population count aged 5 years and overDifficulty walking for the census usually resident population count aged 5 years and overDifficulty washing for the census usually resident population count aged 5 years and over.Download lookup file for part 1 from Stats NZ ArcGIS Online or Stats NZ geographic data service.FootnotesTe Whata Under the Mana Ōrite Relationship Agreement, Te Kāhui Raraunga (TKR) will be publishing Māori descent and iwi affiliation data from the 2023 Census in partnership with Stats NZ. This will be available on Te Whata, a TKR platform.Geographical boundaries Statistical standard for geographic areas 2023 (updated December 2023) has information about geographic boundaries as of 1 January 2023. Address data from 2013 and 2018 Censuses was updated to be consistent with the 2023 areas. Due to the changes in area boundaries and coding methodologies, 2013 and 2018 counts published in 2023 may be slightly different to those published in 2013 or 2018. Subnational census usually resident population The census usually resident population count of an area (subnational count) is a count of all people who usually live in that area and were present in New Zealand on census night. It excludes visitors from overseas, visitors from elsewhere in New Zealand, and residents temporarily overseas on census night. For example, a person who usually lives in Christchurch city and is visiting Wellington city on census night will be included in the census usually resident population count of Christchurch city. Population counts Stats NZ publishes a number of different population counts, each using a different definition and methodology. Population statistics – user guide has more information about different counts. Caution using time series Time series data should be interpreted with care due to changes in census methodology and differences in response rates between censuses. The 2023 and 2018 Censuses used a combined census methodology (using census responses and administrative data), while the 2013 Census used a full-field enumeration methodology (with no use of administrative data). Study participation time seriesIn the 2013 Census study participation was only collected for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over.About the 2023 Census dataset For information on the 2023 dataset see Using a combined census model for the 2023 Census. We combined data from the census forms with administrative data to create the 2023 Census dataset, which meets Stats NZ's quality criteria for population structure information. We added real data about real people to the dataset where we were confident the people who hadn’t completed a census form (which is known as admin enumeration) will be counted. We also used data from the 2018 and 2013 Censuses, administrative data sources, and statistical imputation methods to fill in some missing characteristics of people and dwellings. Data quality The quality of data in the 2023 Census is assessed using the quality rating scale and the quality assurance framework to determine whether data is fit for purpose and suitable for release. Data quality assurance in the 2023 Census has more information.Concept descriptions and quality ratingsData quality ratings for 2023 Census variables has additional details about variables found within totals by topic, for example, definitions and data quality.Disability indicatorThis data should not be used as an official measure of disability prevalence. Disability prevalence estimates are only available from the 2023 Household Disability Survey. Household Disability Survey 2023: Final content has more information about the survey.Activity limitations are measured using the Washington Group Short Set (WGSS). The WGSS asks about six basic activities that a person might have difficulty with: seeing, hearing, walking or climbing stairs, remembering or concentrating, washing all over or dressing, and communicating. A person was classified as disabled in the 2023 Census if there was at least one of these activities that they had a lot of difficulty with or could not do at all.Using data for good Stats NZ expects that, when working with census data, it is done so with a positive purpose, as outlined in the Māori Data Governance Model (Data Iwi Leaders Group, 2023). This model states that "data should support transformative outcomes and should uplift and strengthen our relationships with each other and with our environments. The avoidance of harm is the minimum expectation for data use. Māori data should also contribute to iwi and hapū tino rangatiratanga”.Confidentiality The 2023 Census confidentiality rules have been applied to 2013, 2018, and 2023 data. These rules protect the confidentiality of individuals, families, households, dwellings, and undertakings in 2023 Census data. Counts are calculated using fixed random rounding to base 3 (FRR3) and suppression of ‘sensitive’ counts less than six, where tables report multiple geographic variables and/or small populations. Individual figures may not always sum to stated totals. Applying confidentiality rules to 2023 Census data and summary of changes since 2018 and 2013 Censuses has more information about 2023 Census confidentiality rules.Measures Measures like averages, medians, and other quantiles are calculated from unrounded counts, with input noise added to or subtracted from each contributing value during measures calculations. Averages and medians based on less than six units (e.g. individuals, dwellings, households, families, or extended families) are suppressed. This suppression threshold changes for other quantiles. Where the cells have been suppressed, a placeholder value has been used.Percentages To calculate percentages, divide the figure for the category of interest by the figure for 'Total stated' where this applies.Symbol-997 Not available-999 ConfidentialInconsistencies in definitions Please note that there may be differences in definitions between census classifications and those used for other data collections.

Labour market statistics (disability) provides comparisons between labour market measures for disabled and non-disabled people in New Zealand. Information includes labour market participation and employment rates as well as differences in wages and salaries received.

Statistics illustrates consumption, production, prices, and trade of Orthopaedic appliances; including crutches, surgical belts and trusses; splints and other fracture appliances; artificial parts of the body; hearing aids and other which are worn, carried or implanted in the body to compensate for a defect or disability in New Zealand from Jan 2019 to Jun 2025.

Statistics illustrates consumption, production, prices, and trade of Orthopaedic appliances; including crutches, surgical belts and trusses; splints and other fracture appliances; artificial parts of the body; hearing aids and other which are worn, carried or implanted in the body to compensate for a defect or disability in New Zealand from 2007 to 2024.

Excel tables in Russ & Eng. To compare patients, the MatchID parameter is used in each table - 1000-1060 are patients in the study sample, 4000-4060 are patients in the control group from a study in the USA (Chaudhary N, Luettich K, Peck MJ, Pierri E, Felber-Medlin L, Vuillaume G, Leroy P, Hoeng J, Peitsch MC. Physiological and biological characterization of smokers with and without COPD. F1000Res. 2017 Jun 13;6:877. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.11698.2. PMID: 29862011; PMCID: PMC5843826.) The files represent the following data DB.xlsx - General database; Index.xlsx - Database of hospital patients from which a sample of 60 people was recruited for the study. Files Diag 1-5.xlsx - Tables with concomitant diagnoses according to ICD-10 File Disabled.xlsx - Data table with analysis of disability among the studied group. Neurologist.xlsx - Concomitant diagnoses from examination by a neurologist. Therapist.xlsx - Concomitant diagnoses from examination by a therapist. SF-36_30_resp1-2 - Table used to evaluate the SF36 questionnaire.

The aim of the work: was to study the quality of life of patients in a psychiatric hospital, as well as to identify differences with a control group of healthy people. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among inpatients of a psychiatric hospital using the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire. The sample included 60 patients of both sexes, aged 20 to 82 years. Some epidemiological, clinical, and anthropometric data for all subjects are presented. The results of the experimental group are compared with those of healthy individuals, based on retrospective published data. This was a pilot observational study of a cross-sectional nature. The data of the study group were collected in a short period from 01.01.24 to 31.05.24. The quality of life indicators of the study group were assessed during hospitalization using the SF-36 questionnaire. The results of the experimental group are compared with the results of observations of the control group based on retrospective published data from a study in the USA [10], where the open data presents the QOL indicators of a group of healthy subjects. A comparison is also given with the data of a healthy population in the Russian Federation obtained in a study (Simonov et al., 2013), and New Zealand (Frieling, Davis, Chiang, 2013) . The control data were chosen due to the availability of their open data, relative novelty, and also because the populations of these countries are predominantly Caucasian (demographic factor). In addition, the choice of these studies was due to their first appearance in the search for relevant information.

The New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings is the official count of how many people and dwellings there are in New Zealand. It provides a snapshot of our society at a point in time and helps to tell the story of its social and economic change. The 2023 Census, held on Tuesday 7 March, was the 35th New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings. The first official census was run in 1851, and since 1877 there has been a census every five years, with only four exceptions.

This report provides an overview of children and young people in Out of Home care or with Oranga Tamariki involvement who are living with impairments and where this is identified by administrative data in Statistics NZ’s Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI).