Home Ownership Rate in New Zealand decreased to 64.60 percent in 2018 from 64.70 percent in 2013. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - New Zealand Home Ownership Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

New Zealand has *** of the highest house price-to-income ratios in the world; nonetheless, since the first quarter of 2022, the country's house price-to-income ratio started to trend downward. In the third quarter of 2024, the ratio was ***, a slight decrease from the same quarter of the previous year. This ratio was calculated by dividing nominal house prices by nominal disposable income per head and is considered a measure of affordability. Homeownership dream New Zealand has been in what is widely considered a housing bubble. The disproportionately large increases in residential house prices have placed the dream of owning their own home out of reach for many in the country. In 2024, around ** percent of residential properties were sold for over a million New Zealand dollars. The majority of mortgage lending in the country went to owner-occupiers where the property was not their first home, with first-home buyers often struggling to secure a loan. In general, only New Zealand residents and citizens can buy homes in the country to live in, with new regulations tightening investment activity in that market. Rent affordability Due to New Zealand's high property prices, many individuals and families are stuck renting for prolonged periods. However, with rent prices increasing across the country and the share of monthly income spent on rent trending upwards in tandem with a highly competitive rental market, renting is becoming a less appealing prospect for many. The Auckland and Bay of Plenty regions had the highest weekly rent prices across the country as of December 2024, with the Southland region recording the lowest rent prices per week.

Dataset for the maps accompanying the Housing in Aotearoa New Zealand: 2025 report. This dataset contains counts and measures for:

• average number of private dwellings per square kilometre
• severe housing deprivation
• home ownership rates
• mould and damp.

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Data is available by territorial authority and Auckland local board.

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Average number of private dwellings per square kilometre has data for occupied, unoccupied, and total private dwellings from the 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses, including:

• dwelling counts
• percentage change in the count of dwellings
• average number of dwellings per square kilometre.

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Severe housing deprivation has data for the census usually resident population from the 2018 and 2023 Censuses, including:

• estimated prevalence rate of severe housing deprivation (per 10,000 people)
• estimated rate for those; without shelter, in temporary accommodation, sharing someone else’s private dwelling, in uninhabitable housing, for whom it could not be determined whether they were severely housing deprived or not.

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Home ownership rates has data for households in occupied private dwellings from the 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses, including:

• counts and percentages for households that owned their home or held it in a family trust, or did not own their home
• percentage change in the count of households that owned their home or held it in a family trust, or did not own their home.

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Mould and damp has data for occupied private dwellings from the 2018 and 2023 Censuses, including:

• counts and percentages for dwellings with or without mould or damp
• percentage change in the count of dwellings with or without mould or damp.

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Map shows the average number of private dwellings per square kilometre for the 2023 Census

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Map shows the estimated prevalence rate of severe housing deprivation (per 10,000 people) for the census usually resident population for the 2023 Census.

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Map shows the percentage of households in occupied private dwellings that owned their home or held it in a family trust for the 2023 Census.

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Map shows the percentage of occupied private dwellings that were damp or mouldy for the 2023 Census.

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Download lookup file 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

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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Severe housing deprivation time series

The 2018 estimates of severe housing deprivation have been updated using the 2023 methodology for estimating severe housing deprivation. Severe housing deprivation (homelessness) estimates – updated methodology: 2023 Census has more information.

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Severe housing deprivation

Figures in this map and geospatial file exclude Women’s refuge data, as well as estimates for children living in non-private dwellings. Severe housing deprivation (homelessness) estimates – updated methodology: 2023 Census has more information.

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Dwelling density

This data shows the average number of private dwellings (occupied and unoccupied) per square kilometre of land for an area. This is a measure of dwelling density.

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About the 2023 Census dataset

For information on the 2023 Census 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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Quality rating of a variable

The quality rating of a variable provides an overall evaluation of data quality for that variable, usually at the highest levels of classification. The quality ratings shown are for the 2023 Census unless stated. There is variability in the quality of data at smaller geographies. Data quality may also vary between censuses, for subpopulations, or when cross tabulated with other variables or at lower levels of the classification. Data quality ratings for 2023 Census variables has more information on quality ratings by variable.

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Census usually resident population count concept quality rating

The census usually resident population count is rated as very high quality.

Census usually resident population count – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.

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Quality of severe housing deprivation data

Severe housing deprivation (homelessness) estimates – updated methodology: 2023 Census has more information on the data quality of this variable.

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Dwelling occupancy status quality rating

Dwelling occupancy status is rated as high quality.

Dwelling occupancy status – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.

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Dwelling type quality rating

Dwelling type is rated as moderate quality.

Dwelling type – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.

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Tenure of household quality rating

Tenure of household is rated as moderate quality.

Tenure of household – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.

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Dwelling dampness indicator quality rating

Dwelling dampness indicator is rated as moderate quality.

Housing quality – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.

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Dwelling mould indicator quality rating

Dwelling mould indicator is rated as moderate quality.

Housing quality – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.

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Using data for good

Stats NZ expects that, when working with census

A survey conducted in 2022 among New Zealanders revealed that those between the age of 40-59 years accounted for the largest share of respondents who felt they were priced out of the home market, at around ** percent.

Dataset for the maps accompanying the Housing in Aotearoa New Zealand: 2025 report. This dataset contains counts and measures for:

• average number of private dwellings per square kilometre
• home ownership rates
• mould and damp.

​

Data is available by statistical area 2.

​

Average number of private dwellings per square kilometre has data for occupied, unoccupied, and total private dwellings from the 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses, including:

• dwelling counts
• percentage change in the count of dwellings
• average number of dwellings per square kilometre.

​

Home ownership rates has data for households in occupied private dwellings from the 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses, including:

• counts and percentages for households that owned their home or held it in a family trust, or did not own their home
• percentage change in the count of households that owned their home or held it in a family trust, or did not own their home.

​

Mould and damp has data for occupied private dwellings from the 2018 and 2023 Censuses, including:

• counts and percentages for dwellings with or without mould or damp
• percentage change in the count of dwellings with or without mould or damp.

​

Map shows the average number of private dwellings per square kilometre for the 2023 Census.

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Map shows the percentage of households in occupied private dwellings that owned their home or held it in a family trust for the 2023 Census.

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Map shows the percentage of occupied private dwellings that were damp or mouldy for the 2023 Census.

​

Download lookup file 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.

​

Footnotes

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.

​

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).

​

Dwelling density

This data shows the average number of private dwellings (occupied and unoccupied) per square kilometre of land for an area. This is a measure of dwelling density.

​

About the 2023 Census dataset

For information on the 2023 Census 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.

​

Quality rating of a variable

The quality rating of a variable provides an overall evaluation of data quality for that variable, usually at the highest levels of classification. The quality ratings shown are for the 2023 Census unless stated. There is variability in the quality of data at smaller geographies. Data quality may also vary between censuses, for subpopulations, or when cross tabulated with other variables or at lower levels of the classification. Data quality ratings for 2023 Census variables has more information on quality ratings by variable.

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Dwelling occupancy status quality rating

Dwelling occupancy status is rated as high quality.

Dwelling occupancy status – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.

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Dwelling type quality rating

Dwelling type is rated as moderate quality.

Dwelling type – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.

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Tenure of household quality rating

Tenure of household is rated as moderate quality.

Tenure of household – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.

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Dwelling dampness indicator quality rating

Dwelling dampness indicator is rated as moderate quality.

Housing quality – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.

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Dwelling mould indicator quality rating

Dwelling mould indicator is rated as moderate quality.

Housing quality – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.

​

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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Symbol

-998 Not applicable

-999 Confidential

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Inconsistencies in definitions

Please note that there may be differences in definitions between census classifications and those used for other data collections.

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New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Housing and Household Utilities: Property Rates and Related Services data was reported at 1,031.000 Jun2017=1000 in Jun 2018. This stayed constant from the previous number of 1,031.000 Jun2017=1000 for Mar 2018. New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Housing and Household Utilities: Property Rates and Related Services data is updated quarterly, averaging 693.796 Jun2017=1000 from Jun 1999 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 77 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,031.000 Jun2017=1000 in Jun 2018 and a record low of 384.747 Jun2017=1000 in Jun 1999. New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Housing and Household Utilities: Property Rates and Related Services data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics New Zealand. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.I002: Consumer Price Index: Jun2017=1000.

Approximately **** percent of homeowners in New Zealand reported that their homes had mold during a survey conducted in the year ended March 2019. This was a lower share than that reported by renters during the same survey, indicating the housing quality was higher for owner-occupied dwellings compared to rented dwellings.

New Zealand First Mortage Housing Rates data was reported at 6.910 % pa in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 6.920 % pa for Feb 2025. New Zealand First Mortage Housing Rates data is updated monthly, averaging 8.270 % pa from Feb 1964 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 734 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 20.500 % pa in Jun 1987 and a record low of 4.370 % pa in Jun 2021. New Zealand First Mortage Housing Rates data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Reserve Bank of New Zealand. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.M006: Mortgage, Lending and Deposit Rates. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

Dataset for the maps accompanying the Housing in Aotearoa New Zealand: 2025 report. This dataset contains data for severe housing deprivation from the 2018 and 2023 Censuses.

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Data is available by health district.

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Severe housing deprivation has data for the census usually resident population from the 2018 and 2023 Censuses, including:

• estimated prevalence rate of severe housing deprivation (per 10,000 people)
• estimated rate for those; without shelter, in temporary accommodation, sharing someone else’s private dwelling, in uninhabitable housing, for whom it could not be determined whether they were severely housing deprived or not.

​

Map shows the estimated prevalence rate of severe housing deprivation (per 10,000 people) for the census usually resident population for the 2023 Census.

​

Download lookup file 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.

​

Footnotes

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).

​

Severe housing deprivation time series

The 2018 estimates of severe housing deprivation have been updated using the 2023 methodology for estimating severe housing deprivation. Severe housing deprivation (homelessness) estimates – updated methodology: 2023 Census has more information.

​

Severe housing deprivation

Figures in this map and geospatial file exclude Women’s refuge data, as well as estimates for children living in non-private dwellings. Severe housing deprivation (homelessness) estimates – updated methodology: 2023 Census has more information.

​

About the 2023 Census dataset

For information on the 2023 Census 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.

​

Quality rating of a variable

The quality rating of a variable provides an overall evaluation of data quality for that variable, usually at the highest levels of classification. The quality ratings shown are for the 2023 Census unless stated. There is variability in the quality of data at smaller geographies. Data quality may also vary between censuses, for subpopulations, or when cross tabulated with other variables or at lower levels of the classification. Data quality ratings for 2023 Census variables has more information on quality ratings by variable.

​

Census usually resident population count concept quality rating

The census usually resident population count is rated as very high quality.

Census usually resident population count – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.

​

Quality of severe housing deprivation data

Severe housing deprivation (homelessness) estimates – updated methodology: 2023 Census has more information on the data quality of this variable.

​

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.

​

Inconsistencies in definitions

Please note that there may be differences in definitions between census classifications and those used for other data collections.

The House Construction industry plays a vital role in New Zealand's economy, meeting a need for home ownership and rental accommodation while stimulating economic growth. A shift in housing preferences towards medium-to-high-density apartments and townhouses, reflecting an escalation in house and land prices and modern lifestyle choices, is constraining the industry’s long-term performance. Changing government policies on first-home buyer grants, mortgage payment taxation and the promotion of social housing also profoundly affect the industry's performance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry benefited from strong population growth, higher household savings and record-low mortgage rates. Government measures like first-home buyer stimulus, easing loan-to-value (LTV) restrictions and Housing Acceleration Fund (HAF) investments further supported growth. Still, a hike in mortgage interest rates as the Reserve Bank of New Zealand attempted to rein in inflation has choked off housing investment in recent years and slashed new dwelling consents. Given the rollercoaster that homebuilders have been on over the past five years, industry revenue is only expected to edge up at an annualised 0.3%, to $21.0 billion, over the past five years despite contracting by an estimated 2.5% in 2024-25. While some builders thrived during a 2022-23 housing boom, industry profit margins have plummeted in recent years with slumping housing investment. Many builders saw their profit shrink amid climbing input prices and supply chain disruptions, and some builders on fixed-price contracts struggled to absorb the higher input costs. Looking ahead, homebuilders face harsh conditions over the next few years, losing ground to the Multi-Unit Apartment and Townhouse Construction industry. Mounting population pressures support constructing new accommodation, and easing mortgage interest rates will encourage investment in residential building construction and are projected to drive total dwelling consents up by an annualised 2.3%. However, continued growth in house and land prices will drive investment towards medium-to-high-density dwelling options, like duplexes, townhouses, flats and apartments. In light of this, industry revenue is forecast to fall marginally at an annualised 0.2% to $20.9 billion through the end of 2029-30.

The average rent in the housing market in Otago, New Zealand was 590 New Zealand dollars per week as of December 2024. The Auckland and Bay of Plenty regions had the highest mean rents for residential housing across the country at 650 New Zealand dollars per week, respectively.

Note that estimates for income did not include the 105 cases replaced with the sample mean.Descriptive statistics and summary sample information for self-identified Māori by home non-owners versus owners.

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.

​

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 series

In 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 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”.

​

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

New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Housing & Household Utilities: Home Ownership data was reported at 1,582.000 Jun2006=1000 in Sep 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 1,565.000 Jun2006=1000 for Jun 2017. New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Housing & Household Utilities: Home Ownership data is updated quarterly, averaging 746.610 Jun2006=1000 from Jun 1984 (Median) to Sep 2017, with 134 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,582.000 Jun2006=1000 in Sep 2017 and a record low of 296.722 Jun2006=1000 in Jun 1984. New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Housing & Household Utilities: Home Ownership data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics New Zealand. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.I003: Consumer Price Index: Jun2006=1000.

This report analyses the average standard residential mortgage interest rates from registered banks for new borrowers and excludes special rates. The data is collected monthly and is the average of the standard, advertised and offered interest rate. Actual interest rates on loans can vary based on the loan-to-value ratio and the borrower's ability to service the loan. The data for this report is sourced from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (Te Putea Matua) (RBNZ) and is presented as the average interest rate for each financial year.

Abstract

The 2006 Census of Tokelau was conducted on the 19th of October 2006, by both local representatives and Statistics New Zealand staff. Significant planning went into both the collection and output phases of the 2006 Census – with consultation on various aspects of the census (for example, questionnaire content consultation) carried out in Tokelau, Samoa and New Zealand, where appropriate. The 2006 Census questionnaire was based on a standard form developed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), with some changes as appropriate to the Tokelau situation.

Tokelau has a unique population composition. A significant proportion of the Tokelauan population are away from the islands at any one time, for various reasons (e.g. healthcare, education). Considerable time and effort has been put into developing effective population measures for the 2006 Census of Tokelau, with a focus on ensuring all usual residents were counted – in particular those who were not present in Tokelau on census night. Core demographic information was completed by the head of the household, on behalf of people who usually live in Tokelau, but were away on census night.

Geographic coverage

National coverage: the census covers residents of Tokelau and also Tokelau public servants and their families who are employed in Apia, Samoa.

Analysis unit

Individuals and Households.

Universe

The Census covers residents of the non-selfgoverning New Zealand territory of Tokelau and includes Tokelau public servants and their families who are employed in Apia, Samoa. While visitors to Tokelau on Census night are also included, the ultimate aim of the Census is to provide an accurate assessment of the de jure population.

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The questionnaire of the 2006 Tokelau Census consisted of three different forms: - Dwelling form: Dwelling characteristics; sources of water; means of cooking; rubbish disposal; hosuehold items; access to Sky TV, internet; numbers of pigs and chickens; sources of income. - Individual form: Individual characteristics; realationship to household head; living where; ethnicity; religion; birth mother and father still alive; language skills: speaking and writing; address 5 years ago; education and qualifications; marital status; paid and unpaid employment; children given birth to. - Absentee form: Individual characteristics; reason for / length of absence; income.

The 2006 Census questionnaire was based on a standard form developed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), with some changes appropriate to the Tokelau situation. Some modifications were made in the 2006 Questionnaire, for instance: - In 2001, the questionnaire only asked for items owned and not necessarily partial or shared ownership as it did in 2006.

A thorough review of the employment and work sections of the questionnaire was undertaken to ensure the unique work force in Tokelau was represented, while at the same time ensuring international comparability. Questions on languages spoken, cigarette smoking and household income were added.

The English version of the questionnaire was reviewed using cognitive testing with four Wellington-based Tokelauan families. The near-final English version of the questionnaire was then tested in Tokelau in July 2006.

Consultation about the content of the census forms was also undertaken in Tokelau and Samoa, with Tokelau government representatives and decision-makers. This consultation was an opportunity to determine what information was required by various data users and how it could best be delivered. After the July visit to Tokelau, the questionnaire was finalised and translation into Tokelauan was carried out. A shorter version of the full individual questionnaire was used for Tokelau Public Service (TPS) working in Samoa, which consisted of only basic demographic questions about each member of the household. No dwelling questions were asked in Samoa.

The census questionnaire was a paperbased, interviewer-administered questionnaire available in two languages (English and Tokelauan).

Cleaning operations

The vast majority of editing was done on the dataset rather than on the raw data. Data evaluation identified cases that needed editing, the resolution was researched by the census manager, and any changes were recorded. This approach was taken to allow for a record to be kept of how many changes (consistency edits) have been undertaken, allowing the process to be defendable.

Census data processing was done using CSPro v 3.0 (Census and Survey Processing System). The Pacific Community (SPC) endorsed CSPro as the standard processing system for all population statistics in the Pacific. For the census of Tokelau, CSPro was used for key entry, editing, and verification of the census data.

Sampling error estimates

Not applicable: Census

Data appraisal

Given the small population size, no post-enumeration survey was done.

In some cases a respondent’s birth day or month was imputed. In these cases the date was randomly selected from one to thirty one and the birth month was randomly selected (from January to December). Any imputed dates were checked to ensure they were valid dates eg not 31 February. Overall the census management team felt that the editing, imputation and mandatory variables methods used were successful. They provided a good balance between quality and practicality for a small census.

New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Weights: HU: Home Ownership: Purchase of new housing data was reported at 5.500 % in Jun 2018. This stayed constant from the previous number of 5.500 % for Mar 2018. New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Weights: HU: Home Ownership: Purchase of new housing data is updated quarterly, averaging 4.200 % from Jun 2006 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 49 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5.510 % in Mar 2011 and a record low of 4.010 % in Mar 2014. New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI): Weights: HU: Home Ownership: Purchase of new housing data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics New Zealand. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.I004: Consumer Price Index: Weights.

New Zealand Housing & Household Utilities: YoY data was reported at 4.300 % in Mar 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 4.300 % for Dec 2024. New Zealand Housing & Household Utilities: YoY data is updated quarterly, averaging 3.300 % from Jun 2000 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 100 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 9.100 % in Jun 2022 and a record low of -1.000 % in Dec 2001. New Zealand Housing & Household Utilities: YoY data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Stats NZ. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.I002: Consumer Price Index: Jun2017=1000.

This dataset contains counts for urban accessibility geography by region for selected variables from the 2018, 2013, and 2006 censuses. Estimated resident populations for 1996–2020 are also included.

Urban accessibility measures the degree of urban influence New Zealand’s urban areas have on surrounding rural areas. It classifies the geographic accessibility of rural statistical area 1s (SA1s) and small urban areas according to their proximity, or degree of remoteness, to larger urban areas. To find out more about the urban accessibility classification see Urban accessibility – methodology and classification.

The urban accessibility categories are:

· major urban area – 100,000 or more residents

· large urban area – 30,000–99,999 residents

· medium urban area – 10,000–29,999 residents

· high urban accessibility – small urban areas (1,000–9,999 residents) and rural SA1s within 0 to 15 minutes from major urban areas

· medium urban accessibility – small urban areas and rural SA1s within: 15 to 25 minutes from major urban areas, 0 to 25 minutes from large urban areas, 0 to 15 minutes from medium urban areas

· low urban accessibility – small urban areas and rural SA2s within: 25 to 60 minutes from major or large urban areas, 15 to 60 minutes from medium urban areas

· remote – small urban areas and rural SA1s within 60 to 120 minutes from major, large, or medium urban areas

· very remote – small urban areas and rural SA1s more than 120 minutes from major, large, or medium urban areas

· water areas – inland water, inlet, oceanic.

The dataset uses geographic boundaries (SA1, urban area, regional council) as at 1 January 2018. For explanation of geographies see Statistical standard for geographic areas 2018.

Included in this dataset:

· estimated resident population at 30 June 1996-2020

· 2006, 2013, and 2018 Census usually resident population and sex

· 2018 Census usually resident: age (10-year groups), median age, ethnic group, birthplace, work and labour force status, status in employment, occupation, industry, highest qualification, sources of personal income, total personal income (grouped), median income, individual home ownership, languages spoken, religious affiliation, main means of travel to work by usual residence address, main means of travel to education by usual residence address, New Zealand Index of deprivation

· 2018 Census dwellings: dwelling type, main types of heating used, dwelling dampness, dwelling mould

· 2018 Census households: tenure of household, access to telecommunication systems; number of motor vehicles.

The data uses fixed random rounding to protect confidentiality. Some counts of less than 6 are suppressed according to 2018 confidentiality rules. Values of ‘-999’ indicate suppressed data.

Medians are calculated from unrounded counts, with input noise added to or subtracted from each contributing value during measures calculation. Medians based on less than six individuals are suppressed.

For further information on this dataset please refer to the 2018 Census urban accessibility dataset** **on the 2018 Census webpage - Excel workbook (including data quality ratings and footnotes).

Stats NZ introduced questions on sexual identity and gender to HES for the year ended June 2021, to help provide a more accurate and inclusive picture of New Zealanders that, amongst other dimensions, would reflect the diversity of genders and sexual identities in Aotearoa.