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This web map is provides the data and maps used in the story map Population density and diversity in New Zealand, created by Stats NZ. It uses Statistical Area 1 (SA1) data collected and published as part of the 2018 Census. The web map uses a mapping technique called multi-variate dot density mapping. The data used in the map can be found at this web service - 2018 Census Individual part 1 data by SA1.For questions or comments on the data or maps, please contact info@stats.govt.nz Census Data Quality Notes:We combined data from the census forms with administrative data to create the 2018 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 should be counted but hadn’t completed a census form. We also used data from the 2013 Census and administrative sources and statistical imputation methods to fill in some missing characteristics of people and dwellings.Data quality for 2018 Census provides more information on the quality of the 2018 Census data.An independent panel of experts has assessed the quality of the 2018 Census dataset. The panel has endorsed Stats NZ’s overall methods and concluded that the use of government administrative records has improved the coverage of key variables such as age, sex, ethnicity, and place. The panel’s Initial Report of the 2018 Census External Data Quality Panel (September 2019), assessed the methodologies used by Stats NZ to produce the final dataset, as well as the quality of some of the key variables. Its second report 2018 Census External Data Quality Panel: Assessment of variables (December 2019) assessed an additional 31 variables. In its third report, Final report of the 2018 Census External Data Quality Panel (February 2020), the panel made 24 recommendations, several relating to preparations for the 2023 Census. Along with this report, the panel, supported by Stats NZ, produced a series of graphs summarising the sources of data for key 2018 Census individual variables, 2018 Census External Data Quality Panel: Data sources for key 2018 Census individual variables.The Quick guide to the 2018 Census outlines the key changes we introduced as we prepared for the 2018 Census, and the changes we made once collection was complete.The geographic boundaries are as at 1 January 2018. See Statistical standard for geographic areas 2018.2018 Census – DataInfo+ provides information about methods, and related metadata.Data quality ratings for 2018 Census variables provides information on data quality ratings.
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Derived from http://www.stats.govt.nz/Census/2013-census/data-tables/meshblock-dataset.aspx
res_pop - 2013 census usually resident population auckland_r - distance in metres from this meshblock to the nearest Auckland railway station wellington - distance in metres from this meshblock to the nearest Wellington railway station (these were calculated for http://transportblog.co.nz/2014/11/02/auckland-and-wellington-per-capita-train-use/) pop_densit - population density in residents per square kilometre
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Population density (people per sq. km of land area) in New Zealand was reported at 19.43 sq. Km in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. New Zealand - Population density (people per sq. km) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.
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New Zealand NZ: Population Density: Inhabitants per sq km data was reported at 19.460 Person in 2022. This records an increase from the previous number of 19.410 Person for 2021. New Zealand NZ: Population Density: Inhabitants per sq km data is updated yearly, averaging 15.890 Person from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2022, with 33 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 19.460 Person in 2022 and a record low of 12.870 Person in 1990. New Zealand NZ: Population Density: Inhabitants per sq km data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.OECD.GGI: Social: Demography: OECD Member: Annual.
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<ul style='margin-top:20px;'>
<li>New Zealand population density for 2020 was <strong>19.33</strong>, a <strong>2.23% increase</strong> from 2019.</li>
<li>New Zealand population density for 2019 was <strong>18.91</strong>, a <strong>1.6% increase</strong> from 2018.</li>
<li>New Zealand population density for 2018 was <strong>18.61</strong>, a <strong>1.81% increase</strong> from 2017.</li>
</ul>Population density is midyear population divided by land area in square kilometers. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship--except for refugees not permanently settled in the country of asylum, who are generally considered part of the population of their country of origin. Land area is a country's total area, excluding area under inland water bodies, national claims to continental shelf, and exclusive economic zones. In most cases the definition of inland water bodies includes major rivers and lakes.
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Dataset contains census usually resident population counts from the 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses, as well as the percentage change in the population count between the 2013 and 2018 Censuses, and between the 2018 and 2023 Censuses. Data is available by statistical area 2.
Map shows the percentage change in the census usually resident population count between the 2018 and 2023 Censuses.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Symbol
-998 Not applicable
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Map shows the percentage change in the census usually resident population count between the 2018 and 2023 Censuses. Download lookup file from Stats NZ ArcGIS Online or Stats NZ geographic data service.FootnotesGeographical boundariesStatistical 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 populationThe 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. 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).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.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. 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.Symbol-998 Not applicable
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1 kilometer grid square across country showing population density using data from LINZ, and Stats NZ.
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Dataset contains ethnic group census usually resident population counts from the 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses, as well as the percentage change in the ethnic group population count between the 2013 and 2018 Censuses, and between the 2018 and 2023 Censuses. Data is available by regional council.
The ethnic groups are:
Map shows percentage change in the census usually resident population count for ethnic groups between the 2018 and 2023 Censuses.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Ethnicity concept quality rating
Ethnicity is rated as high quality.
Ethnicity – 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”.
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.
Symbol
-998 Not applicable
Percentages
To calculate percentages, divide the figure for the category of interest by the figure for ‘Total stated’ where this applies.
A Choropleth map created from population density figures released by Statistics New Zealand after the 2013 census. All data has been generalized so no one person can be identified.
WorldPop produces different types of gridded population count datasets, depending on the methods used and end application.
Please make sure you have read our Mapping Populations overview page before choosing and downloading a dataset.
Datasets are available to download in Geotiff and ASCII XYZ format at a resolution of 30 arc-seconds (approximately 1km at the equator)
-Unconstrained individual countries 2000-2020: Population density datasets for all countries of the World for each year 2000-2020 – derived from the corresponding
Unconstrained individual countries 2000-2020 population count datasets by dividing the number of people in each pixel by the pixel surface area.
These are produced using the unconstrained top-down modelling method.
-Unconstrained individual countries 2000-2020 UN adjusted: Population density datasets for all countries of the World for each year 2000-2020 – derived from the corresponding
Unconstrained individual countries 2000-2020 population UN adjusted count datasets by dividing the number of people in each pixel,
adjusted to match the country total from the official United Nations population estimates (UN 2019), by the pixel surface area.
These are produced using the unconstrained top-down modelling method.
Data for earlier dates is available directly from WorldPop.
WorldPop (www.worldpop.org - School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton; Department of Geography and Geosciences, University of Louisville; Departement de Geographie, Universite de Namur) and Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), Columbia University (2018). Global High Resolution Population Denominators Project - Funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP1134076). https://dx.doi.org/10.5258/SOTON/WP00674
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A 1 kilometre population grid using the Estimated Resident Populations (ERP) published annually, dated as at 30 June. Population estimates by Statistical Area 1s (SA1s) are used as an input to derive population grids. These estimates are not official statistics. They are derived as a customised dataset used to produce the population grids.
This is one of three resolutions of the national statistical grid; 1 kilometre, 500 metres and 250 metres, where the distance is the length of one side of the square grid cell.
The Estimated Resident Population (ERP) by Statistical Area 1 (SA1), rounded to the nearest 10, was proportionally divided between private and some non-private dwelling point locations from the Stats NZ Statistical Location Register. The dwellings were spatially joined to the SA1 to calculate the number of dwellings within each SA1. The SA1 ERP divided by the number of dwellings gave the number of people per dwelling for each SA1. The people per dwelling was spatially joined back to the dwelling dataset then spatially joined to the grid with the option chosen to sum the dwelling population within each grid cell. The estimated resident population of an area in New Zealand is an estimate of all people who usually live in that area at a given date. It includes all residents present in New Zealand and counted by the census, residents who are temporarily elsewhere in New Zealand and counted by the census, residents who are temporarily overseas (who are not included in the census), and an adjustment for residents missed or counted more than once by the census (net census undercount). Visitors from elsewhere in New Zealand and from overseas are excluded.
Population estimates by SA1s are used as an input to derive population grids. These estimates are not official statistics. They’re derived as a customised dataset used to produce the population grids. Population estimates from 2022 and 2023 use 2018 Census data and will be revised in 2025, after 2023 Census data is available.
Changes to the ERP figures for a grid cell between years, are due to either:
estimated change to the residential population for an area
or the following methodological factors may also increase or decrease the population estimate assigned to each grid cell;
five yearly changes to the SA1 boundaries to which the ERP figures are assigned. Between 2022 and 2023, non populated areas were separated from some SA1s, resulting in fewer grid cells being populated. Changes to SA1 boundaries are designed to ensure they incorporate areas of new development, maintain the urban-rural delineation, and meet population criteria.
changes to the dwelling dataset.
This is the production version of a new dataset published in November 2023. The prototype version was released in October 2022 for feedback. Since the November 2023 release, population estimate field names have been updated to remove acronyms and population estimates have been reduced to two decimal places. A small number of grid cells in the 2022 ERP 1km grid were missing population, these have been amended in this update.
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The population of the world, allocated to 1 arcsecond blocks. This refines CIESIN’s Gridded Population of the World project, using machine learning models on high-resolution worldwide Digital Globe satellite imagery.
Students will explore the patterns of world population in terms of total population, arithmetic density, total fertility rate, natural increase rate, and infant mortality rate. The activity uses a web-based map.Learning outcomes:Students will be able to identify and explain the spatial patterns and distribution of world population based on total population, density, total fertility rate, natural increase rate, and infant mortality rate.Other New Zealand GeoInquiry instructional material freely available at https://arcg.is/1GPDXe
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The life-cycle age groups are:under 15 years15 to 29 years30 to 64 years65 years and over.Map shows the percentage change in the census usually resident population count for life-cycle age groups between the 2018 and 2023 Censuses.Download lookup file from Stats NZ ArcGIS Online or Stats NZ geographic data service.FootnotesGeographical boundariesStatistical 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 populationThe 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. Caution using time seriesTime 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).About the 2023 Census datasetFor 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 qualityThe 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 variableThe 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. Age concept quality ratingAge is rated as very high quality. Age – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.Using data for goodStats 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".ConfidentialityThe 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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Dataset contains census usually resident population counts from the 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses, as well as the percentage change in the population count between the 2013 and 2018 Censuses, and between the 2018 and 2023 Censuses. Data is available by regional council.
Map shows the percentage change in the census usually resident population count between the 2018 and 2023 Censuses.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
New Zealand Country Boundaries provides a 2021 boundary with a total population count. The layer is designed to be used for mapping and analysis. It can be enriched with additional attributes using data enrichment tools in ArcGIS Online.The 2021 boundaries are provided by Michael Bauer Research GmbH. They are sourced from Statistics New Zealand, www.stats.govt.nz. These were published in October 2022. A new layer will be published in 18 months. Other administrative boundaries for this country are also available: Region TerritorialAuthority StatisticalArea
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Historical dataset showing New Zealand population density by year from 1961 to 2022.
This layer shows the average household size in New Zealand in 2021, in a multiscale map (Country, Region, Territorial Authority, and Statistical Area). Nationally, the average household size is 2.7 people per household. It is calculated by dividing the household population by total households.The pop-up is configured to show the following information at each geography level:Average household size (people per household)Total populationTotal householdsCount of population by marital statusCount of households by typeCount of population by 15-year age increments The source of this data is Michael Bauer Research. The vintage of the data is 2021. This item was last updated in November, 2022 and is updated every 12-18 months as new annual figures are offered.Additional Esri Resources:Esri DemographicsThis item is for visualization purposes only and cannot be exported or used in analysis.We would love to hear from you. If you have any feedback regarding this item or Esri Demographics, please let us know.Permitted use of this data is covered in the DATA section of the Esri Master Agreement (E204CW) and these supplemental terms.
This web feature layer contains New Zealand 2013 population density by square kilometres. The geographic unit used to display information is the 2013 Statistics New Zealand Meshblocks. All population figures are based on Census 2013.
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This web map is provides the data and maps used in the story map Population density and diversity in New Zealand, created by Stats NZ. It uses Statistical Area 1 (SA1) data collected and published as part of the 2018 Census. The web map uses a mapping technique called multi-variate dot density mapping. The data used in the map can be found at this web service - 2018 Census Individual part 1 data by SA1.For questions or comments on the data or maps, please contact info@stats.govt.nz Census Data Quality Notes:We combined data from the census forms with administrative data to create the 2018 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 should be counted but hadn’t completed a census form. We also used data from the 2013 Census and administrative sources and statistical imputation methods to fill in some missing characteristics of people and dwellings.Data quality for 2018 Census provides more information on the quality of the 2018 Census data.An independent panel of experts has assessed the quality of the 2018 Census dataset. The panel has endorsed Stats NZ’s overall methods and concluded that the use of government administrative records has improved the coverage of key variables such as age, sex, ethnicity, and place. The panel’s Initial Report of the 2018 Census External Data Quality Panel (September 2019), assessed the methodologies used by Stats NZ to produce the final dataset, as well as the quality of some of the key variables. Its second report 2018 Census External Data Quality Panel: Assessment of variables (December 2019) assessed an additional 31 variables. In its third report, Final report of the 2018 Census External Data Quality Panel (February 2020), the panel made 24 recommendations, several relating to preparations for the 2023 Census. Along with this report, the panel, supported by Stats NZ, produced a series of graphs summarising the sources of data for key 2018 Census individual variables, 2018 Census External Data Quality Panel: Data sources for key 2018 Census individual variables.The Quick guide to the 2018 Census outlines the key changes we introduced as we prepared for the 2018 Census, and the changes we made once collection was complete.The geographic boundaries are as at 1 January 2018. See Statistical standard for geographic areas 2018.2018 Census – DataInfo+ provides information about methods, and related metadata.Data quality ratings for 2018 Census variables provides information on data quality ratings.