2018 New Zealand census

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The 2018 New Zealand census was the country’s 34th national census. It took place on Tuesday, 6 March 2018 and counted 4,699,755 people, about 457,707 more than in 2013 (up 10.8%). The results were published on 23 September 2019 by Statistics New Zealand. The next census was held in March 2023.

Census background and challenges
- Censuses in New Zealand are supposed to happen every five years. The 2011 earthquake in Christchurch caused disruptions, and the 2011 census was cancelled. The 2013 census was held as planned after rescheduling.
- In 2018, New Zealand used a “digital-first” approach, inviting many people to respond online. This contributed to a lower overall response rate than planned: about 83% of people completed the census, and the full or partial response rate was around 90%—lower than the target and well below the 2013 figure.
- Because response was lower than hoped, Statistics New Zealand used a mix of census forms, 2013 census data, and government administrative data to publish results.
- An independent review began in late 2019. It found issues with non-digital data collection and the overall management of the census, and the process was complex. The Government Statistician faced questions about data release and ultimately resigned in 2019 to take responsibility for the outcomes.

What the census data showed
- Population: 4,699,755 people lived in New Zealand on census night (usual residents).
- Born in New Zealand vs. overseas: 3,370,122 people (71.7%) were born in New Zealand; 1,329,633 (28.3%) were born overseas.
- Ethnicity: The five largest groups were the same as in 2013 — New Zealand European 64.1%, Māori 16.5%, Chinese 4.9%, Indian 4.7%, and Samoan 3.9%.
- Language and culture: About 95.4% spoke English; 4.0% could speak Māori. Around 18.5% reported some Māori descent.
- Religion: 48.5% identified as irreligious.
- Age: The largest single age group was 25–29 years old, making up about 7.3% of the population.

Notes on how the data were gathered
- The census uses a “usually resident” count, meaning people who normally live in New Zealand and were present on census night. It excludes visitors from overseas and residents who were temporarily abroad.
- Because not everyone responded, the published results combine census responses with 2013 data and other government information to create a fuller picture.
- To protect privacy, data are rounded using fixed random rounding.

This census helped shape population projections and planning for services, but its 2018 results prompted significant reviews and changes in how data are collected and released.