Historical Census Records
Lance Watson made this Official Information request to Statistics New Zealand
The request was successful.
From: Lance Watson
Kia ora Taturanga Aotearoa,
Many countries make individual Census data freely available as an online resource once the Census is 100 years old. i.e. I'm able to search for individual people who completed the Irish Census of 1901 and 1911, because more than 100 years has passed. This is especially useful to people researching their family history.
Does the law (Privacy act and any other relevant legislation) allow Statistics NZ to publish such specific data after a certain period of time? Such as the Census from 1874 to 1916.
To clarify, I'm not asking you to undertake such a monumental task of making that all available, I'm asking the following:
1. Does Statistics NZ retain the individual household returns from these periods?
2. If yes, how is this information held? (i.e. is it in paper form in boxes, is it scanned, but not transcribed, or is it fully transcribed in a usable database?)
3. Under what circumstances is Statistics NZ allowed to make this data publicly accessible?
Ngā mihi,
Lance Watson
From: Susan Sales
Statistics New Zealand
Kia ora Lance,
Thank you for your enquiry about access to historical census records.
Your request will be processed according to the Official Information Act.
We will respond to you at the earliest opportunity, but no later than 20 working days (ie by 29 October). We will contact you nearer this time if this timeframe for a response needs to be extended.
Kind regards, Susan
Susan Sales
Advisor, Office Of The Government Statistician & Chief Executive |Kaitohutohu Matua - Tari O Te Kaitatauranga Matua Me Te Pouārahi Matua
Stats NZ | Tatauranga Aotearoa | stats.govt.nz | NZ Toll Free 0508 525 525
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From: Susan Sales
Statistics New Zealand
Kia ora Lance
Please find attached Stats NZ's response to your recent Official Information Act request in relation to historical census returns.
Kind regards, Susan
Susan Sales
Advisor, Office Of The Government Statistician & Chief Executive |Kaitohutohu Matua - Tari O Te Kaitatauranga Matua Me Te Pouārahi Matua
Stats NZ | Tatauranga Aotearoa | stats.govt.nz | NZ Toll Free 0508 525 525
About Aotearoa, for Aotearoa
Data that improves lives today and for generations to come
Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
show quoted sections
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