4 February 2014

Latest results from the 2013 Census show that the Waikato region is home to fewer religious people and smokers than in 2006.

2013 Census regional summary tables – part 2, released today, gives an interesting impression of the Waikato region and its districts.

“For instance, nationally there was a decline in the number of people who affiliate with a religion since the last census. This trend was reflected in Waikato, where 4.8 percent fewer people indicated having a religion in 2013, and the number of people who said they had no religion increased 27.2 percent,” Census Statistics Manager Gareth Meech said.

There was also a drop in the number of smokers in Waikato. The proportion of adults in the region who regularly smoke fell from 22.9 percent in 2006 to 17.2 percent in 2013. That equates to 11,838 fewer regular smokers in the region.

Among people aged 15–19 years, the proportion of regular smokers decreased from 21.8 percent in 2006 to 12.5 percent last year. This gave Waikato 2,505 fewer regular smokers in this age group, a decrease of 44.0 percent since 2006.

“This local breakdown of census information is some of the most important, as it will help communities and service providers plan for the future,” Mr Meech said. “Providers of local services such as health, education, community, and recreational facilities can use census data to form a picture of the region and what it needs to succeed.”

2013 Census regional summary tables – part 2 has more information on topics such as religion, relationship status, occupation, and smoking.

ENDS

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