Embargoed until 10:45am – 29 October 2008

New Zealand Official Yearbook 2008 launched

Statistics New Zealand is pleased to announce the publication of the 106th edition of the New Zealand Official Yearbook. Believed to be New Zealand's longest-running publication, the 2008 yearbook will be launched at the National Library of New Zealand on 29 October at 5.30pm, by Government Statistician Geoff Bascand.

In 2008, the yearbook has an environmental focus, with conserving the natural environment as its unifying theme. It documents conservation-related developments in New Zealand’s government, business and social sectors, including agriculture, tourism, science, transport, the arts and education.

The 2008 edition continues the time series data from previous yearbooks, with graphs and tables showing changes over time. The yearbook features material from almost 300 contributors and has over 230 photographs, depicting aspects of life in New Zealand.

Government Statistician Geoff Bascand paid tribute to the work of contributors to the yearbook, who represent a broad range of public and private sector groups. “On behalf of Statistics New Zealand, I thank the nearly 300 businesses, government departments, non-government organisations, academic institutions and individuals for their time, effort and goodwill in providing contributions to the yearbook,” he said.

The first yearbook was published in 1893. The New Zealand Official Yearbook traces its origins to the Official Handbook of New Zealand, which was produced by Sir Julius Vogel in 1875 as a promotional publication to encourage investment in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Official Yearbook 2008 has been produced by Statistics New Zealand and is published by David Bateman Ltd. In keeping with the environmental theme, the 2008 edition is printed on Forest Stewardship Council certified paper, manufactured with a 55 percent recycled fibre content. The inks used in printing the yearbook are vegetable based and the green cover features the iconic New Zealand fern.

The book, which is priced at $99.99, is available from all major booksellers nationwide.

Geoff Bascand
Government Statistician
29 October 2008

ENDS

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