Media Statement - 14 August 2019
(No embargo)
Census undercount of Pacific families a serious concern, say Pacific experts
Pacific experts warn of the dangers of utilising census data that inadequately represents Pacific communities.
An independent investigation into the Statistics New Zealand 2018 Census identified issues with the execution of the
digital, cost-savings census approach which led to the significant under-representation of population groups such as
Maori and Pacific.
Dr El-Shadan Tautolo, Director of the Pacific Islands Families Study highlights the consequences of an under-count for
Pacific peoples.
“Replicating the approaches utilised in the last census will continue to widen the gaps in our understanding of what’s
happening in our Pacific families and communities. This in turn is likely to widen the gaps in outcomes that we see in
our health, education and social sector for our Pacific peoples.”
Tautolo points to the importance of longitudinal studies such as the Pacific Islands Families and the Growing Up in New
Zealand Studies to address these gaps, but in terms of the next Census collection, further improvements are vital.
Jacinta Fa’alili-Fidow, Pacific Advisor for the Growing Up in New Zealand Study and Co-Director of Moana Research
believes the data will have negative implications for Pacific communities and families.
“The census will be of no use in terms of informing policy and practice for Pacific” says Fa’alili-Fidow. “In an attempt
to cut corners the census is now redundant, reinforcing the need to adequately invest in quality data collection to
engage all people.”
Fa’alili-Fidow says that it is important that the next census improve participation of Pacific peoples especially in
light of the evolving demographic of Pacific families. An undercount of 65% for Pacific people in the 2018 is not good
enough. This figure also fails to recognise the importance of accurate and appropriate data for Pacific sub-populations,
such as those of Island or Atoll groups. There is a lack of information from Statistics New Zealand about when or even
if this important data will be available, let alone any quality assurance. Waiting for accurate data from the next
census will also have its challenges since there is such a large gap between data collection points, and the context of
life, or even how we identify, changes over time.
While digital goals are acceptable for many families, Pacific experts promote a dual-approach that includes traditional
paper/face-to-face approaches for those who are unable to complete online surveys for various reasons. Other
recommendations include the involvement of Pacific expertise in the governance, design, delivery and monitoring of the
Census processes and greater involvement with Pacific networks.
Finally, we have significant concerns regarding the data that is being used, and the processes underway in order to fill
the gaps in the Census 2018 collection.
Professor Polly Atatoa-Carr who works in indigenous research and health equity at the University of Waikato says
“Pacific people are commonly subjected to data surveillance and risk profiling, and information that is collected in the
administrative datasets being used is there for a very different purpose and under very different circumstances to a
population census. With such high proportions of Pacific people’s information ‘backfilled’ using government data there
is a critical and urgent need for Pacific leadership, decision making and guidance around the ethical processes and
communication required to move forward.”
ENDS