Statistics New Zealand is planning to test new or amended questions ahead of the 2018 Census, including a question on sexual orientation, however a question on gender identity is still being developed. Earlier this year, Statistics NZ revealed that they were testing questions regarding sexual identity, gender identity and sexual orientation with the general public after a preliminary view of the 2018 Census highlighted that there is potentially a need for changes in these categories. Nancy Linton, a spokesperson for Statistics New Zealand says “The testing will focus on the feasibility of collecting information on a range of topics, including a question on sexual orientation, via a self-completed survey form like the census. “A gender identity question will not be included in this test but, based on our previous cognitive and mass completion testing, we are looking at other ways to test a gender identity question, before we make final content decisions for the 2018 Census.” In July, Statistics NZ will test two different sample groups, in total 30, 000 people, who will test both the paper forms and online forms. “We want to make sure we have thoroughly tested whether the questions we have developed are easy for people to understand and complete,” says Linton. “We’re also testing whether the questions provide data that will be useful and informative.” The decision as to whether these new and amended questions will make it into the Census will be made in mid-2017.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 13th May 2016 - 10:23am