Valuing the census quantifies in dollar terms the benefits to New Zealand gained through the use of census and population statistics information.
The conclusion is clear: despite significant difficulties in developing a rigorous quantification, it is reasonable to conclude that the census delivers benefits well in excess of its direct costs. The results suggest a net present value of close to $1 billion over the next 25 years. In other words, every dollar invested in the census generates a net benefit of five dollars in the economy.
There are many other direct and indirect uses of the census for which quantification has not been attempted, but which are clearly highly valuable. As a consequence, the overall value of the census to New Zealand will be significantly higher than the quantified benefits outlined in this report.
This work fits within the Census Transformation programme, which includes modernising the next New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings, and investigating administrative data sources to provide census information in the longer term.
Valuing the census was prepared by TDB Advisory Ltd, and commissioned by Statistics New Zealand.