New Zealand’s Rainbow communities encouraged to take part and be counted in the 2023 Census

New Zealand’s Rainbow communities are being encouraged to take part and be counted in the 2023 Census, Stats NZ said today.

New questions about gender, sexual identity, and variations of sex characteristics are being included in the 2023 Census. It is the first time everyone will be asked a question on gender, and those aged 15 years and older will be asked questions on sexual identity and variations of sex characteristics.  

“We know that many individuals and community groups are keen to see data that better reflects who they are. It’s important that the census represents all the people of Aotearoa New Zealand,” Deputy Government Statistician and Deputy Chief Executive for Census and Collection Operations Simon Mason said.

Every community has its own unique footprint and needs, and the collection of information about Rainbow communities in Aotearoa New Zealand will help Rainbow groups and individuals advocate for their needs on the same footing as other New Zealanders.

“We’ve captured New Zealanders’ reactions to these changes to the census in a video that shows people talking about what the new questions will mean for them,” Mason said. 

Neo Kenny from InsideOUT Kōaro, a national charity that supports Rainbow youth across Aotearoa New Zealand, welcomes the addition of the questions to the census.

“It’s going to be really wonderful to be able to share our full selves. The more data we have about our Rainbow communities, the more positive changes we can make,” Kenny said.

“When the time comes, it will be great to see people participating in the census and being represented in census data. Census Day is Tuesday 7 March 2023,” Mason said.

For more information and to watch our video, see Data helps Rainbow youth be seen and supported | 2023 Census | Aotearoa New Zealand.

Media enquiries

Sandi Reily
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