Stats NZ

LGBTIQ+ data at Stats NZ

This page gives information about how Stats NZ collects and produces LGBTIQ+ population data.

For several years, a key focus a Stats NZ has been better reflecting Aotearoa's LGBTIQ+ and rainbow populations in official statistics, and supporting improved representation in the wider data system.

We collect data about many aspects of people’s lives to provide government, other agencies, iwi, businesses, and communities with the information they need to make informed decisions.

Data that captures the diversity of the population in terms of gender, sexual identity, and variations of sex characteristics and sexual identity has been and is very limited — both in New Zealand and around the world. This information is critical in raising awareness of and improving decision-making for diverse communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

On this page:

  • What we mean by LGBTIQ+ data
  • Standards and classifications
  • Household survey data
  • Census

What we mean by LGBTIQ+ data

The acronym LGBTIQ+ stands for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (and for some in Aotearoa, takatāpui), intersex, queer, and other gender and sexual minorities”.  People that belong to one or more of these groups are sometimes referred to collectively as “rainbow communities”.

Below are explanations of the topics we collect to produce data for these communities.

Gender

Gender refers to someone’s social and personal identity as male, female, or another gender or genders that may be non-binary. Gender may include gender identity and/or gender expression. A person's current gender may differ from the sex recorded at their birth and may differ from what is indicated on their current legal documents. A person’s gender may change over time. Some people may not identify with any gender.

Sex at birth

Sex at birth refers to the sex recorded at a person’s birth (for example, what was recorded on their birth certificate). In Stats NZ collections, this is collected alongside gender as part of a “two-step approach” to deriving cisgender and transgender information.

Cisgender and transgender information

This refers to the relationship between someone's sex at birth and their gender. “Cisgender" refers to a person whose sex at birth and gender are the same.

"Transgender" refers to a person whose sex at birth and gender are different.

Variations of sex characteristics

Variations of sex characteristics refers to people born with innate genetic, hormonal, or physical sex characteristics that do not conform to medical norms for female or male bodies. It refers to a wide spectrum of variations to hormones, chromosomes, genitals and/or reproductive organs. Other terms used to describe being born with variations of sex characteristics are intersex person, a person with an intersex variation, or Differences of Sex Development (DSD). Some people may identify as intersex, while others may see their intersex variation more as part of their medical history rather than their identity.

Sexual identity

Sexual identity is how a person thinks of their own sexuality and which terms they identify with. Sexual identity terms include lesbian, gay, straight, asexual, takatāpui, bisexual, and pansexual, among others. Sexual identity is one aspect of sexual orientation.

Standards and classifications

A standard provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for surveys and administrative sources collecting information on a particular topic. Standards, classifications, and frameworks are used across the data system.

Stats NZ is committed to providing inclusive standards and best practice guidance to help meet the evolving information needs of Aotearoa New Zealand

Data standard for gender, sex, and variations of sex characteristics

Stats NZ released the data standard for gender, sex, and variations of sex characteristics in April 2021. This standard replaces the previous statistical standards on gender identity and sex.

The review of the old statistical standards for sex and gender identity was driven by unmet information needs, issues with existing standards, and significant community interest. In particular, the existing statistical standards did not adequately reflect transgender and intersex populations.

The standard for gender, sex, and variations of sex characteristics:

  • makes definitions and measures of gender, sex, and variations of sex characteristics data consistent
  • outlines guiding principles for data collection and output
  • makes sure data is collected in an inclusive way
  • provides guidance for collecting transgender and intersex population data
  • is grounded in a human rights approach.

This standard informs the collection and reporting of information on gender, sex, and variations of sex characteristics, and direct the approach taken by Stats NZ surveys, including 2023 Census.

The standard was developed through a review process with extensive public consultation, input from government agencies, international peers, and the support of subject matter experts.

For more information about the review, and findings from the public consultation:

Sex and gender identity statistical standards: Consultation

Sex and gender identity statistical standards: Findings from public consultation.

Statistical standard for sexual identity and framework for sexual orientation

Stats NZ produced a statistical standard for sexual identity and a framework for sexual orientation in 2018.

The standard provides guidelines and classification criteria for collecting and reporting information on sexual identity. Sexual identity is one aspect of sexual orientation.

The statistical framework represents an agreed way of thinking about the topic of sexual orientation. It describes the scope and components of sexual orientation and provides definitions for aspects related to the topic.

Household survey data

Two current Stats NZ household surveys – the Household Income and Living Survey and the General Social Survey – collect data about gender, cisgender and transgender status, and sexual identity. Previously, the Household Economic Survey has also done so.

In due course this information will be included as part of core demographics collected in all Stats NZ household surveys. We will continue to review how the questions are performing and will make adjustments as required.

Household Income and Living Survey releases

  • The first release from HILS: year ended 2024/25 is planned for early 2026.

General Social Survey releases

Household Economic Survey releases

Census

The 2023 Census is the first census to collect and produce LGBTIQ+ population data. It includes gender, cisgender and transgender status, sexual identity, and variations of sex characteristics. Updates were informed by the redevelopment of data and statistical standards for these topics.

In preparation, we asked the public for feedback and formal submissions on the changes outlined. We then followed a robust programme to test the content of the 2023 Census forms with the public and stakeholders, including the new questions on these topics. Groups we tested with included LGBTIQ+ communities.

Methodology was updated for the gender and sex at birth variables alongside further consultation.

Key links

The future of census

Stats NZ is working through what modernising the census could look like, in the context of changing needs and limitations. This work includes assessing the best way to deliver LGBTIQ+ population in the future.

Page updated 3 October 2024

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