Protecting your information Te tautiaki i ngā mōhiotanga mōu

We store your information securely 

We use multiple layers of security to ensure information is protected. This involves physical, technical, and administrative techniques that have been thoroughly tested so your information can be kept safe from the moment you submit your response. 

Once we process the data, we store it securely on our network. Our IT team monitors and evaluates security issues and risks. 

We only keep information for as long as it has statistical or research value. When data is no longer needed, we destroy it. 

We do not share your personal information 

The information from census forms is combined to produce what is called aggregated data. By combining your data with everyone else’s before it is released publicly, we make sure no one can find out anything about you, where you live, or the people you live with. 

Find out more about data confidentiality 

We never share information that identifies you with any individual, group, or organisation. This includes government organisations like the Ministry for Social Development, Kainga Ora, the Police, or Inland Revenue.  

Releasing census data to the public 

Using the information collected through the census, Stats NZ produces the official count of how many people and dwellings there are in New Zealand, and population, social, and economic statistics at a national, regional, community and small population group level. This includes data for iwi about their people and communities.  

Census data is made available for the benefit of everyone. It is released on the Stats NZ website and direct to researchers and iwi who contact us to request data.  

We do not identify individuals in published statistics or research.  

Data is linked to make it more useful 

We link the information people give us with information from other agencies. This makes the information more useful to researchers who are answering important questions about Aotearoa New Zealand. 

This linked, or integrated, data is held in our research databases. The Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) holds microdata about people and households. The Longitudinal Business Database holds microdata about businesses. 

Trusted researchers may be allowed to access data we hold. Access to data is controlled and secure. We check all research and statistics produced to make sure confidentiality is maintained.