Official ethnicity statistics count the number of people in different ethnic groups in New Zealand, such as Māori, Pacific peoples, Chinese, and Indian. This information is used by communities, government, and service providers to plan programmes, particularly in the health, education, and social service sectors.
The Review of the Official Ethnicity Statistical Standard (ROESS) was undertaken following a significant increase in the level of 'New Zealander' responses to the ethnicity question in the 2006 Census. Leading up to the census there was public debate about the format of the question and the purpose of the statistics. The review focussed on the treatment of the 'New Zealander' response in the official ethnicity statistical standard, and involved extensive consultation with stakeholders, experts, and the public, as well as a research programme.
The final recommendations are presented in this report.