Census Cancelled

Census cancelled over Christchurch earthquake

Source: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10708648

The March 8 census has been cancelled following the 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch, Statistics Minister Maurice Williamson says.

Announcing the decision in Wellington this morning, Mr Williamson said holding the census would be unfair to the people of Canterbury and that the data might not be reliable.

He said Government Statistician Geoff Bascand had informed him that the 2011 census could not be completed successfully.

There had been extensive damage to Statistics New Zealand buildings with significant impacts on census staff, Mr Williamson said.

"This is not the time to go door to door asking New Zealanders for information when they're dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake," he said.

"It's unthinkable that we would ask this of people. It would be an unfair burden and distraction at a time when they are grieving."

Mr Bascand said 7000 people had been hired to conduct the Census and Statistics NZ would meet its contractual obligations.

A census costs $90 million over five years and $42 million had so far been spent on the the one that has now been cancelled.

Mr Bascand said the decision would have consequences for people who use the census data in their work.

"We will now investigate the feasibility of alternative options," he said.