Using both Internet and field collection methods for the 2006 Census of Population and Dwellings

The 2006 Online Census Form

Background

• Key drivers for change

– To improve/maintain participation in the census and give people choice

– Improve aspects of census data quality

Challenges faced and lessons learned

1. Managing the impact on existing processes

2. Managing stakeholder expectations

3. Statistical – quantitative and qualitative data

4. Technical – IT environment

1. Managing the impact on existing processes• Communication

– Communication on doorstep most crucial aspect to promotion– Interest at doorstep not equal to actual uptake– Uptake from low Internet usage sample (5.6%)– Uptake patterns consistent with previous tests

2. Managing stakeholder expectations

• E-government requirements– By June 2004, the Internet will be the dominant means of enabling

ready access to government information and services

– By June 2007, networks and Internet technologies will be integral to the delivery of government information and services

– By June 2010, the operation of government will have been transformed through its use of the Internet

• Perceptions of security– Statistics New Zealand Public Attitude Survey showed 5% felt

Internet was most secure method for data transfer

– GO2002 – 31% of New Zealanders consider Internet safe to use

– GO2003 – 35% of New Zealanders consider Internet safe to use

3. Statistical – quantitative and qualitative data

• Data validations and edits

• Respondent burden

• Quality of data

• Time series data

4. Technical – IT environment

• Usability

• Uptake/loading

• Privacy/confidentiality

• Security

• Integration

Demonstration

Main changes

• Changes being made– New branding and logo

– Titles updated from 'Dress Rehearsal' to 'Census’

– Question changes from paper form

– Additional help/information content

– Revised ‘Contact Us’

– Separate text-only pages for screenreaders

– Support for JAWS and Hal screenreaders

– Hidden – compatibility with OS and browsers

Conclusion

• Learning gained from 2006 implementation• Expectations

– Government – less resources/lower cost

– Population – use of Internet to provide data

• Greater efficiency and effectiveness for 2011– Less paper forms

– Less enumerators in the field

– Better quality data

– Less form capture through imaging

• Savings both expected and realised for 2011