The Statistical standard for geographic areas 2018 (SSGA18) defines the Stats NZ input and output geographic classifications. The statistical geographies form a hierarchy of geographic areas which cover all of geographic New Zealand.

The diagram below illustrates Stats NZ’s geographic hierarchy.

View the geographic boundaries in  Stats NZ Geographic Data Service.

Concepts, classifications, and concordances for the geographic classifications are available in Ariā for the following geographies:

• Statistical geographies
  • Meshblock 
  • Statistical area 1 (SA1)
  • Statistical area 2 (SA2)
  • Urban rural
  • Urban rural indicator
• Administrative boundaries
  • Territorial authority
  • Regional council 
• Electoral boundaries
  • Ward
  • Community board / local board
  • Subdivision
  • Constituency
  • Māori constituency
  • General electoral district
  • Māori electoral district 

 The following NZSAC92 classifications have been retired:

• Area unit – replaced by SA2
• Urban area – replaced by Urban rural

See Statistical standard for geographic areas 2018 for further details.

Updated 7 December 2017