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.

Figure 1 illustrates Stats NZ’s geographic hierarchy.

Figure 1

Figure 2 shows the district health board geography.

Figure 2

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
  • Māori ward
  • Community board / local board
  • Subdivision
  • Constituency
  • Māori constituency
  • General electoral district
  • Māori electoral district
  • District health board  

 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 4 December 2019