We use internationally accepted and up-to-date methods when we design surveys and implement methods of collecting data. This reduces the number of errors in our surveys, and ensures the resulting statistics are reliable enough to support the main uses of the data.

Survey design

• A guide to good survey design 
• Methods of statistics 
• Non-Sampling Error in Economic Surveys at Statistics New Zealand  
• Core Questions Module 

For technical information about our surveys, including questionnaires, resources, and guides, visit Survey resources.

Methodological standards for data collection

• Methodological standard for writing and constructing a questionnaire 
• About methodological standards for data collection   
• Flowcharting specifications for electronic social questionnaires 
• Layout for self-administered paper questionnaires 
• Showcards for face-to-face surveys 

Research reports and consultation papers

New Zealand arrival and departure information: Report (published February 2013)
This report presents the results of the recent public consultation on proposed changes to the New Zealand passenger departure card.

New Zealand arrival and departure information: Consultation (published November 2012)
Consultation has now closed.

Investigating the value of providing a census Internet option for small mobile devices (published July 2012)
Research on ways that New Zealanders access the Internet on small mobile devices, in order to explore options for collecting census data online.