Len Cook explained that as a government statistician he left the country for another job in statistics and as a result was called a bit of a reptile for staying in the same role not once, but twice. The talk contained a fascinating bundle of figures and statistics under the general subject of the population storm and what New Zealand Statistics are doing about it. Len explained that this was the most exciting time to be interested in population numbers.
For example, one nugget is that the number of births each year will remain at the same rate until 2070, in spite of the population increase. This is because the population is aging and there will be fewer and fewer younger people around, or more older people if that sounds better.
Len explained how a census is vital so that we can understand how the population changes. These changes affect the integrity of the state and the country needs to be able to forecast what is likely to be needed, such as suitable housing. A census also helps make the government accountable and in theory, planning is better.
Apparently, a census is fun for statisticians and a test bed for the next one. The cost per person in real terms for the 2023 census was twice as much as any other census. Is this the future?