title: Non-response in the context of the New Zealand Census

authors: Pawar, Shefali Shashikant

subjects: Demography

abstract: The New Zealand Census provides an invaluable source of information on the estimated resident population of the country and its demographic, social and economic characteristics. The data derived from the census finds wide usage in research and analyses which inform numerous government policy decisions, including resource and funding allocation. Consequently, missing data caused by non-response to the census, whether unit (not returning completed census forms) or item (not providing a valid response to questions in the census forms) can cause a range of practical, methodological and ethical issues. Users of census datasets need to understand the implications of including or excluding the non-responding sub-population from their analyses.

This study looked at the residual non-response category ‘Not Stated’ or ‘Not Elsewhere Included’ (NS/NEI) for the 2006 and 2013 Censuses. NS/NEI is an aggregate of two different population groups. The majority are substitute records created by Statistics New Zealand as an estimate of the population not responding to the census at all, and the remaining are people who did not provide a valid response to the question on the census form, the item non-respondents. Detailed analyses were conducted on the variable that has one of the highest rates of item non-response: the question on personal income. The aim was to examine the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the non-respondents and therefore identify any patterns or over-representation of certain population groups, likely to have an impact on any analysis carried out using these data.  This study therefore enables analysts to have a more evidence based approach towards dealing with this residual category.

The analysis of the demographic and available key socio-economic characteristics of the item non-respondents (NS/NEI group excluding substitutes) to the income question showed patterned behavior with certain population groups over-represented - females, youth, those aged 65+ years, Pacific Islanders and Māori, people born overseas, people receiving government benefits, those not in the labour force or unemployed and people working as labourers and machinery operators and drivers. Consequently, the exclusion or inclusion (by say, pro-rata apportioning or imputation) of the NS/NEI count from the analysis of the income variable will adversely affect these groups in terms of representativeness.

The users of census data need to take into account that the NS/NEI is not a homogeneous grouping. The imputed age-sex and spatial distribution of the majority of the substitutes is modelled on the population enumerated on census night and consequently, the demographic profile of the substitutes is more representative of census respondents. The substitutes included in the NS/NEI category can therefore substantially alter the demographic profile of the actual item non-respondents. To achieve an accurate profile, it is important to first exclude the substitutes from analyses. Decisions around the inclusion or exclusion of the NS/NEI count from any analysis can then be taken by ascertaining whether any particular population groups are over-represented among the item non-respondents and how the exclusion is likely to impact on the conclusion(s) reached from the analysis of that particular variable. Alternatively, for inclusion in the analysis, this will provide a more informed base for modelling the probable responses for the item non-respondents.

text: Non-response in the context of the New Zealand Census The New Zealand Census provides an invaluable source of information on the estimated resident population of the country and its demographic, social and economic characteristics. The data derived from the census finds wide usage in research and analyses which inform numerous government policy decisions, including resource and funding allocation. Consequently, missing data caused by non-response to the census, whether unit (not returning completed census forms) or item (not providing a valid response to questions in the census forms) can cause a range of practical, methodological and ethical issues. Users of census datasets need to understand the implications of including or excluding the non-responding sub-population from their analyses.

This study looked at the residual non-response category ‘Not Stated’ or ‘Not Elsewhere Included’ (NS/NEI) for the 2006 and 2013 Censuses. NS/NEI is an aggregate of two different population groups. The majority are substitute records created by Statistics New Zealand as an estimate of the population not responding to the census at all, and the remaining are people who did not provide a valid response to the question on the census form, the item non-respondents. Detailed analyses were conducted on the variable that has one of the highest rates of item non-response: the question on personal income. The aim was to examine the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the non-respondents and therefore identify any patterns or over-representation of certain population groups, likely to have an impact on any analysis carried out using these data.  This study therefore enables analysts to have a more evidence based approach towards dealing with this residual category.

The analysis of the demographic and available key socio-economic characteristics of the item non-respondents (NS/NEI group excluding substitutes) to the income question showed patterned behavior with certain population groups over-represented - females, youth, those aged 65+ years, Pacific Islanders and Māori, people born overseas, people receiving government benefits, those not in the labour force or unemployed and people working as labourers and machinery operators and drivers. Consequently, the exclusion or inclusion (by say, pro-rata apportioning or imputation) of the NS/NEI count from the analysis of the income variable will adversely affect these groups in terms of representativeness.

The users of census data need to take into account that the NS/NEI is not a homogeneous grouping. The imputed age-sex and spatial distribution of the majority of the substitutes is modelled on the population enumerated on census night and consequently, the demographic profile of the substitutes is more representative of census respondents. The substitutes included in the NS/NEI category can therefore substantially alter the demographic profile of the actual item non-respondents. To achieve an accurate profile, it is important to first exclude the substitutes from analyses. Decisions around the inclusion or exclusion of the NS/NEI count from any analysis can then be taken by ascertaining whether any particular population groups are over-represented among the item non-respondents and how the exclusion is likely to impact on the conclusion(s) reached from the analysis of that particular variable. Alternatively, for inclusion in the analysis, this will provide a more informed base for modelling the probable responses for the item non-respondents.

year: 2016

title: The Phoenix Prophecy

authors: Williams, Julia

subjects: Young Adult

abstract: When Soraya Merridan wakes from a recurring nightmare, she finds herself drawn to a box of her mother’s belongings. After discovering an antique necklace with a strange stone, Sora accidentally triggers a prophecy and finds herself stranded in Aurelia, a new realm unlike anything she has ever seen. 
Upon her arrival, she meets a young prince and discovers a plague of hellish creatures that threaten the lives of everyone in this strange new world. Torn between Earth and Aurelia, Sora finds herself in the unlikely companionship of the prince and his guard. Together, they must journey to the hidden Temple of Arkosia in search of an ancient being capable of stopping the rising darkness and the threat of the Lord Ruler that comes with it. But things aren’t always what they seem, and when a dark-haired stranger keeps appearing with a message not to trust the prince, Sora is torn as to what to believe. With the fate of an entire world at stake, Sora is determined to make the right choice. 
But is she willing to pay the price?

The Phoenix Prophecy features a strong female character overcoming challenges and internal struggles while simultaneously uncovering her own strengths as she navigates this new world. It takes us on a journey where classic fantasy elements interweave with new ones to create an adventure for both the main character and the reader to enjoy, a world to lose yourself in while not straying entirely from our own. In this novel, I explore aspects of politics and social roles which are often built on real-world elements while presenting them in a world that shows a different view of familiar topics. 
I wanted to write about a heroine who isn’t afraid to dive right into the magic and fight for themselves no matter where it takes them. A strong female character who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. In Aurelia the rules are unexpected, it’s a place where readers can feel connected to the main character while also enjoying a little spice of magic.

text: The Phoenix Prophecy When Soraya Merridan wakes from a recurring nightmare, she finds herself drawn to a box of her mother’s belongings. After discovering an antique necklace with a strange stone, Sora accidentally triggers a prophecy and finds herself stranded in Aurelia, a new realm unlike anything she has ever seen. 
Upon her arrival, she meets a young prince and discovers a plague of hellish creatures that threaten the lives of everyone in this strange new world. Torn between Earth and Aurelia, Sora finds herself in the unlikely companionship of the prince and his guard. Together, they must journey to the hidden Temple of Arkosia in search of an ancient being capable of stopping the rising darkness and the threat of the Lord Ruler that comes with it. But things aren’t always what they seem, and when a dark-haired stranger keeps appearing with a message not to trust the prince, Sora is torn as to what to believe. With the fate of an entire world at stake, Sora is determined to make the right choice. 
But is she willing to pay the price?

The Phoenix Prophecy features a strong female character overcoming challenges and internal struggles while simultaneously uncovering her own strengths as she navigates this new world. It takes us on a journey where classic fantasy elements interweave with new ones to create an adventure for both the main character and the reader to enjoy, a world to lose yourself in while not straying entirely from our own. In this novel, I explore aspects of politics and social roles which are often built on real-world elements while presenting them in a world that shows a different view of familiar topics. 
I wanted to write about a heroine who isn’t afraid to dive right into the magic and fight for themselves no matter where it takes them. A strong female character who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. In Aurelia the rules are unexpected, it’s a place where readers can feel connected to the main character while also enjoying a little spice of magic.

year: 2022

title: Who owns native nature? Discourses of rights to land, culture, and knowledge in New Zealand

authors: Goldsmith, Michael

subjects: indigenous cultures

abstract: Michael Brown famously asked ‘Who owns native culture?’ This paper revisits that question by analyzing what happens to culture when the culturally defined boundary between it and nature becomes salient in the context of disputes between indigenous and settler populations. My case study is the dispute between the New Zealand government and Maori tribal groupings concerning ownership of the foreshore and seabed. Having been granted the right to test their claims in court in 2003, Maori groups were enraged when the government legislated the right out of existence in 2004. Though the reasons for doing so were clearly political, contrasting cultural assumptions appeared to set Maori and Pakeha (New Zealanders of European origin) at odds. While couching ownership of part of nature as an IPR issue may seem counter-intuitive, I argue that as soon as a property claim destabilizes the nature/culture boundary, IPR discourse becomes pertinent.

text: Who owns native nature? Discourses of rights to land, culture, and knowledge in New Zealand Michael Brown famously asked ‘Who owns native culture?’ This paper revisits that question by analyzing what happens to culture when the culturally defined boundary between it and nature becomes salient in the context of disputes between indigenous and settler populations. My case study is the dispute between the New Zealand government and Maori tribal groupings concerning ownership of the foreshore and seabed. Having been granted the right to test their claims in court in 2003, Maori groups were enraged when the government legislated the right out of existence in 2004. Though the reasons for doing so were clearly political, contrasting cultural assumptions appeared to set Maori and Pakeha (New Zealanders of European origin) at odds. While couching ownership of part of nature as an IPR issue may seem counter-intuitive, I argue that as soon as a property claim destabilizes the nature/culture boundary, IPR discourse becomes pertinent.

year: 2009